How to get semaglutide without insurance

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used to treat type 2 diabetes and help with weight loss. It’s available under the brand names Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus. Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in obese and overweight patients. Ozempic and Rybelsus are prescription drugs approved for adults with type 2 diabetes.

Compounded semaglutide is prepared as needed for a patient or in small quantities at a compounding pharmacy and is significantly less expensive than brand-name drugs.

The cost of brand-name semaglutide can range from $968.52 to $1,349.02 per month, depending on the drug prescribed and your health insurance coverage. Compounded semaglutide is usually cheaper but can still cost anywhere from $200 to $400 per month.

The high cost of semaglutide for weight loss or managing diabetes can be challenging, especially without insurance. It’s frustrating when something that could improve your health feels out of reach, but fortunately, there are options to help make it more affordable.

Looking for semaglutide without insurance? Learn how to access semaglutide affordably, including pharmacy discount cards, coupons, telehealth services, online pharmacies, compounded alternatives, cheaper alternatives, and assistance programs.

How much does semaglutide cost without insurance?

Without insurance, semaglutide costs between $968.52 and $1,349.02 per month.

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in prescription drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. These medications are approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) for use with diet and exercise to help control blood sugar levels and weight management.

Insurance coverage for semaglutide varies by plan and some people may have their prescriptions fully covered by insurance, while others may have high copays or deductibles or no insurance coverage at all. Medicare does not cover weight loss medications and Medicaid coverage varies by state.

Each brand name has different approved uses, dosages, and costs. They all work by mimicking a natural hormone in your body that helps manage blood sugar and hunger.

Here’s an overview of the cost for a one-month supply of semaglutide by drug.

Ozempic

The list price of Ozempic is $968.52 per month, which is about $242.13 per week or $11,622.24 per year without insurance or discounts.

The cost of Ozempic (semaglutide) can vary based on factors such as insurance, location, and pharmacy. Discount cards and savings programs can help lower the price. For example, Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, offers a patient assistance program for uninsured or Medicare patients who qualify and are prescribed Ozempic for type 2 diabetes.

Here’s a price comparison of Ozempic 2 mg/3 mL pen at different pharmacies, according to GoodRx.

Wegovy

A 28-day supply of Wegovy costs $1,349.02 per month, which is about $337.25 per week or $16,188.24 per year.

Unfortunately, Wegovy isn’t included in the Novo Nordisk patient assistance program. If you don’t have insurance, using coupons or the Wegovy Savings Card may be your best option to lower the cost. The Wegovy Savings Card helps uninsured or cash-paying patients obtain Wegovy for $650 per month.

Here’s a price comparison of Wegovy 0.25 mg/0.5 mL 4 pens at different pharmacies, according to GoodRx.

Rybelsus

Without insurance, a 30-day supply of Rybelsus tablets costs $968.52. That’s about $242.13 per week, $32.28 per day (since Rybelsus is taken daily), or up to $11,622.24 per year. Like Ozempic, Novo Nordisk offers patient assistance for uninsured or Medicare patients who qualify, allowing you to get Rybelsus for up to 12 months at no cost.

Here’s a price comparison of Rybelsus 7 mg/30 tablets at different pharmacies, according to GoodRx.

Compounded semaglutide

Compounded medications are custom-made by licensed compounding pharmacies to accommodate a patient’s specific needs when commercially available drugs aren’t an option.

While legal to prescribe, compounded medications aren’t FDA-approved and don’t go through the same safety manufacturing checks. A healthcare provider may prescribe them if there’s a shortage or if insurance denies the medication.

Brand-name semaglutide, like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, tends to be more expensive, often costing over $1,000 per month without insurance. Compounded semaglutide isn’t covered by insurance, but it’s usually cheaper than paying for brand-name drugs out of pocket.

The cost of compounded semaglutide without insurance can range from about $200 to $400 per month. However, prices vary depending on the compounding pharmacy, semaglutide dosage, and quantity.

Here’s a comparison of the costs of compounded semaglutide available through various semaglutide telehealth services.

Generic semaglutide

There are currently no generic versions of Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus. The brand-name drugs are still patent-protected. This means that generic pharmaceutical companies can’t make and sell a cheaper generic version until the patent expires or is no longer valid.

Semaglutide will be available as a generic version in the future. The approval process takes time, so it’s hard to say exactly when it will be available. The patents are due to expire in 2031. However, a recent patent settlement between Novo, Mylan and Novo Nordisk may lead to a generic semaglutide becoming available sooner than then, although it’s not yet confirmed.

