How much does semaglutide cost with and without insurance?
Surprised with the price of your semaglutide prescription? Learn the truth about the cost of semaglutide and how to save.
Key highlights
- A monthly supply of Ozempic costs $1,000-1,300 and Wegovy costs $1,300-1,600 per month without insurance, which is unaffordable for most patients.
- The retail prices of semaglutide vary depending on geographical location, dosage, pharmacies, demand for the medication, and the manufacturer.
- Novo Nordisk's Patient Assistance Program, Wegovy saving card, Ozempic saving card, and Rybelsus Saving Card help lower the cost for eligible patients. You can get Ozempic and Wegovy for as low as $25 and $0 per month, respectively, with the Ozempic and Wegovy savings card.
- You can also get Wegovy for $499 per month without insurance from NovoCare Pharmacy.
- Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance companies may cover semaglutide under specific terms and conditions, which can also help reduce the cost of the medication.
- If you are uninsured, pharmacy discount cards from GoodRx, SingleCare, WellRx, Optum Perks, Costco, and BuzzRx can save you up to 9-27% off the actual cost.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) weight loss medication that comes as three brand-name drugs, Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus, each approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for different indications. When used in combination with exercise and a low-calorie diet, Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in obese and overweight patients. Rybelsus is FDA-approved for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes patients. Ozempic is indicated for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk reduction, and to reduce the risk of worsening kidney disease in patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.
Currently, only Novo Nordisk is authorized by the FDA to manufacture semaglutide and there is no generic available. The company sells these medications at high prices because there are no competitors. You can get semaglutide for $1,000-1,300 or more from pharmacies without insurance. The high prices of semaglutide can be challenging for many people. However, patient assistance programs (PAP) by Novo Nordisk, Wegovy and Ozempic saving card programs, NovoCare Pharmacy, pharmacy discount cards, private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or switching to compounded semaglutide are a few options to get the medication at lower prices.
This article summarizes semaglutide prices with and without insurance, ways to get the medication at lower prices, and alternatives to semaglutide.
How much does semaglutide cost without insurance?
Without insurance, you can get a monthly supply of semaglutide for $1,000 to $1,300 per month. The estimated annual cost of semaglutide without insurance ranges between $12,000 to $15,000 or more. The retail price can vary among pharmacies.
- The list price provided by Novo Nordisk for Wegovy is $1,349.02 per package. You can get the medication for $1,300-$1,600 or more from pharmacies.
- The list price for Rybelsus (3 mg pack, 7 mg pack, and 14 mg pack) is $997.58 per package. Each package contains 30 tablets. The retail price may range between $1,000 and $1,300 or more.
- The list price for Ozempic (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg) is $997.58 for a 28-day supply. Pharmacies sell the medication for $1,000 to $1,300 or more.
The following factors influence the cost of semaglutide:
- Dosage: The lower dosages of semaglutide may be more affordable, but you may need to pay more for higher doses.
- Pharmacy: The retail prices of semaglutide vary among pharmacies. You may find different prices at CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, and other online pharmacies.
- Geographic location: Semaglutide prices vary in different geographic locations. For example, a Walgreens in one city may charge a higher or lower price than a Walgreens in another city.
- High demand: Semaglutide is expensive due to the higher global demand for GLP-1 medications compared to its production.
- Single manufacturer: Only Novo Nordisk is authorized to manufacture semaglutide. There are no generic competitors to lower the price of the medication.
Here is a comparison of the list prices and average retail prices for semaglutide:
| Medication | List price | Average retail price (Source: GoodRx) |
|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | $997.58 for a 28 day supply | $1,101.96 per month |
| Wegovy | $1,349.02 per package | $1,631.11 per month |
| Rybelsus | $997.58 per package | $1,100 to $1,240 for 30 tablets |
| Compounded semaglutide | $200 to $300 per month |
Ozempic (for type 2 diabetes)
The average cost for Ozempic is $1,000-1300/month without insurance.
