How Much Does Ozempic Cost Without Insurance in the U.S?
If you pay for Ozempic without insurance, the list price is about $998 per month. However, new programs now offer the medication for $199 to $499 per month for those paying out-of-pocket.
Getting the medication you need shouldn’t mean financial stress. If you’ve been prescribed Ozempic (semaglutide) to manage your type 2 diabetes, you might be worried about the price. The cost can be high, especially if you are uninsured or your plan doesn’t cover it.
This guide breaks down the latest prices and, more importantly, shows you clear steps to find savings. You can access manufacturer coupons, patient assistance programs, and other strategies to make your treatment affordable. Let’s explore your options.
Key Takeaways
- The standard price for a one-month supply of Ozempic without insurance is approximately $998, but manufacturer programs now offer it for as low as $199 for new patients.
- With a valid savings card and commercial insurance, you could pay as little as $25 for up to a 3-month prescription.
- The Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP) provides medication at no cost to eligible uninsured or Medicare patients with a household income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- You can use funds from an HSA or FSA to pay for your prescription, and asking your doctor for a 90-day supply or free samples can also lower costs.
- Always talk to your prescriber and pharmacist. They can help you navigate savings options and may know of local programs or coupons you can use.
How Can I Save on My Ozempic Medication?
The full price of Ozempic is a significant barrier for many. Fortunately, you have several practical pathways to reduce your out-of-pocket cost. The key is knowing which options you qualify for and how to access them.
1. Check If Insurance Covers Ozempic and Understand Ozempic Cost with Insurance
Your first step should always be to understand your own insurance coverage. Call your insurance provider and ask specific questions. Find out if Ozempic is on your plan’s formulary (list of covered drugs), if you need prior authorization, and what your copay or coinsurance would be.
Coverage often depends on your diagnosis. Many commercial insurance plans and Medicare Part D will cover Ozempic for its FDA-approved use to manage type 2 diabetes. However, if it is prescribed for weight management alone, coverage is less common. Knowing your plan's rules helps you plan your next move.
2. Use a Savings Card for Ozempic from Novo Nordisk
If you have commercial insurance that covers Ozempic, the manufacturer’s savings card can dramatically lower your cost. This program is designed to help with out-of-pocket expenses.
- For insured patients: You could pay as little as $25 for a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month prescription. The offer covers up to $300 in savings for a 3-month supply and is valid for up to 48 months.
- For self-pay patients (uninsured or using cash): Novo Nordisk offers a direct price. New patients can pay $199 per month for the first two months of the 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg dose. After that, the price is $349 per month for most doses and $499 per month for the 2 mg dose.
Important Note: These offers are not available to people with government insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, or VA benefits.
3. See If Medicare Extra Help Covers Ozempic Costs
If you have Medicare, a program called "Extra Help" (the Low-Income Subsidy) can significantly reduce your prescription drug costs. In 2025, this program can eliminate your Part D premium and deductible and cap your copay for brand-name drugs like Ozempic at $12.15.
You may automatically qualify if you receive Medicaid or SSI. If not, you can apply through the Social Security Administration. It’s a critical resource for Medicare beneficiaries with limited income.
4. Apply for a Patient Assistance Program for Prescribed Ozempic
For those with the greatest financial need, the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP) can provide Ozempic at no cost. To qualify, you must generally:
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
- Have a household income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- Have no insurance or have Medicare.
- Not be eligible for other government programs like Medicaid or VA benefits.
If approved, your medication is shipped directly to your doctor’s office for you to pick up. Be aware that eligibility rules are changing in 2026, with stricter income limits for the uninsured (200% of FPL) and most Medicare patients no longer qualifying. Apply as soon as possible if you think you are eligible.
5. Download Coupons to Compare Ozempic Prices and Save on Ozempic
Download a free coupon from reputable prescription savings sites like PolarBearMeds and save up to 90% buying from Canada.
Other sites like Optum Perks or SingleCare offer similar coupon cards. These are different from the manufacturer’s savings card. You can present these coupons at your local pharmacy to get a discounted cash price.
It’s a good idea to compare prices. Call a few pharmacies in your area, give them the coupon information, and ask for their best cash price. You might be surprised by the variation. Never pay a service to fill out assistance forms for you, as reputable help is available for free.
6. Ask About Alternative GLP-1 Agonist Medication Such as Semaglutide
If Ozempic is unaffordable, talk to your doctor about alternatives. Other GLP-1 receptor agonists might be covered by your insurance or have their own savings programs.
- Rybelsus: This is the pill version of semaglutide, the same active ingredient in Ozempic. It is also approved for type 2 diabetes and has a manufacturer savings card.
- Other Injectables: Medications like Trulicity (dulaglutide) or Mounjaro (tirzepatide) might be options. Your doctor can help determine if one is appropriate for you and check its coverage.
7. Use HSA or FSA Funds to Reduce Ozempic Prices
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use these pre-tax dollars to pay for your Ozempic prescription. This effectively reduces the real cost of your medication by the amount you would have paid in taxes on that income. Check the details of your specific account for any rules on prescription purchases.