In the meantime, while there are shortages of brand-name drugs, some people use compounded semaglutide, made by compounding pharmacies to fit individual needs.

Does insurance cover semaglutide?

Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy might be covered by your insurance, depending on your plan. Check with your insurance provider for coverage details. However, insurance is less likely to cover them if prescribed for weight loss. Compounded semaglutide is usually not covered by insurance.

To check if semaglutide is covered by your insurance, review your plan’s drug formulary (list of covered drugs). Novo Nordisk also provides a free tool to help you check if Wegovy, Rybelsus, and Ozempic are covered by insurance.

If your insurance plan doesn’t cover semaglutide, you can ask your healthcare provider to help you submit a request for a medical exception. In some cases, the insurance company will require prior authorization for approval. If the medical exception request or prior authorization is denied, you can appeal with the help of your healthcare provider.

Why doesn’t insurance cover semaglutide for weight loss?

Insurance companies usually don’t cover semaglutide for weight loss because obesity is still considered a cosmetic issue as opposed to a chronic disease. Also, insurance companies typically do not cover off-label drugs such as Ozempic and Rybelsus prescribed for weight loss.

Since weight loss is considered a lifestyle choice rather than a medical necessity, many insurance companies won’t cover it unless it’s prescribed to manage a chronic health condition like type 2 diabetes.

Even if a healthcare provider prescribes the medication for weight loss, insurance companies may not see it as essential for your health without another valid medical reason.

How much does semaglutide cost with insurance?

With insurance, semaglutide can cost anywhere from $0 to hundreds of dollars per month, depending on your plan.

If your private or commercial insurance covers it, you might pay nothing or just a copay or deductible. You can also apply for manufacturer savings programs to help lower the cost.

If you have Medicaid, Wegovy is covered in some states, and you might pay $0 or a small fee of $3 if you qualify. Check Wegovy’s website or your state’s Medicaid site for details.

Medicare usually doesn’t cover semaglutide for weight loss but will provide coverage if used for type 2 diabetes.

Does Medicare cover semaglutide?

Medicare Part D drug plans and Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PD) do not cover weight loss drugs. If semaglutide was prescribed for type 2 diabetes, it would most likely be covered. Coverage varies by plan and medical necessity. The price will depend on your plan’s copay and whether you’ve met your deductible.

Currently, no Medicare plans, including original Medicare or Medicare Advantage, can cover medication prescribed for weight loss due to a legal prohibition. A bill in the U.S. Congress could change this in the future, and some organizations are working to get it passed.

Does Medicaid cover semaglutide?

Each state decides which drugs are covered by Medicaid. To see if semaglutide is covered in your area, check your health insurance plan’s list of covered drugs or contact your state Medicaid agency. You must also meet the income requirements set by your state to qualify for coverage.

Currently, 5 states offer unrestricted Medicaid coverage for Wegovy, and 4 states offer restricted coverage with prior authorization.

How to lower the cost of semaglutide without insurance

The cost of semaglutide without insurance can be high, but Novo Nordisk offers a patient assistance program for uninsured or Medicare patients. If you qualify, you could get Ozempic or Rybelsus for type 2 diabetes for free.

In addition to the patient assistance program, you can use manufacturer savings cards, pharmacy discounts, compounded semaglutide, and coupons.

Compounded semaglutide

You can save money on semaglutide for weight loss by purchasing compounded semaglutide.

Compounded semaglutide has the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy, but isn’t FDA-approved. However, the FDA allows compounding pharmacies to make it because of shortages.

If you and your healthcare provider decide that compounded semaglutide is the right option for you, be sure to choose a reputable, licensed compounding pharmacy that requires a prescription.

Patient assistance programs

Drug manufacturers offer patient assistance programs to help low-income, uninsured and underinsured individuals access their medication for free.

The NovoCare Patient Assistance Program (PAP) helps low-income individuals who are uninsured or underinsured and cannot afford their medications. If you qualify, the program will provide you with free Ozempic or Rybelsus. To apply, you need to meet certain income and eligibility requirements:

• You are a US citizen or resident
• Your total household income is at or below 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL)
• You have a prescription that meets the FDA-approved labeling
• You are uninsured or have Medicare with no other prescription drug coverage
• You do not have private or commercial insurance
• You are not enrolled or qualify for any federal, state or government programs that provide prescription benefits such as Medicaid, Low Income Subsidy (LIS), or Veteran Affairs (VA) benefits

You can visit the NovoCare website to check if you qualify and start the application process.

It is not currently possible to get free Wegovy through the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP).

