Emergency Contraception
Columbia Health provides emergency contraception pills (Plan B or Ella) and IUD as emergency contraception for students through Medical Services. To receive it through Medical Services, call 212-854-7426 to speak with a nurse or make a nurse appointment.
Emergency Contraception at Columbia Health
Columbia Health provides emergency contraception for students through Medical Services. Students may choose to use emergency contraception if:
- They had unplanned, unintended, or unwanted sex
- Their contraceptives failed or were not used
- A device (such as the vaginal ring or IUD) slipped out of place.
Emergency contraception options available through Columbia Health include:
- Plan B and EContra: Plan B One-Step, EContra One-Step, and the generic, hormonal, one-pill emergency contraception versions are available without a prescription or age restrictions. This option is most effective if taken as soon as possible within 72 hours (3 days) after sex. This pill is not as effective in people weighing over 165 pounds.
- Ella: Ella is a one-pill non-hormonal emergency contraception that requires a prescription from a health care provider. This option is most effective if taken as soon as possible within five days after sex. This pill is not as effective for individuals weighing over 195 pounds.
- Copper intrauterine device (IUD): The copper IUD is a non-hormonal method that is most effective as emergency contraception when inserted within five days (120 hours) after sex. It reduces chances of getting pregnant by 99.9 percent and is the most effective form of emergency contraception, along with the hormonal IUD. Once inserted, it can be used for up to 12 years as birth control.
- Hormonal intrauterine device (IUD): The hormonal IUD is a progestin-only method that is most effective as emergency contraception when inserted within five days (120 hours) after sex. It reduces chances of getting pregnant by 99.9 percent and is the most effective form of emergency contraception, along with the copper IUD. Once inserted, it can be used for 3 to 8 years as birth control.
Who is eligible?
Medical and lab services are available to all students who have paid the full-time Columbia Health and Related Services fee on the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses, including those at Teachers College, Union Theological Seminary, and Jewish Theological Seminary.
For those who have not paid the full-time Columbia Health and Related Services fee, please email Alice! Health Promotion at [email protected] or call 212-854-5453 for support.
How do I get emergency contraception?
You can get emergency contraception from:
- Medical Services: Call 212-854-7426 to speak with a nurse or make an appointment.
- Local retailers or online: Available over-the-counter for purchase.
- NYC public hospitals: Available 24/7 for free if you visit.
- Vending machines at Columbia: Vending machines available 24/7 in the John Jay and Schapiro lobbies.
How much will it cost?
The costs associated with acquiring emergency contraception will vary based on your insurance and how you choose to access it. There is no additional cost for Plan B or Ella for students who have paid the full-time Columbia Health and Related Services Fee.
Students who are covered under the Columbia Student Health Insurance Plan can have the copper IUD and hormonal IUD inserted at no additional cost. Students who have paid the full fee but are not covered under the Columbia Plan will have to pay out-of-pocket for the copper IUD and hormonal IUD and then request a reimbursement from their insurance provider.
If you have an outside provider prescribe emergency contraceptive pills, there are typically no costs associated with it, as required by the Affordable Care Act. However, some insurance plans may require a co-payment or may not cover emergency contraception. The cost of IUD insertion as emergency contraception will depend on your insurance plan’s coverage.
You may also get emergency contraceptive pills for free at a NYC public hospital.
If you choose to purchase emergency contraceptive pills without insurance, you are responsible for the cost. These prices can vary by location and whether it’s the generic or brand name:
- Online retailers: Ranging from $10 to $50.
- Local pharmacies: Ranging from $30 to $50.
- Vending machines in the John Jay and Schapiro lobbies: Ranging from $30 to $50.
What else do I need to know?
Although emergency contraceptive pills work best if taken within 72 hours after sex, there is some evidence that there may be some benefit up to 120 hours (5 days) after sex.
The copper IUD and hormonal IUD may be used as emergency contraception if placed within five days after sex. A skilled provider must insert the IUD.
Where can I learn more about these topics?
You can learn more about emergency contraception options on Go Ask Alice!, Columbia’s health Q&A resource. Here are some selected Q&As from Go Ask Alice! to get you started:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Medical Services has limited appointment availability for the insertion of IUDs as emergency contraception. Please call 212-854-7426 to schedule an appointment.
No.