Contraception

Verified 09 January 2024 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (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.

There are 2 types: hormonal or copper.

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.

There are no patches to stick to the 4e week, which causes menstrual periods to occur. Allows you to be protected even during the downtime.

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 to place yourself inside 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.

External “male” and internal “female” condom

The external condom is placed on the penis before penetration, while the internal condom can be placed inside the vagina or anus 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

Permanent contraception

Surgery in men (vasectomy) or women (tubal ligation). These methods are considered irreversible.

You can get information or get a prescription for contraception from a doctor or midwife in a city office or sexual health center.

Doctors, midwives, and sexual health centers are empowered to prescribe all forms of contraception.

A prescription is needed 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

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

Cervical cap

No

Diaphragm

Yes, to 65%

External condom

(only Eden brands, Out cutlery and Be Loved)

Yes, to 60% on prescription

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

Internal condom

(only formal mark)

Yes, to 60%

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

Spermicides

No

Injectable progestins

Yes, to 65%

Permanent contraception

Yes, to 80%

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

  • Follow-up visit by a doctor or midwife on 1re year of access to contraception
  • Annual consultation carried out, from 2e year of access to contraception by a doctor or midwife for a prescription of contraception or for laboratory tests related to contraception
  • Certain birth control tests (fasting glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides), done once a year
  • 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 also covers 100%long-term sexual health consultation (without advance payment). It is accessible to all young people, girls and boys, up to the age of 25.