Novo Nordisk Savings Card

Novo Nordisk offers savings programs for U.S. citizens and residents with commercial or private insurance coverage. Those enrolled in government-sponsored insurance such as Medicare or Medicaid are not eligible.

Ozempic Savings Card

If you have commercial insurance coverage that has coverage for Ozempic, you could pay as little as $25 for a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month supply with the Ozempic Savings Card, with the following maximum savings:

• $100 for a one-month supply
• $200 for a two-month supply
• $300 for a three-month supply

Wegovy Savings Card

If your commercial insurance covers Wegovy and your out-of-pocket expense is $849 or less, you could pay as little as $0 for a 28-day supply of Wegovy (with a maximum savings of $225 per month) with the Wegovy Savings Card.

If you don’t have insurance, or your commercial insurance doesn’t cover Wegovy, or your commercial insurance covers Wegovy but your out-of-pocket expenses are more than $849 per month, you could pay $650 for a 28-day supply.

Rybelsus Savings Card

If you have commercial insurance coverage that covers Rybelsus, you could pay as little as $10 for a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month supply Rybelsus Savings Card, with a maximum savings of $300 per month.

NovoCare Pharmacy

If you are uninsured or your commercial insurance doesn’t cover Wegovy, you can pay $499 for a 1-month supply of Wegovy through NovoCare Pharmacy. A prescription from your healthcare provider is required.

Medicare or Medicaid

If you have Medicare, it usually doesn’t cover semaglutide for weight loss. However, if you have Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan, Ozempic or Rybelsus may be covered for treating type 2 diabetes, depending on your plan. You can check your plan’s formulary to see if it’s covered.

For Medicaid, the coverage depends on your state. Some states cover semaglutide and you may pay a low cost or nothing at all if you’re eligible. Check with your state’s Medicaid program to find out if they cover semaglutide.

Pharmacy discount programs

Pharmacy discount programs like GoodRx and SingleCare can help lower the cost of medications, including semaglutide if you’re paying out of pocket.

• GoodRx provides discount coupons that can be used at most major pharmacies, including Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart. For example, a 30-day supply of Ozempic might cost around $1,000 without insurance, but using a GoodRx coupon, the price could drop to about $965 at participating pharmacies.
• SingleCare also offers discount cards that can be used at many pharmacies. You can get Ozempic for as low as $822 per month when using a SingleCare discount card.

Both programs let you compare prices, and sometimes, one might offer a better discount than the other, depending on your location and pharmacy. It’s worth checking both websites to find the best deal.

Alternative medications

Semaglutide can be costly, but there are cheaper alternatives, including GLP-1 and non-GLP-1 medications. If your insurance doesn’t cover it or you’re paying out of pocket, talk to your doctor about alternatives to Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. Continue reading to learn more.

Compounded semaglutide: Is it the best option for me?

Compounded semaglutide is prepared as needed or in small quantities at a licensed compounding pharmacy.

When you get semaglutide from a licensed compounding pharmacy, it is made with semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic. The medication can be adjusted to suit your needs, if necessary. You will need a prescription from your healthcare provider.

Compounded semaglutide is more affordable than the brand-name drug, but it is not FDA-approved. Therefore, its safety and effectiveness have not been evaluated by the FDA.

You might choose compounded semaglutide instead of the brand version for various reasons like supply issues, personal preference, allergies, or additional ingredients to reduce side effects and improve effectiveness.

If you are considering compounded semaglutide, it is important to consult with your doctor to ensure it is a safe and suitable option for you.

How to get semaglutide online without insurance

The three brand-name semaglutide medications are FDA-approved for different uses and prescribed in combination with diet and exercise.

Ozempic is used off-label for weight loss and is FDA-approved for:

• Controlling blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Reducing the risk of major cardiovascular health problems, such as heart attack, stroke, and death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease

Wegovy is FDA-approved for:

• Chronic weight management in adults and children 12 years and older with obesity (BMI of 30 or greater)
• Adults who are overweight (BMI of 27 or greater) with at least one weight-related medical condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
• Reducing the risk of major cardiovascular health problems, such as heart attack, stroke, and death in adults with obesity or overweight and heart disease

Rybelsus is FDA-approved for:

• Controlling blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus

For those without insurance, online options for semaglutide may offer a possible solution:

1. Telehealth services

Some telehealth services, like NiceRx, offer online consultations with doctors who can prescribe semaglutide if medically appropriate. Telehealth services offer lower prices with savings of up to 80% vs. the brand name drug.

