Ella can cost $40-$90 without insurance. Learn how to save with coupons, discount cards, insurance coverage, and patient assistance programs in 2026.
Ella (Ulipristal Acetate) is the most effective emergency contraceptive pill available, but the price can be a shock when you're paying out of pocket. The average retail price is around $53, and without any discounts, you could pay anywhere from $40 to $90 for a single tablet.
The good news? There are several ways to significantly reduce what you pay for Ella — and in many cases, you can get it for $0. In this guide, we'll walk through every savings option available in 2026.
Without insurance or discounts, Ella typically costs:
The price varies significantly depending on the pharmacy. This is why it pays to shop around or use a discount tool before filling your prescription. There is currently no generic version of Ella available in the U.S., so you're limited to the brand-name product.
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most commercial insurance plans are required to cover all FDA-approved contraceptive methods — including Ella — with no cost-sharing (no copay, no deductible) when prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Here's what you need to know:
If your insurance covers Ella, the easiest path is to get a prescription from your doctor and fill it at an in-network pharmacy. You should pay $0.
If you're paying out of pocket or your insurance doesn't cover Ella, prescription discount cards can save you a significant amount. These are free to use and work at most major pharmacies.
Price with coupon: as low as $39-$43
GoodRx consistently offers some of the lowest Ella prices. Simply search for Ella on goodrx.com, compare prices at pharmacies near you, and show the coupon at the pharmacy counter. The discount applies even without insurance.
Potential savings: up to 80% off retail
SingleCare offers free prescription discount coupons that can be used at most pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. Check singlecare.com for current Ella pricing in your area.
Another free discount card option. Visit perks.optum.com to search for Ella pricing and download a coupon.
RxSaver compares prices across multiple discount programs. Visit rxsaver.com to find the best Ella price near you.
Additional options include BuzzRx, America's Pharmacy, CareCard, and Inside Rx. Each may offer slightly different pricing depending on the pharmacy, so it's worth checking a few.
Pro tip: Prices can vary by $20-$30 between pharmacies even with the same coupon. Always compare a few locations before filling your prescription.
If you're facing financial hardship, several resources can help you access Ella at reduced cost or free:
Planned Parenthood health centers offer emergency contraception on a sliding-fee scale based on income. If you qualify, you may be able to get Ella at significantly reduced cost or free. Find a clinic at plannedparenthood.org.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide healthcare services on a sliding-fee scale. Many stock or can prescribe Ella and help you access it at reduced cost.
NeedyMeds (needymeds.org) is a nonprofit that aggregates information about patient assistance programs, discount coupons, and other resources for affording medications. Search for Ella to see current programs.
RxAssist (rxassist.org) is another database of patient assistance programs that can help you find options for reducing the cost of prescription medications.
Some states have family planning programs that cover emergency contraception for low-income residents, even without Medicaid enrollment. Check with your state's health department for available programs.
Getting Ella in advance — before you need it — lets you shop around for the best price without the time pressure of an emergency. Ask your doctor for an advance prescription at your next visit. You'll have time to compare prices, apply coupons, and choose the most affordable pharmacy.
Telehealth platforms often bundle the consultation and medication cost together at a competitive price:
When you factor in the cost of a doctor's visit to get a prescription plus the pharmacy price, telehealth can actually be the cheapest total option, especially for uninsured patients.
Don't assume all pharmacies charge the same price. Ella prices can vary widely between pharmacies in the same area. Use Medfinder to find pharmacies that stock Ella, and use GoodRx or SingleCare to compare prices at those locations.
Some pharmacies have their own discount or membership programs. Costco, for example, often has competitive prescription pricing even for non-members. Walmart and other retailers may also offer lower prices on certain medications.
If cost is your primary concern, it's worth knowing what the alternatives cost:
If you're within 72 hours and cost is the deciding factor, generic Levonorgestrel is the most affordable option. But if you're past the 72-hour mark or want the most effective pill, Ella with a discount coupon is your best bet.
For a full comparison of alternatives, see our article on alternatives to Ella.
Ella doesn't have to break the bank. With insurance, it may be completely free. Without insurance, discount coupons from GoodRx and SingleCare can bring the price below $45. Telehealth platforms offer competitive bundled pricing, and community health centers provide sliding-scale options for those with financial hardship.
The key is to plan ahead when possible, compare prices, and take advantage of the many discount tools available. Use Medfinder to find pharmacies that stock Ella near you, and check out our other guides for more information:
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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