8. Request a 90-Day Prescription to Lower the Cost of Ozempic
If your insurance plan allows it, getting a 90-day supply of your medication can be more convenient and sometimes less expensive per month than getting a 30-day supply. Ask your doctor if they can write your prescription for a 90-day supply and check with your insurance or pharmacy to see if this unlocks a better price.
9. Ask If Your Provider Can Prescribe Free Ozempic Samples
Doctors sometimes receive free samples of medications from pharmaceutical representatives. It doesn’t hurt to ask your healthcare provider if they have any Ozempic samples available. This can be a great way to start treatment while you work on securing long-term coverage or financial assistance.
Table: Summary of Major Ozempic Savings Programs
| Program | Best For | Potential Cost | Key Eligibility Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer Savings Card | Commercially insured patients | As low as $25/month | Insurance must cover Ozempic; not valid for government insurance |
| Direct Cash Price | Uninsured or self-pay patients | $199–$499/month | Offered via NovoCare Pharmacy; price varies by dose |
| Patient Assistance Program (PAP) | Uninsured or Medicare patients with low income | 0 | Income ≤ 400% FPL (drops to 200% FPL for uninsured in 2026) |
| Medicare Extra Help | Medicare patients with limited resources | Copay as low as $12.15 | Must apply and qualify based on income and resources |
The Bottom Line on Ozempic Prices and Ways to Save
Managing the cost of Ozempic requires some legwork, but effective help is available. Start by speaking clearly with your healthcare provider and pharmacist—they are your allies. Then, systematically explore your options: verify your insurance coverage, sign up for the appropriate savings card, and investigate if you qualify for patient assistance.
Remember, you are not alone in navigating this. Organizations like NeedyMeds offer free guides to programs, and nonprofit foundations may provide copay assistance. With persistence and the right information, you can find a path to afford your prescribed medication and focus on your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Eligible uninsured patients can pay around $499 per month through Novo Nordisk’s direct program, while insured users may pay as little as $25 with NovoCare savings cards.
Most insurance plans cover Ozempic only for type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss purposes. Coverage depends on your provider and diagnosis.
Canadian pharmacies, like those partnered with Polar Bear Meds, operate under government-regulated drug pricing, which keeps costs significantly lower—often.
Yes—if purchased from licensed Canadian pharmacies that require valid prescriptions and provide verifiable DIN/NDC numbers for authenticity.
Compare U.S. manufacturer programs, Canadian pharmacy pricing, and telehealth bundles to find the best combination of savings and convenience.
The difference is significant. Without insurance, the list price is about $998 for a 30-day supply. Through Novo Nordisk's direct program for self-pay patients, that price is reduced to $349 for most doses ($499 for the 2 mg dose). With insurance, your cost depends entirely on your plan. With a qualifying plan and the manufacturer’s savings card, your cost could be as low as $25 per month.
Insurance covers Ozempic for some patients but not others primarily due to diagnosis and plan design. Most insurers cover it for its FDA-approved uses: improving blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes and reducing risk of major heart events in those with heart disease. Coverage for off-label use, such as for weight loss without diabetes, is much less common. Each insurance plan also has its own list of covered drugs (formulary) and rules like prior authorization.
A 30-day supply typically includes one pen. The cost ranges from:
- $25 with insurance and a manufacturer savings card.
- $199 (introductory offer) to $349 for the cash price for most doses from the manufacturer.
- $499 for the cash price for the 2 mg dose.
- Approximately $998 at the full list price.
Common reasons for denial include:
- The prescription is for an off-label use (like weight loss) not covered by your plan.
- Your plan requires you to try a different, preferred medication first (step therapy).
- You lack prior authorization from your doctor proving medical necessity.
- The drug is simply not on your plan’s formulary.
To get Ozempic for $25 a month, you need two things:
- Commercial insurance that includes Ozempic on its formulary.
- The Novo Nordisk savings card. You can activate or request one on the Ozempic website and present it at your pharmacy. The card will reduce your copay to $25 for up to a 3-month supply, with savings of up to $300.
If your insurance doesn’t cover Ozempic, your main options are:
- Use the manufacturer’s cash price program ($199-$499/month).
- Apply for the Patient Assistance Program (PAP) if your income qualifies.
- Use a prescription discount coupon from a site like Optum Perks.
Discuss alternative medications with your doctor that might be covered.
Yes. Rybelsus is an oral tablet that contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Ozempic. It is also approved to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It has its own savings program, and for eligible patients, it can cost as little as $10 per month.
It depends on your prescribed dose. Each Ozempic pen contains multiple doses.
- The starter dose pen (0.25 mg/0.5 mg) contains 2 mg of semaglutide. If you are on the 0.25 mg dose, it will last 4 weeks. If you are on the 0.5 mg dose, it will last 4 weeks.
- The 1 mg dose pen contains 4 mg and lasts 4 weeks.
- The 2 mg dose pen contains 8 mg and also lasts 4 weeks.
Your doctor or pharmacist can show you exactly how many doses are in your specific pen and how to use it.