2. Online pharmacies

Buying semaglutide online can be safe if you use trusted sources. The FDA strongly recommends buying prescription medications with a prescription from a licensed doctor and licensed pharmacies. You can verify an online pharmacy’s legitimacy by using the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s search tool.

3. Compounded semaglutide

Compounding pharmacies offer customized semaglutide, but it’s important to make sure they are licensed and use FDA-approved ingredients. The FDA warns against buying compounded semaglutide with salt forms.

Always consult a healthcare professional before buying medication. Be careful when buying semaglutide online, as some products may not have the FDA-approved ingredient, which can be risky for your health.

Semaglutide alternatives

Semaglutide can be costly, but there are cheaper alternatives. If your insurance doesn’t provide coverage or you’re paying out of pocket, ask your healthcare provider about possible semaglutide alternatives.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound)

Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound. Both are once-weekly injections with the same dosages but they are approved for different indications.

Like Wegovy, Zepbound is FDA-approved for weight management in adults with obesity (BMI of 30 or higher) or overweight (BMI of 27 or higher) and related health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes. Mounjaro is FDA-approved for controlling blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, like Ozempic and Rybelsus.

Mounjaro costs $1,069.08 for a 28-day supply, which is about $267.27 per week or $12,828.96 per year. Zepbound is slightly cheaper at about $1,059.87 for a 28-day supply, or $264.97 per week, and $12,718.44 per year.

The cost of four 0.5 mL pens (each with a 2.5 mg dose) of tirzepatide can vary by pharmacy and location, but here’s an estimate from GoodRx.

Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro and Zepbound, offers Savings Cards for both drugs. If you have commercial drug insurance, you may be eligible for the savings card program, even if your insurance doesn’t cover the medication (other conditions may apply).

• Mounjaro Savings Card: If your commercial insurance covers Mounjaro, you can pay as little as $25 for a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month prescription. If you have commercial insurance without coverage for Mounjaro, the card can save you up to $463 for a 1-month prescription.
• Zepbound Savings Card: If your commercial insurance covers Zepbound, you can pay as little as $25 for a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month prescription. If you have commercial insurance without coverage for Zepbound, the card can save you up to $469 for a 1-month prescription.

You can also obtain single-dose Zepbound vials directly from LillyDirect, which costs $399/month for the 2.5 mg vial and $549/month for the 5 mg vial.

Mounjaro and Zepbound are not currently included in  Eli Lilly’s patient assistance program.

Liraglutide (Victoza and Saxenda)

Liraglutide, sold under the brand names Victoza and Saxenda, treats type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Approved in 2010, Saxenda (liraglutide) was the first GLP-1 medication approved for weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related health issue. It is also approved for children aged 12 and older with obesity. It’s made by the same company as Wegovy, Novo Nordisk.

Saxenda, being an older GLP-1 medication, has some downsides compared to newer GLP-1 medications. For example, it’s taken daily instead of weekly, and you might lose less weight with it than with other injectable GLP-1 medications. It also doesn’t have the same cardiovascular benefits as Wegovy.

Saxenda has the same list price as Wegovy, costing about $1,349.02 without insurance. However, the Saxenda Savings Card offered by Novo Nordisk can bring the cost down to as low as $25 for those with commercial insurance. Like Wegovy, insurance plans usually won’t cover Saxenda without prior authorization. If you have type 2 diabetes, your insurance provider is more likely to cover Victoza, which contains the same active ingredient as Saxenda, liraglutide.

Victoza (liraglutide) is another injectable GLP-1 agonist that lowers blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes with known heart disease, but it needs to be injected once a day instead of once a week because it doesn’t stay in the body as long as Mounjaro and other alternatives. The FDA approved Liraglutide, the first generic of a once-daily GLP-1 injection, in December 2024.

Unlike Mounjaro, Victoza has proven heart protection benefits. It’s approved for people aged 10 and older. People taking Victoza may lose about 2% of their body weight in a year, while those on Mounjaro lose 6% to 8% in a shorter time. However, Victoza has fewer side effects compared to Mounjaro.

Saxenda contains 3 mg of liraglutide per dose, while Victoza has a maximum of 1.8 mg. Because Saxenda has more liraglutide, it may be more effective for weight loss. In the SCALE Diabetes trial, participants with type 2 diabetes were given either 1.8 mg of liraglutide, 3 mg of liraglutide, or a placebo. Those taking 3 mg of liraglutide lost 6% of their body weight, those taking 1.8 mg lost 4.7%, and those on the placebo lost 2%.

