Skip to main content
Medically Approved

What to know about online care for emergency contraception

twitter share buttonfacebook share buttonlinkedin share buttonemail article button
Medically reviewed by Philip Ngo, PharmD
Written by Lily Frew
Updated on

Emergency contraception, also known as Plan B or the morning after pill, is a type of contraception that can be used after sex without a condom or other method to prevent pregnancy. There are two main types of emergency contraception pills:

  • levonorgestrel, also known as Plan B one step
  • Ella

Because of the nature of this medication, it usually needs to be taken shortly after sex — usually within 3 or 5 days.

Due to this timeline, it’s important to get a prescription for emergency contraception very quickly. There are different ways to get emergency contraception online, including:

  • online care services, such as Optum Perks
  • using the Planned Parenthood app
  • ordering online from pharmacies
Note: Many forms of emergency contraception are available over the counter without a prescription in many pharmacies.

—————-

Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes. For $39, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a US-licensed healthcare professional. Get started here.

Man on phone in bed

100% online care

Treatment plans in 15 minutes or less for 40+ conditions.

Start consult now

Optum Perks Online Care

There are several online care services available, including Optum Perks Online Care, which may all work in a different way. Some of them require monthly membership fees and upfront costs for the visit. Some may work through your insurance. You can do some research into different services to find one that’s right for you.

With Optum Perks Online Care, you can request a new prescription for emergency contraception. There’s no subscription needed — all you’ll pay is $39 for the appointment plus the cost of the medication.

With this service, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your condition and health history, and a licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after, without the need to make an in-person appointment.

You will then be able to collect the medication at a local pharmacy. You may also be able to get the prescription delivered, but this is not the best option because of how quickly you need to take this medication.

Other options

Many major pharmacy chains allow you to order emergency contraception online for pickup:

  • CVS: Order online and pick up at your local store.
  • Walgreens: Order online or through the app for in-store pickup.
  • Walmart: Order online for pickup or delivery.
  • Rite Aid: Order online for pickup.

You may not need a prescription for emergency contraception as long as you complete a consultation with a pharmacist.

Pill bottle with text 'Starts at $4'

Free prescription coupons

Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.

Get free card

Next steps

If you’ve had sex without contraception or you think the contraception may have failed, you may consider taking emergency contraception.

You’ll typically need to take emergency contraception within 3 days, so it’s important to act quickly. Online care services may make it easier to access this medication.

Note: Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy, but it does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Consider looking into STI testing near you if this is a concern.

—————

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.

Article resources