Here are the typical prices of 2 mg Ozempic injections at different pharmacies, according to GoodRx:
| Pharmacy | Retail Price |
|---|---|
| Walgreens | $995.00 |
| Walmart | $995.00 |
| CVS Pharmacy | $995.00 |
| Costco | $964.99 |
You can also get the medication for free with a patient assistance program (PAP) if you are eligible.
Wegovy (for weight loss)
The average price for Wegovy is $1,300–1,600/month without insurance.
Here is a comparison of 0.25mg Wegovy injection prices at different pharmacies (according to GoodRx):
| Pharmacy | Retail Price |
|---|---|
| Walgreens | $1,390 |
| Walmart | $1,447 |
| CVS Pharmacy | $1,390 |
| Costco | $1425 |
If you do not have commercial insurance, you can get Wegovy for $499 per month with the help of the Wegovy Savings Card through NovoCare Pharmacy.
Rybelsus (for type 2 diabetes)
The average retail price for Rybelsus (oral tablet for type 2 diabetes) is $800–1,000 per month.
Here is a Rybelsus price comparison at different pharmacies (according to GoodRx):
| Pharmacy | Retail Price |
|---|---|
| Walgreens | $1,030.63 |
| Walmart | $1,071.43 |
| CVS Pharmacy | $1,033.85 |
| Costco | $1,425.00 |
If you are eligible, you can get Rybelsus for free with the patient assistance program.
Compounded semaglutide
Compounded semaglutide is a customized version of semaglutide that contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. The medication is made by altering, mixing, or combining ingredients in compounding pharmacies according to the patient’s needs as prescribed by healthcare providers. Compounded semaglutide is a cheap alternative to semaglutide, but the medication is not approved by the FDA for any purpose.
Compounded semaglutide fulfils the demand of Ozempic and Wegovy during drug shortages. Patients who cannot afford FDA-approved versions of semaglutide may choose compounded semaglutide when the drug is not commercially available.
Does insurance cover semaglutide?
Insurance may or may not cover semaglutide, depending on your insurance plan and your prescribed use of semaglutide. Let’s get into the details of insurance coverage for semaglutide:
Medicaid
Medicaid coverage for semaglutide depends on the rules and regulations of your state. For example, your state may cover GLP-1 medications for the management of type 2 diabetes, but you may not get full coverage for the same drug if you use it for weight loss.
Some states list Wegovy and Ozempic as preferred medications on their formulary. They require prior authorization from licensed healthcare professionals. As well, Medicaid may cover these medications in a limited quantity or for a limited period. You can confirm your state’s Medicaid formulary to see whether it provides coverage for semaglutide.
The following states have listed Wegovy as a preferred drug:
- California
- New Hampshire
- Minnesota
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- Michigan
- North Carolina
- Massachusetts
- Delaware
- Kansas
- Pennsylvania
- Mississippi
- Wisconsin
- South Carolina
Medicare
Medicare is a health insurance program by the United States Government for people aged 65 or older. Patients younger than 65 with disabilities or permanent kidney failure may also be eligible for Medicare.
Medicare is not allowed to cover weight loss drugs such as Wegovy. According to the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) 2003, these medications are not a “medical necessity”.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources announced that Medicare has selected 15 new drugs, including semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy), to collaborate and negotiate with pharmaceutical companies in 2025.
On March 24, 2024, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Wegovy for reducing the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in patients with existing heart diseases and either obesity or overweight. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a memo stating that Medicare Part D plans can now include semaglutide in their formularies. Medicare now covers semaglutide for a medically accepted indication. Wegovy is a self-administered injectable medication; It is categorized under Medicare Part D, which covers outpatient prescription drugs through private and Medicare Advantage plans. It will not be covered under Medicare Part B (reserved for medications administered by healthcare providers).
An estimated 94% of Medicare plans cover Ozempic when used for managing type 2 diabetes. However, if you use Ozempic off-label for weight management, Medicare plans will not cover it.
Private and commercial insurance
Private insurance companies, such as Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, may cover Ozempic and Wegovy when used for their FDA-approved indications. If your private insurance company does not cover these medications, you may be able to get them through a formulary exception process.
