How much do GLP-1 medications cost?

• The cost of GLP-1 medications varies widely, ranging from around $199 to over $1,500.
• Insurance coverage for GLP-1s is more common for diabetes management than for weight loss.
• Consumers can potentially save money by using manufacturer coupons and other options.

If you’ve been considering adding a GLP-1 medication to your wellness plan, there’s probably one major question at the top of your mind: How much is this going to cost me? 

There are many different types of GLP-1 medications out there, typically available in either injection or pill form. Some require you to go in-office for application, while others you can administer yourself at home. The amount of money you pay will depend on the medication you choose, the form it comes in, whether you have to go into the office, and whether it’s covered by your insurance.  

How much does GLP-1 cost per month?

GLP-1 drugs cost between $200 and $1,350 per month, on average. This amount depends on the medication, your insurance coverage and which provider you choose.

There are currently four popular GLP-1 agonists approved by the FDA (two FDA-approved agonists, lixisenatide and exenatide, have been discontinued in recent years). GLP-1s were primarily used for managing diabetes, but began gaining popularity around 2021 for their weight loss properties:

• Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy)
• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)
• Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)
• Dulaglutide (Trulicity)

GLP-1 medication cost by drug 

For the most part, you should expect to pay out of pocket for GLP-1 medications used for weight management. Insurance companies tend to cover these drugs for diabetes management, but few allow coverage for weight management unless medically recommended by a doctor. To find out if your insurance company covers GLP-1 medications, reach out to them directly to ask. If they say you need a physician's approval, find out exactly what documentation they require from your doctor. 

When paying out of pocket, prices vary wildly across medications. You can expect to pay anywhere from $199 to $1,500 for a month’s worth of injections, depending on which GLP-1 medication you’ve chosen. Many pharmacies (both in-person and online) offer coupons for your first month or two of medication. Manufacturers also offer discounts directly, so be sure to search around for the best deal when shopping. Ask your doctor for affordable options, too; they may be able to give you an Rx discount card or prescribe you a less expensive GLP-1 medication. 

How much does Ozempic cost? 

Out of pocket, Ozempic costs $1,027.51 per pen.  

If you have insurance that partially covers Ozempic (and a type 2 diabetes diagnosis), you can sign up for the Ozempic savings card. With the card, Ozempic costs $499 a month for established patients who take 2 mg. Smaller doses (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg) cost $349 a month for existing patients. If you’re a new patient, you can get your first two months of 0.25mg or 0.5mg Ozempic for $199 a month.  

If your insurance covers Ozempic, the price is much lower. The brand says you can pay as little as $25 for any dose of Ozempic for three months.  

How much does Wegovy cost? 

Wegovy costs between $149 and $349 per month, making it one of the most affordable GLP-1 medications on the market. The Wegovy pill costs $149 a month for a 1.5 mg dose, but can go as low as $25 per month if covered by insurance. The Wegovy injectable pen is a bit more expensive, running $349 a month (or as low as $25 with insurance).  

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How much does Rybelsus cost? 

The retail price for Rybelsus is $997.58 for a one-month package of pills. The brand notes on its website that most people don’t pay the full list price, and while insurance may not cover the full cost, it may cover enough to drive down the price. 

Does insurance cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss? 

Yes, insurance covers GLP-1 medications for weight loss, but coverage depends greatly on your provider, your health, your doctor, and your location. Those living with Type 2 diabetes tend to have coverage through insurance, while those looking to use GLP-1s strictly for weight loss have a harder time finding coverage.  

The following map outlines exactly where you can find the best weight loss support depending on your state.  

Do you need a prescription for GLP-1 medications for weight loss? 

Yes, you need a prescription to start GLP-1 medication. You can ask for a prescription from your primary care provider, or you can sign up for a weight loss platform that helps facilitate conversations with healthcare providers, like Hers or Ro. 

How to save on GLP-1 medications 

If you want to experiment with GLP-1 medications but feel put off by the prices, there are ways to get weight loss medications for less.  

• Go to the manufacturer's website. Many manufacturers have coupons directly on the site that you can sign up to receive.  
• Use a site like GoodRx to find the lowest prices. If your pharmacy lists a price that’s too high for comfort, try searching your GLP-1 medication on a site like GoodRx, which scours pharmacies and finds coupons to present you with the cheapest options.  
• Call your insurance. If your insurance won’t cover GLP-1 medication, call them and find out why. They may detail steps your doctor needs to take in order to cover it, or offer an alternative GLP-1 that’s covered by your insurance. 
• Look into weight loss programs. Companies like Hers, Ro, RemedyMeds, and MEDVi offer holistic weight loss programs for GLP-1 medications, including coaching, prescriptions, fulfillment, and weight loss program development. They also have access to exclusive discounts that can help you save on monthly or yearly doses. 

Frequently asked questions 

Which GLP-1 medication is most effective for weight loss? 

Drugs.com says the most effective GLP-1 medication for weight loss is tirzepatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro). The site noted that tirzpatide offered an average of 22.5% body weight loss (whereas semaglutide offered an average of 15-16% body weight loss).  

As with any drug, however, the one that will be most effective for your body will depend on your lifestyle, your genetics, and your environment. It’s best to consult with a healthcare provider to pick the GLP-1 medication that’s most suitable for you. 

What’s the cheapest GLP-1 without insurance? 

Wegovy is the cheapest GLP-1 available without insurance, costing $149 a month for the pill and $349 a month for the injectable.  

Does Costco have the Wegovy pill? 

Yes, Costco carries the Wegovy pill. You will need a Costco membership and a prescription from your doctor to receive it. 

Who shouldn’t take GLP-1s?  

The conversation around GLP-1 medication is constantly evolving. Long-term side effects of the drug for weight loss management are still relatively unknown, so you should only start taking them after a conversation with your primary care provider.  

FDA-approved GLP-1 medications are generally considered safe for most people, but there are quite a few people who should avoid them altogether, including those who have: 

• Family history of thyroid cancer 
• Family history of pancreatitis 
• Gastrointestinal conditions 
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding 
• Diabetic retinopathy 
• History of eating disorders 

Each of these GLP-1 medications provides important safety information on its website, including possible side effects from taking the drug. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider concerning questions you have before starting, stopping or modifying any treatment or medication.