Methods
Is the contraceptive implant free in the Philippines?
What "free" actually covers
There are two costs in an implant: the implant itself and the procedure to put it in. At public facilities the implant is supplied by DOH, so it is free.[src] The procedure is often free too, but not always:
| Where | What you may pay |
|---|---|
| Barangay health center or RHU | Nothing, subject to supply and a trained provider[src] |
| Likhaan, POPCOM clinic | Nothing reported[src] |
| DOH hospital, eg Fabella | A procedure fee of ₱200 to ₱250 was reported[src] |
| PhilHealth-accredited facility | Package of ₱3,000 paid by PhilHealth[src][src] |
| Private clinic | ₱5,000 to ₱10,500 |
Removal at the end of 3 years should also be free where you got it inserted. Ask when you get it, and keep your card.
Where it is free, and the catches
- Supply. "Free" depends on stock. DOH has warned of shortages of other methods at public facilities before.[src] If there is none today, ask when the next batch arrives.
- A trained provider. Not every barangay health center has a nurse, midwife or doctor trained to insert implants every day. You may be referred to the city health office or a hospital.[src]
- "Nagkaanak ka na ba?" Some providers hesitate to give implants to women without children. That is their practice, not a law, and WHO says the implant suits people who have never given birth.[src] Filipinas on Reddit describe being refused, then getting it at Likhaan.[src][src]
- Under 18: parental or guardian consent is needed. See do I need my parents' consent?
What to bring and ask
- A valid ID. PhilHealth is not required for free services, but bring your PhilHealth ID or number if you have one.[src]
- The first day of your last period. If it is not within the last 7 days, you may need condoms for 7 days after insertion.[src]
- Ask: "Which implant do you have, Implanon or Levoplant?" Both last 3 years. See Implanon vs Levoplant.
- Ask: "Who removes it, and is removal free here?"
- Log the date in the implant and IUD date tracker.
If you go private
Private clinics are faster and you can book a time. One women's clinic lists Implanon insertion at ₱10,500, and a guide from Eluvo Health puts private implants at about ₱5,000.[src] Ask whether the price includes the implant, the procedure and removal. [TODO: source: mystery-shop implant prices at Kindred, Eluvo and private OBs (Implanon NXT vs Levoplant)]
Over 3 years, even a private implant works out cheaper per month than many pill brands. Compare in the cost calculator, or read the full implant guide.
Frequently asked questions
Libre ba ang implant sa health center?
Oo, kadalasan libre sa barangay health center, RHU, DOH hospital, POPCOM at Likhaan, depende sa supply at kung may trained na provider. May ilang ospital na may maliit na fee.
Is implant removal free?
Public facilities that insert implants also remove them, usually for free. Ask when you get the implant. If a health center refuses to remove an expired one, ask again or go to another facility.
Do I need PhilHealth to get a free implant?
No. Free family planning at public facilities does not require PhilHealth. PhilHealth matters if you go to an accredited facility that bills the implant package.
This guide is for information. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or switching birth control.
Sources
- DOH reminds public family planning services are free at public hospitals, Daily Tribune, 12 Jul 2025
- Birth control methods and where to get them, PhilSTAR Life, 25 Sep 2024
- Free family planning services in the Philippines, ClinicFinderPH
- Ultimate birth control guide for Filipino women, Eluvo Health, Nov 2025
- PhilHealth Advisory PA2025-0026 (implant and IUD packages), PhilHealth
- DOH sees shortage of contraceptive pills, Inquirer
- Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use, World Health Organization
- Why are doctors gatekeeping the birth control implant?, r/AskPinay
- Likhaan health center experience, r/Philippines
- Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers, WHO and Johns Hopkins CCP