If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible for the Ozempic saving card, the Wegovy saving card, and the Rybelsus saving card, which significantly lowers the prices of these medications.
Wegovy vs. Ozempic coverage
Ozempic is used for type 2 diabetes management, cardiovascular risk reduction, and to lower the risk of worsening kidney disease. Most insurance companies cover the medication when used for these medically accepted indications. However, insurance will not cover the medication if you use it off-label for weight management.
In comparison, insurance companies typically do not cover Wegovy when used for weight management, as it is not considered a medical necessity. Insurance coverage for Wegovy is difficult to obtain as compared to Ozempic. Insurance companies may cover Wegovy for cardiovascular risk reduction.
Why doesn’t insurance cover semaglutide for weight loss?
Most insurance plans do not cover semaglutide for weight loss because weight loss medication is not considered a medical necessity. Rather, they are a part of lifestyle modifications, and most people use these medications for cosmetic purposes. Medications used for cosmetic purposes are usually not covered by insurance.
How to save on semaglutide in 2025
Here are a few ways to save on semaglutide in 2025:
Wegovy Savings Card
Novo Nordisk offers a Wegovy saving card for patients with commercial insurance and uninsured patients.
If your commercial insurance covers Wegovy, you can get a monthly supply of Wegovy for $0 with the Wegovy saving card. This offer can save you $225 per month.
If your insurance company does not cover Wegovy, or you are uninsured, you can get a monthly supply of Wegovy for as low as $499 per month with the Wegovy Saving Card.
Ozempic Savings Card
The Ozempic saving card by Novo Nordisk offers a discount of $100 for a 1-month prescription, $200 for a 2-month prescription, and $300 for a 3-month prescription to those with commercial or private insurance coverage for Ozempic. You can pay as little as $25 for 1, 2, or 3-month supply.
You can apply for this program if:
- You have a valid prescription for Ozempic from a healthcare provider for an FDA-approved indication.
- You are not enrolled or eligible for federal or state healthcare programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, VA, TRICARE, DOD, and Medigap or similar programs.
You can use an Ozempic saving card for up to 48 months.
Rybelsus Savings Card
With the Rybelsus Saving card, you can pay as little as $10 per month, and save up to $300 per 1-month (30-day) supply of 3 mg of Rybelsus.
To apply for the program, you will need to meet these requirements:
- You must have a valid prescription for Rybelsus for type 2 diabetes.
- A valid Prescriber ID should be mentioned on the prescription.
- You are not eligible if you are enrolled in any federal or state healthcare program with prescription drug coverage, such as Medicaid, Medicare, Medigap, VA, DOD, TRICARE, or any similar government program, or if you are Medicare-eligible and enrolled in an employer-sponsored group waiver health plan (EGWP) or a government-subsidized prescription drug benefit program for retirees.
- You must have commercial insurance.
NovoCare Patient Assistance Program
Novo Nordisk’s patient assistance program (PAP) offers free prescription medications including Ozempic and Rybelsus to eligible individuals. The PAP has free registration and no monthly fee.
You can apply for PAP if you meet the following criteria:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident in the United States
- Your total household income should be at or less than 400% of the federal poverty rate (FPL)
- You are uninsured or have Medicare
- You should not be enrolled in federal, state, or government programs including Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or low-income subsidies
If you qualify for Medicaid, you must sign the patient declaration section of the latest version of the Patient Assistance Program application and state that you are neither enrolled in Medicaid currently nor plan to enroll, and you are not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare Extra Help. You have to attach the proof of denial to your application.
Compounding pharmacies
Compounding pharmacies sell compounded semaglutide which is a customized medication tailored to the individual needs of a patient. You can get the compounded medication for $200 to $300 per month.
NovoCare Pharmacy
If you are uninsured or your insurance plans do not cover Wegovy, you can still get the medication for $499 per month from NovoCare Pharmacy. The offer is applicable to all strengths of the medication and no insurance is required.
Prescription discount cards
Pharmacies like GoodRx, Singlecare, Optum Perks, BuzzRx, and WellRx offer a variety of pharmacy discount coupons for Wegovy. You can save 9-27% of the cash price of the medication with the help of these discount coupons.
