Selecting a language will automatically trigger the translation of the page content.

Contraception

Verified 06 January 2023 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Contraception is all the means to avoid pregnancy. There are different methods of contraception. The reimbursement depends in particular on the chosen device.

Tableau - Characteristics of different contraceptive devices

Devices

Features

Intrauterine device (IUD)

A device placed inside the uterus by a doctor or midwife. Effective for 4 to 10 years, depending on the model.

Pill

Tablet to be taken daily at regular times for 21 or 28 days

Patch

Stick to your skin once a week and renew each week for 3 weeks

Implant

Cylindrical 4 cm stick inserted under the skin of the arm, under local anesthesia by a doctor or midwife. It can be left in place for 3 years.

Vaginal ring

A flexible ring that can be placed on the inside of the vagina, such as a tampon. It should be left in place for 3 weeks. At the beginning of the 4e week, the ring should be removed, causing menses to appear. Allows you to be protected even during the downtime.

Diaphragm and cervical cap

Silicone cup to place yourself inside the vagina. It is used in combination with a spermicidal product. The cape is a silicone dome that covers the cervix.

These devices can be placed at the time of intercourse but also several hours before and should be kept for 8 hours after intercourse.

Male and female condom

The male condom is placed on the penis before penetration, while the female condom can be placed inside the vagina several hours before sexual intercourse

Spermicides

Gel and egg to be placed inside the vagina a few minutes before each intercourse thus destroying sperm

Injectable progestins

Intramuscular injection by a doctor or midwife every 3 months for 12 weeks by a doctor, nurse, or midwife

You can get help and support by contacting a family planning or education center.

Doctors, midwives, and family planning and education centers (CPEFs) are empowered to prescribe all forms of contraception.

A prescription is needed only for the following contraceptives:

  • Intrauterine device (IUD)
  • Pill
  • Patch
  • Implant
  • Vaginal ring
  • Diaphragm and cervical cap (spermicides that accompany diaphragm use are bought at a pharmacy without a prescription)
  • Injectable progestins
  • Male condom

The consent of the parents or legal representative is not required for the prescription, dispensing or administration of contraceptives to underage girls.

Tableau - Management of different contraceptive devices

Devices

Coverage by the Health Insurance

Intrauterine device (IUD)

Yes, to 65%

Pill

Some pills are reimbursed by the Health Insurance

Patch

No

Implant

Yes, to 65%

Vaginal ring

No

Diaphragm and cervical cap

Yes, to 65%

Male condom

(Eden and Out covered brands)

Yes, to 60%

Yes, to 100% without medical prescription for any person (including holders of State medical aid and EU nationals) of under 26 years, without minimum age

Female condom

No

Spermicides

No

Injectable progestins

No

The following costs related to contraception for minors and women under 26 years of age are covered by the Health Insurance, without any advance payment:

  • Annual consultation leading to the prescription of a contraceptive or examinations leading to a contraceptive prescription
  • Follow-up visit by a doctor or midwife in the first year of contraceptive access
  • Annual medical biology examinations before contraceptive prescription (fasting blood glucose, cholesterol measurement...)
  • Acts leading to the insertion, change or withdrawal of a contraceptive
  • Supply of refundable contraceptives in pharmacies on presentation of a medical prescription

Please note

the Health Insurance covers the costs of the preventive sexual health consultations.