Birth Control Cost in Singapore (2026): Pills, IUDs, Implants Compared
Doctor-reviewed guide for Singaporean women. Birth Control Cost in Singapore (2026): Pills, IUDs, Implants Compared
At a glance
- Contraception is a long-term health expense that deserves the same considered budgeting you'd give any other recurring cost.
- The cheapest option per month isn't always the cheapest over time — and conversely, methods with high upfront costs can save you hundreds of dollars over three to five years.
- This guide gives transparent pricing across all major contraceptive methods in Singapore, including both upfront and total cost-over-time comparisons.
Introduction
Contraception is a long-term health expense that deserves the same considered budgeting you'd give any other recurring cost. The cheapest option per month isn't always the cheapest over time — and conversely, methods with high upfront costs can save you hundreds of dollars over three to five years.
This guide gives transparent pricing across all major contraceptive methods in Singapore, including both upfront and total cost-over-time comparisons. Numbers are verified as of April 2026 and are approximate — costs vary by provider, subsidy status, and brand.
Oral Contraceptive Pills
Generic Combined Pills
The most affordable oral option. Generic formulations containing levonorgestrel or norethisterone are available at polyclinics and some pharmacies.
- Cost: S$10–25/month
- Consultation cost: S$0–15 at polyclinic (subsidised for SG citizens/PRs); S$25–60 at GP; included in zoey™ subscription
- 5-year cost: ~S$600–1,500
Branded Combined Pills (e.g., Yasmin, Yaz, Marvelon, Mercilon)
- Cost: S$30–55/month
- 5-year cost: ~S$1,800–3,300
Diane-35 (Cyproterone Acetate)
- Cost: S$30–50/month
- Often prescribed specifically for acne or PCOS-related symptoms
Progestogen-Only Pills (Mini-Pills)
- Cost: S$20–40/month (Cerazette/desogestrel-based)
- Slightly less commonly prescribed; higher supply from private pharmacies
Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)
LARC methods have higher upfront costs but are often the most cost-effective over time.
Hormonal IUD (Mirena, Kyleena)
The Mirena lasts up to 5 years; Kyleena lasts 5 years with lighter hormone dose.
- Device cost: S$300–550 (Mirena); S$280–450 (Kyleena)
- Insertion fee: S$100–300 at private gynaecologist; S$80–150 at polyclinic or restructured hospital
- Total upfront: S$400–850
- Monthly equivalent: S$7–14/month over 5 years
- 5-year cost: ~S$400–850 (just the upfront)
Verdict: By far the most cost-effective hormonal method for women planning to use contraception for 3+ years.
Copper IUD
Non-hormonal; lasts 5–10 years depending on type.
- Device cost: S$150–300
- Insertion fee: S$80–200
- Total upfront: S$230–500
- Monthly equivalent: S$4–8/month over 5 years
- 5-year cost: ~S$230–500
Cheapest long-term option; no ongoing costs.
Subdermal Implant (Implanon NXT)
Small rod inserted in the upper arm; lasts 3 years.
- Device cost: S$200–350
- Insertion fee: S$100–200
- Removal fee: S$100–200 (at end of 3 years)
- Total 3-year cost: S$400–750
- Monthly equivalent: S$11–21/month
Injectable Contraception (Depo-Provera)
- Cost per injection: S$30–60
- Administered every 3 months
- Annual cost: S$120–240 (medication only, excluding consultation)
- Convenient — only 4 times per year — but fertility return after stopping can take 6–12 months
Emergency Contraception
- Levonorgestrel (Postinor-2): S$15–35 at pharmacy, no prescription required
- Ulipristal acetate (EllaOne): S$40–70; requires prescription; more effective up to 120 hours
- Copper IUD (as EC): Most effective method within 120 hours; cost as above
Condoms
- Cost: S$10–35 for a pack of 10–12 (S$1–3 per condom)
- Annual cost: Highly variable based on use frequency
- Only method providing STI protection
- Can be combined with any other method
Total Cost Comparison Over 5 Years
| Method | Approximate 5-Year Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Copper IUD | S$300–600 |
| Hormonal IUD (Mirena) | S$500–900 |
| Implant (3 years × ~S$550 avg) | S$1,000–1,500 |
| Generic pill | S$600–1,500 |
| Branded pill (e.g., Yasmin) | S$1,800–3,300 |
| Injectable (Depo-Provera) | S$600–1,200 |
These figures exclude consultation fees and assume method is used for the full period without complications. IUD removal is included in LARC estimates.
Public vs Private Costs
Singapore's polyclinic system offers significantly subsidised contraceptive care for citizens and PRs:
- Polyclinic consultation: S$5–15 for subsidised patients
- Generic OCP: S$3–15/month at polyclinic pharmacy
- IUD insertion at restructured hospital: S$200–400 all-in (vs S$500–900 at private clinic)
If cost is a significant factor, polyclinic care is a viable and high-quality option for most contraceptive needs.
Does Insurance Cover It?
- MediSave: Does not cover routine contraception. May cover IUD insertion if done during another gynaecological procedure under MediSave-claimable condition
- Integrated Shield Plans: Generally don't cover contraception specifically
- Corporate medical benefits: Some company health plans cover GP consultations for contraceptive prescriptions; the medication itself is variable. Check with your HR department
- Medifund: For Singapore citizens with financial difficulty — may cover polyclinic and hospital contraceptive care
FAQ
For women planning to use contraception for 3+ years without wanting daily medication, yes — the per-month cost of an IUD is lower than even generic pills, once the upfront cost is amortised.
IUD: add a follow-up visit 4–6 weeks post-insertion (S$50–120 at most clinics). Implant: add removal cost at the end of 3 years. Pills: annual or bi-annual doctor review is recommended.
Polyclinics can refer for IUD insertion at restructured hospitals (e.g., KKH, NUH, SGH) where subsidised rates apply for SG citizens/PRs. Wait times may be longer than private clinics.
Brand-name pills are priced at a significant premium over generics containing the same active ingredients. Your doctor can often prescribe a generic equivalent that provides the same contraceptive protection.
Comparable or slightly more affordable when GP consultation fees and travel time are factored in. zoey™'s value is primarily in convenience and the women's-health-specific assessment — not cost savings alone.
References
- Ministry of Health Singapore. Clinical Practice Guidelines on Contraception. MOH CPG; 2023.
- Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH). Combined Hormonal Contraception — Clinical Guideline, updated 2023.
- World Health Organization. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 6th edition. Geneva: WHO; 2024.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed doctor before starting any contraception.