Costco Membership Prescription Program offers discounts and savings on Ozempic and Wegovy for eligible members. The plan may include discounts or pricing based on your insurance coverage. You may get Ozempic for about $970 per month with the Costco Membership Prescription Program. You can inquire more about this prescription program and its eligibility at the local Costco pharmacy.
Alternatives to semaglutide
The following are alternatives to semaglutide:
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound)
Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist medication. It has two brand names, Mounjaro and Zepbound. The medication has a similar mechanism of action to semaglutide, but it works as a dual agonist.
A SARMOUNT 1 clinical study showed that tirzepatide (Zepbound) users experienced greater weight loss than those participants who used semaglutide (Wegovy).
Eli Lilly compared the effectiveness of Wegovy and Zepbound in a SARMOUNT 5 clinical trial. Zepbound(tirzepatide) helped people lose 47% more weight than Wegovy (semaglutide). On average, people using Zepbound lost 20.2% of their weight, while those using Wegovy lost 13.7%. After 72 weeks, Zepbound outperformed Wegovy in both primary endpoints and all five secondary endpoints in a study involving adults with obesity or overweight, at least one weight-related health issue, and no diabetes.
Here’s a breakdown of tirzepatide list prices and retail prices, their indications, and their method of administration:
| Brand | List price (28-day supply) | Average retail price (Source: GoodRx) | Form | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mounjaro | $1,079.77 | $1,284.98 per month | Injection | Type 2 diabetes |
| Zepbound | $1,086.37 | $1,279.54 per month | Injection | Weight loss |
Liraglutide (Saxenda and Victoza)
Liraglutide is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Its mechanism of action is the same as semaglutide. The medication promotes appetite suppression and blood sugar control. Liraglutide comes with two brand names, Saxenda and Victoza.
A SUSTAIN 10 clinical trial compared the effectiveness of semaglutide (1.0 mg) with liraglutide (1.2 mg). Participants who used semaglutide showed a 1.7% mean HbA1c compared to 1.0% in liraglutide users. Additionally, semaglutide had a higher efficacy than liraglutide in managing body weight and reducing HbA1c.
The step 8 clinical trial involved 338 individuals to compare the effect of weekly subcutaneous semaglutide vs liraglutide (daily) in obese and overweight patients without type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide users showed a mean weight change of 15.8% compared to 6.4% weight loss in the liraglutide users. The study projects that semaglutide was superior to liraglutide in weight management when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
| Brand | List price (28-day supply) | Average retail price (Source: GoodRx) | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoza | $543.51 | $795.66 per month | Type 2 diabetes |
| Saxenda | $1,349.00 | $1,350.63 per month | Weight loss |
Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
Dulaglutide (Trulicity) has a similar mechanism of action to semaglutide. The medication works by mimicking the action of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone in the body. Like semaglutide, dulaglutide promotes insulin release from the pancreas when blood sugar is high. The medication also reduces sugar production in the liver and slows down stomach emptying to promote blood sugar control.
The SUSTAIN 7 clinical trial compared the effectiveness of once-weekly semaglutide (0.5 mg or 1 mg) with once-weekly dulaglutide (0.75 mg or 1.5 mg) in type 2 diabetes patients over 40 weeks. The results of this head-to-head trial demonstrated that semaglutide users had greater reductions in hemoglobin A1C (1.8%) compared to dulaglutide (1.4%). Semaglutide users showed more weight loss (10-14 lbs) than dulaglutide users (5-7 lbs). The results suggest that semaglutide is a more effective option for controlling blood sugar and managing weight.
Metformin
Metformin belongs to a class of biguanides. The medication reduces blood sugar levels and helps manage obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes. Metformin causes weight loss in people with diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity due to its multimodal mechanism of action in the human body. It suppresses appetite, decreases glucose output in the liver, alters gut microbiota, and increases the production of certain hormones that induce satiety. These effects collectively lead to weight loss.
