The Numbers
Semaglutide cost by type
| Type | List price / month | With insurance | With savings program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic (0.5–2 mg) | ~$935 | $25–$150 (diabetes coverage) | As low as $25/mo (NovoCare card) |
| Wegovy (2.4 mg) | ~$1,349 | Rare — most plans exclude | Up to $500 off (insured only) |
| Rybelsus (oral) | ~$935 | Sometimes (diabetes) | NovoCare savings available |
| Compounded (low dose) | $150–$250 | Not covered | No savings programs |
| Compounded (high dose) | $300–$500 | Not covered | No savings programs |
| Generic semaglutide | Not yet available in the US | — | — |
List prices reflect 2026 published figures and change often. Confirm current pricing with the pharmacy or manufacturer.
What Drives the Price
What affects your semaglutide cost
- Dose. Higher doses cost more — a 2.4 mg/month vial costs more than a 0.5 mg/month vial.
- Provider model. Telehealth markup varies a lot — some include the medication in the subscription, others bill it separately.
- Insurance. Very few plans cover Wegovy for weight loss; Ozempic coverage for diabetes is far more common.
- Pharmacy type. 503A compounding pharmacies (patient-specific) and 503B outsourcing facilities (bulk) have different pricing structures.
Who Pays What
Your cost depends on your situation
Commercial insurance + diabetes diagnosis
Ozempic is the most likely to be covered. With the NovoCare savings card, eligible patients can pay as little as $25/month — the most affordable brand-name pathway.
Commercial insurance, weight loss only
Wegovy coverage is expanding slowly, but most plans still exclude it. Out-of-pocket cost is around $1,349/month unless your plan specifically covers anti-obesity medication.
Medicare or Medicaid
Medicare Part D now covers anti-obesity medications under certain conditions. Coverage varies significantly — check your specific plan.
No insurance / cash pay
Compounded semaglutide from a licensed 503B pharmacy via telehealth is typically the most accessible option at $150–$500/month depending on dose and provider.
Over a Year
Annual cost comparison
| Option | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Wegovy (no insurance) | ~$1,349 | ~$16,200 |
| Ozempic (no insurance) | ~$935 | ~$11,200 |
| Compounded (mid-dose) | ~$300 | ~$3,600 |
| Compounded (low dose) | ~$200 | ~$2,400 |
Lowering the Cost
Ways to reduce what you pay
- Novo Nordisk savings card. Eligible commercially insured patients can get Ozempic for as low as $25/month.
- Wegovy savings program. Up to $500/month off for eligible insured patients.
- Compounded telehealth. Licensed providers offer compounded semaglutide at significantly lower cash prices than brand-name pens.
- GoodRx. Can reduce retail pharmacy cost but typically not below ~$800/month for brand-name semaglutide.
Is compounded semaglutide safe?
Compounded semaglutide from an FDA-registered 503B outsourcing facility is produced under pharmaceutical-grade conditions and contains the same active molecule as the brand-name drug. The key is sourcing from a licensed 503B facility — not from unregulated online sellers. Your telehealth prescriber should be able to confirm the pharmacy's 503B status. Note that compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved; clinical outcome data on compounded formulations specifically is limited, even though the active ingredient is identical.
This page is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Prices are starting/advertised figures that change frequently — always confirm current pricing and terms before purchasing. Only a licensed clinician can determine whether a GLP-1 medication is appropriate for you.