The cost of liraglutide may vary by brand, pharmacy and location. Here’s an estimate from GoodRx:

Novo Nordisk offers Savings Cards for Saxenda and Victoza. If you have commercial drug insurance or are uninsured, you may be eligible for the savings card program, even if your insurance doesn’t cover the medication).

• Saxenda Savings Card: If your commercial insurance covers Saxenda, you can pay as little as $25 for a 1-month supply of Saxenda with a maximum savings of $200 per month. If you have commercial insurance without coverage for Saxenda or are uninsured, you can save up to $200 per month.
• Victoza Savings Card: If your commercial insurance covers Victoza, you can pay as little as $25 for a 1-month supply of Victoza with a maximum savings of $100 per month. If you have commercial insurance without coverage for Victoza or are uninsured, you can save up to $200 per month.

If you don’t have insurance or have limited coverage, you might be able to get Victoza for free through the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program if you meet certain income and insurance criteria.

Non-GLP-1 weight loss medications

Other non-GLP-1 medications that may support your weight loss program include:

• Metformin: Metformin (Glumetza and Fortamet) is a pill used to treat type 2 diabetes by helping control blood sugar levels.
• Phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia): Topiramate is a once-daily medication used to treat seizures and prevent migraines. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that works by increasing levels of norepinephrine in the brain, which signals a decrease in hunger. It can also be used for weight loss in combination with other drugs.
• Naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave): It is taken twice daily and used to help with weight loss by reducing hunger and cravings. It combines two drugs, naltrexone and bupropion, to affect brain chemicals that control hunger.
• Orlistat (Xenical or Alli): It is taken three times daily and helps with weight loss by blocking the absorption of some fat from the food you eat. It works in the stomach and intestines to reduce the number of calories your body absorbs.

While price can vary by pharmacy and location, here’s an idea of how much a 30-day supply of each medication costs, according to GoodRx.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How can I get semaglutide for $25?

You may be eligible to get semaglutide for $25 by using the savings card programs offered by Novo Nordisk. Check the manufacturer’s savings card websites to see if you qualify for any savings card programs.

Is compounded semaglutide as effective as Wegovy and Ozempic?

Yes, compounded semaglutide from a licensed compounding pharmacy should be as effective as Wegovy and Ozempic.

How much does a 30-day supply of semaglutide cost without insurance?

Without insurance, a 30-day supply of semaglutide can cost anywhere from $968.52 to $1,349.02, depending on the brand name and where you buy it.

Are there assistance programs available for semaglutide?

Yes, there are assistance programs available for semaglutide, particularly through the manufacturer Novo Nordisk, which offers patient assistance programs (PAP) for both Ozempic (semaglutide injection) and Rybelsus (oral tablet) that can help you access the medication for free if you qualify and meet certain income and insurance requirements.

Is semaglutide covered by any government programs?

Semaglutide may be covered by government programs like Medicare or Medicaid, depending on your eligibility and the specific plan. The coverage varies by program and state.

What are my options if I can’t afford semaglutide?

If you can’t afford semaglutide, you can look into pharmacy discount cards, manufacturer savings cards, patient assistance programs, compounded medications, or financial assistance programs that may help lower the cost. Another option is to talk to your doctor about alternative treatments or supplements that might be more affordable.

Bottom line

Semaglutide can be expensive without insurance. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to over $1,300 a month, depending on the medication.

The Novo Nordisk savings programs, patient assistance programs, and pharmacy discount cards like GoodRx and SingleCare can help reduce costs significantly.

For those looking for cheaper alternatives, compounded semaglutide offers a more affordable option for semaglutide without insurance.

Other medications like tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) and generic weight loss drugs may also be options depending on your needs and insurance coverage.

Explore the resources mentioned to find the most affordable solution for your medication. Be sure to consult your doctor before changing your treatment plan to find the best option for your health and needs.

Trusted source

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

• Federal regulatory agency for food and health-related products

Go to source

Trusted source

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

• Federal regulatory agency for food and health-related products

Go to source

Trusted source

Medicare.gov

• The official website for the U.S. government's Medicare program. Medicare.gov provides official benefit information regarding Medicare

Go to source

Trusted source

Medicaid.gov

• The official U.S. government site for Medicaid

Go to source

Trusted source

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

• Federal regulatory agency for food and health-related products

Go to source

Trusted source

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

• Federal regulatory agency for food and health-related products

Go to source

Trusted source

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

• Federal regulatory agency for food and health-related products

Go to source

Trusted source

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

• Federal regulatory agency for food and health-related products

Go to source

Trusted source

American Heart Association Journals

• The official journal of the American Heart Association

Go to source