The FDA has not approved metformin as a weight loss medication as its weight loss effect is inconsistent. However, the American Association of Endocrinologists (AACE/ACE) has recommended metformin for patients with prediabetes, insulin intolerance, and those who fail to respond to lifestyle modifications or anti-obesity medications. Currently, metformin is used as an off-label drug for patients with metabolic complications and those who are resistant to other anti-obesity medications.
The average retail price of metformin is about $2, which is significantly lower than the price of semaglutide.
Naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave)
Contrave is a combination of naltrexone and bupropion. The medication works by affecting the reward center of your brain to reduce hunger cravings and suppress appetite. In a clinical study, Contrave reduced about 8% of body weight in participants after 56 weeks. With improved nutrition, a low-calorie diet, and increased physical activity, users lost 11% of their body weight. In comparison, a clinical study of Wegovy showed an average weight loss of 15% of body weight after 68 weeks of treatment. These results show that semaglutide has greater efficacy than Contrave in managing weight loss.
According to GoodRx, the average retail price of Contrave is $747.39. It may cost less with insurance coverage.
Phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia)
Qsymia is a combination of phentermine and topiramate. Phentermine is approved for weight management, but it is typically used as a short-term treatment. The FDA has not approved topiramate for weight loss but the medication is used off-label for weight management.
A clinical study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of Qsymia for weight loss. Patients taking Qsymia showed an average weight loss of 8% to 10% after 56 weeks (or 13 months). About 70% of participants lost at least 5% of their initial body weight after taking the highest dose of Qsymia for 12 months. In comparison, semaglutide studies showed 15% body weight reduction after 68 weeks. The comparison of these medications shows that semaglutide is superior to Qsymia for weight loss.
The average retail price for Qsymia is $275 (according to SingleCare) for a 30-day supply, which is significantly less than the prices for semaglutide.
Orlistat (Xenical)
Orlistat is a weight loss medication that reduces fat absorption (approximately 30%). The medication shows significant weight reduction after 2 months. Xenical is taken three times a day in combination with lifestyle changes, a low-calorie diet, and behavioral modifications. In comparison, semaglutide injections are administered once weekly.
According to SingleCare, the average retail price for orlistat is $889.62 per 90 capsules (120 mg).
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Why is semaglutide so expensive?
Semaglutide is expensive because its manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, owns the patent and subsequently has the exclusive right to market it until the patent expires. During this patent protection period, other companies cannot produce the medication, and there are no generic semaglutide competitors to lower the price.
Does Costco or Amazon Pharmacy offer discounts?
Yes, Costco and Amazon Pharmacy offer discounts on semaglutide. Costco members pay a discounted price for a three-month prescription of Ozempic and Wegovy.
Is semaglutide covered for weight loss?
Most insurance companies do not consider weight loss medications a medical necessity and do not cover weight loss medications. However, some insurance plans may cover semaglutide for weight loss. Check with your insurance provider whether they cover semaglutide for weight loss.
Can I get a 3-month supply for less?
Yes, you can typically get a 3-month supply of semaglutide at a discounted price from pharmacies. Pharmacy coupons can also help lower the cost of medication.
How do you get semaglutide for $25 per month?
You can get semaglutide for $25 per month with an Ozempic saving card if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Conclusion
Ozempic and Wegovy are brand-name drugs of semaglutide. You may get Ozmepic for $1,000-1,300 and Wegovy for $1,300- $1,600 or more per month from online and retail pharmacies. If these high costs are prohibitive for you, try cost-saving strategies to save on these medications. You can look into Novo Nordisk’s Patient Assistance Program (PAP), Wegovy Saving card, Ozempic Saving Card, Rybelsus saving card, Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance coverage, according to your eligibility.
It is recommended to verify with your insurance provider about your insurance plan’s semaglutide coverage before starting the medication.
If you are uninsured or your insurance does not cover semaglutide, you can use pharmacy discount cards from SingleCare, GoodRx, BuzzRx, Optum Perks, and WellRx. These coupon cards save up to 9-27% of the actual cost of the medication.
Always consult your doctor to make an informed decision before starting treatment and compare prices at different pharmacies to choose the most suitable option for buying semaglutide.
