Illustration of a contraceptive pill pack with a heart

Can you get the morning after pill free? What to know, and how quickly

ByZain Rajabali

If you’ve had unprotected sex, or your contraception may have failed, the most important thing is time. The morning after pill works best the sooner you take it. The good news is that you don’t need an appointment with a GP, and you don’t need to pay for it.

This is general information. A pharmacist will check the right option for you, confidentially.

The short answer

  • Yes, it can be free. The NHS says you can get free emergency contraception from pharmacies that offer NHS emergency contraception services, as well as sexual health clinics and most GP surgeries.
  • It’s free at all four MediPill branches, as part of the NHS pharmacy contraception service.
  • Time matters. One type needs to be taken within 3 days (72 hours) of sex, the other within 5 days (120 hours). The sooner, the better.
  • The copper coil (IUD) is the most effective option, and can be fitted up to 5 days after sex at a sexual health clinic or GP surgery.

How quickly do you need to take it?

According to the NHS, there are two types of emergency contraceptive pill:

  • one that you need to take within 3 days (72 hours) after sex
  • one that you need to take within 5 days (120 hours) after sex

Either way, you take a single pill, and the NHS says the sooner you use emergency contraception, the more effective it usually is. So don’t wait until you’re sure you need it. Come in as soon as you can.

How well does it work?

The NHS says it’s hard to know exactly how well it will work for you, because it depends on things like how soon you take it. Research suggests that around 1 to 2 women in every 100 who take an emergency contraceptive pill will get pregnant.

The most effective emergency contraception is the IUD (copper coil), which can be fitted within 5 days of sex. It needs an appointment with a trained nurse or doctor, usually at a sexual health clinic or GP surgery, and can then be kept as your regular contraception.

Can anyone take it?

Most people can. The NHS says:

  • you can usually take it even if you can’t use other hormonal contraception, like the combined pill
  • you can take it if you’re breastfeeding
  • it may not be suitable if you take steroid medicines for asthma, or if you’re overweight
  • ask for advice first if you take medicines for TB, epilepsy or HIV, the antifungal griseofulvin, or the herbal remedy St John’s wort

The pharmacist will go through this with you, and will recommend the IUD instead if it’s a better option for you.

What happens at the pharmacy

It’s a short, confidential conversation in a private consultation room. The pharmacist will ask when you had unprotected sex, about your periods and your usual contraception, and about any medicines you take, then supply the right pill if it’s suitable. You can usually take it there and then.

It’s also a good moment to talk about regular contraception. You can start the pill with us at the same visit, for free. See our guide to getting the contraceptive pill free from a pharmacy.

Is it confidential?

Yes. The NHS says contraception is free and confidential, including for young people under 16. The pharmacist won’t tell anyone, including parents or carers, unless they think someone is at risk of harm.

Common questions

Do I need an appointment? No. Walk in to any of our branches, or call ahead if you’d like. Because timing matters, don’t wait for a booking slot.

Is the morning after pill free for everyone? At MediPill, it’s free through the NHS pharmacy contraception service. A pharmacist will confirm it’s suitable for you.

Can I get it at the weekend? Yes. Botley is open Saturdays 9 to 2, and Summertown and Deddington 9 to 12. Headington is closed at weekends. If we’re closed, the NHS says most sexual health clinics, GP surgeries and some walk-in centres offer it free too.

It’s been more than 5 days. What now? The emergency pill won’t work that late. Speak to a sexual health clinic or your GP for advice.

Emergency contraception in Oxford

Free at all four of our branches:

More about our contraception services is on our NHS contraception page. If you need advice outside our hours, the national sexual health helpline is 0300 123 7123.

Sources

  1. Emergency contraception – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/emergency-contraception/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
  2. Where to get the emergency contraceptive pill – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/emergency-contraceptive-pill-morning-after-pill/where-to-get-it/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
  3. Who can take the emergency contraceptive pill – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/emergency-contraceptive-pill-morning-after-pill/who-can-take-it/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
  4. How to take the emergency contraceptive pill – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/emergency-contraceptive-pill-morning-after-pill/how-to-take-it/ (accessed 23 September 2026)

Written by Zain Rajabali, Superintendent Pharmacist – GPhC #2219769
Medically reviewed by Zain Rajabali, Superintendent Pharmacist, Independent Prescriber – GPhC #2219769
Last reviewed: 23 September 2026 · Next review due: September 2027

This article is general health information and is not a substitute for a consultation. Whether emergency contraception is suitable, and which type, is decided at a confidential assessment with a pharmacist.

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