Today, more people are turning to digital health solutions, especially when it comes to family planning. One popular option is Natural Cycles, an FDA-cleared birth control app. But a big question remains: is Natural Cycles covered by insurance? In this guide, we’ll explore this exciting innovation in reproductive health, break down how insurance applies, and show you how to make the most of your benefits.
What is Natural Cycles and How Does It Work?
Natural Cycles is the world’s first FDA-cleared birth control app. It uses a science-backed algorithm to help you understand your unique fertility cycle. Users measure their basal body temperature each morning and enter the data into the app. Over time, the app gets smarter, predicting your fertile and non-fertile days with remarkable accuracy. It offers a hormone-free, non-invasive alternative to traditional birth control.
This method is known as a Fertility Awareness-Based Method (FABM), and Natural Cycles is designed to be both a birth control solution and a fertility tracking tool. It appeals to people who want more control over their bodies, without relying on hormones or invasive procedures.
Is Natural Cycles Considered a Medical Device or Medication by Insurers?
Insurers often categorize products based on FDA classification. Natural Cycles is cleared by the FDA as a Class II medical device—not a drug. This distinction matters when it comes to insurance.
Because it’s not a pill or implant, many insurers don’t list it under typical contraceptive benefits. However, the growing shift toward digital therapeutics means this could change as more health plans begin covering apps with proven clinical outcomes.
Is Natural Cycles Covered by Health Insurance Plans in the U.S.?
Currently, Natural Cycles coverage varies widely depending on the insurance provider and state. Some progressive insurers have started to include digital health tools, especially when recommended by a healthcare provider. Employer-sponsored plans are more likely to consider coverage, especially in tech-forward companies that value wellness innovation.
But don’t worry if your plan doesn’t mention it. There are still ways to reduce or even eliminate your out-of-pocket costs.
Does the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Cover Natural Cycles?
The Affordable Care Act requires insurance plans to cover certain preventive services, including many forms of birth control. But there’s a catch: the ACA mostly focuses on FDA-approved drugs or devices listed under contraception, like pills or IUDs.
Since Natural Cycles is a digital device, not all insurers include it under ACA-mandated benefits. That said, this space is evolving. Digital health companies are actively lobbying for broader inclusion. You can still talk to your insurer or benefits administrator—some may approve it under wellness or preventive health benefits.
How to Check if Your Insurance Covers Natural Cycles
Here’s a simple way to find out:
- Call your insurance company or log into your benefits portal.
- Ask if digital contraceptive apps are covered.
- Inquire about preventive care benefits.
- Use Natural Cycles’ support center or reimbursement toolkit.
It helps to have a note from your healthcare provider recommending the app for medical reasons. Some insurers may reimburse under out-of-network digital services or health tech.
Can You Use an HSA or FSA to Pay for Natural Cycles?
Yes! One of the easiest ways to save on Natural Cycles is by using a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Both are IRS-approved tools that let you pay for medical expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Because Natural Cycles is FDA-cleared, many HSA/FSA administrators accept it as a qualified expense. Just make sure to keep your receipt and, if needed, a Letter of Medical Necessity.
Insurance Coverage for Natural Cycles Outside the U.S.
In countries like Sweden, Germany, and the UK, where public healthcare systems are more robust, Natural Cycles may be reimbursed under national health programs. Europe’s CE-mark recognition of the app helps open the door for broader coverage.
Still, users are often advised to check with local providers or private health insurers. Some regions have digital health grants or wellness reimbursements that can help.
Alternatives to Natural Cycles That May Be Covered by Insurance
If you find that Natural Cycles isn’t covered by your plan, you still have options. Other FDA-cleared fertility tracking devices or hormonal birth control methods may be included.
Alternatives include:
- Clue Birth Control (in development)
- Daysy Fertility Tracker (may be eligible with a doctor’s note)
- Hormonal birth control pills
- Copper IUDs (hormone-free)
Understanding all available options ensures that you choose what aligns best with your lifestyle and values.
Future Outlook: Will More Insurers Cover Natural Cycles?
Yes, the future looks bright. As the healthcare world embraces digital health, insurers are beginning to see the value in funding non-invasive, data-driven tools like Natural Cycles.
More research studies are being conducted to prove clinical efficacy. If adoption continues to grow, and patient outcomes stay positive, insurers will have strong incentives to include apps like Natural Cycles in standard benefits packages.
This shift could also help people understand related questions such as why is gemtesa not covered by insurance, showing the growing gaps between traditional medication and innovative treatments.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice About Digital Birth Control
Natural Cycles is more than just a birth control app. It’s a revolutionary tool for people seeking natural, empowering fertility control. While insurance coverage is still catching up, there are smart ways to access the app affordably—through FSAs, HSAs, or speaking with your provider.
And in a healthcare world where questions like how much is an x ray with insurance are common, having digital solutions that simplify and personalize care is a game-changer.
Take charge of your health with knowledge, confidence, and the right tools. Natural Cycles might just be the next step in your wellness journey.
FAQs About Is Natural Cycles Covered by Insurance
Is Natural Cycles covered by any health insurance plans?
Some private insurance plans and employer-based health benefits may reimburse the cost of Natural Cycles, especially with a medical recommendation. Coverage varies widely by provider.
Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for Natural Cycles?
Yes. Because Natural Cycles is an FDA-cleared birth control method, it qualifies as a reimbursable expense under most HSA and FSA programs.
Does the Affordable Care Act (ACA) cover Natural Cycles?
Natural Cycles isn’t universally covered under the ACA, as it focuses on pharmaceutical and physical contraceptive devices. However, some insurers may approve it as part of wellness or digital therapeutic benefits.
How do I know if my insurance will reimburse Natural Cycles?
You can check directly with your insurer or employer’s benefits portal. Use Natural Cycles’ support resources, or request a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor to boost your chances.
Are there other digital birth control options covered by insurance?
Yes. Some birth control apps and fertility tracking tools are gaining FDA approval and may be covered. Hormonal contraceptives and copper IUDs are more commonly included under insurance plans.
