Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) has a list price of $935-1,349/month. But almost nobody should pay that. Here's every way to get semaglutide cheaper — ranked from lowest to highest cost.
💡 Bottom Line: The cheapest legitimate semaglutide option in 2026 is compounded semaglutide from telehealth providers at $149-249/month. If you want brand-name, Novo Nordisk's self-pay program offers $349/month.
All Your Options, Ranked by Price
🥇 Compounded Semaglutide (Telehealth)
Same active ingredient, prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies. Not FDA-approved as a product, but legally available. Includes medical consultation. Best option for uninsured patients.
🥈 Insurance with Good Coverage
If your insurance covers GLP-1s (more common for diabetes than weight loss), you'll pay just the copay. Check your formulary for Ozempic or Wegovy coverage.
🥉 NovoCare Self-Pay (Brand-Name)
Novo Nordisk's official self-pay program for uninsured or underinsured patients. Available at participating pharmacies. No income requirements.
4. GoodRx / Discount Cards
Pharmacy discount cards offer modest savings off list price. Not recommended — NovoCare and compounded options are far cheaper.
5. Retail (List Price)
What you'd pay at a pharmacy with no discounts. Nobody should pay this.
Option 1: Compounded Semaglutide (Best Value)
Compounded semaglutide is the most affordable option for most patients. Telehealth providers partner with licensed compounding pharmacies to offer semaglutide at a fraction of brand-name prices.
How It Works
- Complete online medical questionnaire
- Video or async consultation with licensed provider
- If approved, medication ships to your door
- Ongoing support and dose adjustments included
Current Prices (January 2026)
| Provider | Monthly Price | January Promo |
|---|---|---|
| Eden | $149/mo | $120 off auto-applied |
| Clinic Secret | $179/mo | $100 off auto-applied |
| Sprout Health | $199/mo | FIRST150 - $150 off |
| EnhanceMD | $199/mo | RESET100 - $100 off |
| bmiMD | $229/mo | NYNM - 20% off |
⚠️ Important: Compounded medications are not FDA-approved products. They contain the same active ingredient but are prepared by compounding pharmacies rather than the original manufacturer. Verify your provider uses licensed 503A or 503B pharmacies.
Option 2: Insurance Coverage
If your insurance covers semaglutide, it's usually the cheapest option. The challenge: most plans cover it for diabetes but not weight loss.
Getting Covered for Diabetes
Ozempic is commonly covered for type 2 diabetes with prior authorization. If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes (A1C 5.7%+), this is often the easiest path.
Getting Covered for Weight Loss
Only ~40% of commercial plans cover Wegovy for weight management. You'll typically need:
- BMI ≥30 (or ≥27 with comorbidities)
- Documented failed diet/exercise attempts
- Letter of medical necessity
- Prior authorization approval
Option 3: NovoCare Self-Pay Program
Novo Nordisk's official self-pay option for patients without adequate insurance coverage.
Details
- Price: $349/month for Wegovy or Ozempic
- Requirements: Valid prescription, no commercial insurance coverage
- How to access: Present the savings card at participating pharmacies
- Availability: Most major pharmacy chains participate
This is the cheapest way to get FDA-approved, brand-name semaglutide without insurance. It's more expensive than compounded options but offers the security of the original manufacturer's product.
What About International Pharmacies?
Some patients import semaglutide from Canadian or international pharmacies at lower prices. Key considerations:
- Technically illegal under FDA regulations (but rarely enforced for personal use)
- Quality and authenticity can be difficult to verify
- No recourse if you receive counterfeit medication
- May not be significantly cheaper than NovoCare pricing
Given the availability of $149-349 options domestically, international pharmacies aren't recommended for most patients.
HSA/FSA: Hidden Savings
Regardless of which option you choose, you can likely pay with pre-tax HSA or FSA dollars. This effectively saves you 22-37% depending on your tax bracket.
Example: $200/month paid with HSA saves ~$50/month in taxes = $600/year in additional savings.
Quick Decision Guide
Have insurance that covers GLP-1s? → Use insurance (lowest copay)
No coverage, want lowest price? → Compounded semaglutide ($149-249/mo)
No coverage, want brand-name? → NovoCare self-pay ($349/mo)
Have diabetes or pre-diabetes? → Ask about Ozempic for diabetes (better insurance coverage)
The Bottom Line
Nobody should pay $1,000+/month for semaglutide. With compounded options at $149-249, manufacturer programs at $349, and potential insurance coverage, affordable access exists for virtually everyone.
The key is finding the option that fits your budget and comfort level, then committing to it long-term. Consistency matters more than which specific product you choose.