Pills etc. free of charge – where and how it works

Photo credit: emoji / photocase.de

As we all know, the most beautiful things in the world are free. Unfortunately, when it comes to sex, the math doesn't quite add up. At least if you want to use contraception and don't leave family planning to chance. The currently most expensive pill on the German market costs just under EUR 76 - for 6 months, mind you. This can cost a lot of money in the long run and significantly reduce the already small student budget.

But there is another way: Pills etc. free of charge - paid for by the respective federal state or an advice center. We have summarized where exactly and how it currently works:

You haven't turned 20 yet?

Then you are entitled to reimbursement of the cost of a contraceptive medication, often the pill. In this case, your statutory health insurance company will cover the costs. After turning 18, only the prescription fee and possibly an additional payment are added if the pharmacy price is higher than the generally set amount for the contraceptive.

Older than 20? Contraception as medication

Unfortunately, covering costs becomes a little more difficult here. The health insurance company no longer contributes a flat rate. However, it is worth speaking to your gynecologist to see whether you have a corresponding diagnosis that justifies the pill as a “medication”. Examples would be cycle disorders with severe abdominal cramps or acne. Then only the prescription fee would be due, as the health insurance company records the whole thing as medication.

Older than 20? Does your state pay?

If the above is not an option after consulting your gynecologist, you can still try to have the costs reimbursed by your state/municipality. Berlin is considered a pioneer here, but other federal states such as North Rhine-Westphalia are currently discussing similar measures. Unfortunately, there is currently no nationwide law, so each federal state has its own rules.

Berlin

Contraceptives have been free in Berlin for years if you have a low income. The contact person is the Center for Family Planning, which will examine your financial situation accordingly.

There are currently 5 centers in Berlin that you can contact:

Center for family planning in Berlin-Schönberg

...in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf

...in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg

...in Marzahn-Hellersdorf

…in the middle

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

A model project is currently running here. Until the end of 2015, women with low incomes (ALG II, social assistance, etc.) will be paid for a contraceptive for one year. After the gynecologist's appointment, you can get advice at a pregnancy counseling center , which will also carry out the eligibility check. The pill or, for example, the contraceptive ring can then be picked up from the pharmacy free of charge for one year. It is also possible for the gynecologist to insert the IUD free of charge.

Munich

Here, the Munich advice center from pro familia covers the costs of contraceptives for people with low incomes. Also good to know: Independent contraceptive advice and, if necessary, a second opinion from a gynecologist are also available here!

Regardless of whether you are in Berlin, Meck-Pomm or Munich, in order to be entitled to free contraceptives, you must bring documents with you:

With this list you are on the safe side:

• ID card/passport
• Student ID card
• Proof of income (e.g. wage/salary certificate, BAföG or BAB notice, notice of unemployment benefit/social assistance, pension, child benefit, housing benefit notice, proof of maintenance benefits). In the case of married couples or cohabiting couples, proof of income from the partner must also be presented.
• Rental agreement with last rental change
• If applicable, receipts for expenses (e.g. health insurance contributions, travel expenses, daycare costs, insurance)
• Prescription for the contraceptive prescribed to you

Do you know of any other federal states, cities or municipalities that partially or completely subsidize the cost of a contraceptive? Then we look forward to hearing from you!