Before You Sign Up
That "$149/month" GLP-1 program might actually cost $250 after hidden fees. This checklist covers every extra charge we've seen across dozens of telehealth providers — print it, screenshot it, and reference it before committing to any program.
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. Fee information compiled from provider websites and patient reports.
The Hidden Fee Checklist
| # | Fee Type | Typical Cost | How Common |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enrollment/processing fee | $10–$50 | Uncommon but exists |
| 2 | Initial consultation fee | $50–$100 | Some providers (separate from med cost) |
| 3 | Lab work requirement | $50–$300 | Common at in-person clinics; rare for telehealth |
| 4 | Dose escalation surcharge | $50–$200/mo extra | Common (dose-dependent pricing) |
| 5 | Expedited shipping | $15–$30 | Usually optional; some charge by default |
| 6 | Supplies (syringes, swabs) | $15–$30 | Rare with telehealth (usually included) |
| 7 | Follow-up consultation fee | $25–$75/visit | Some providers charge per check-in |
| 8 | Medication adjustment fee | $25–$50 | Uncommon but watch for it |
| 9 | Cancellation penalty | $50–$200 | Multi-month plans and contracts |
| 10 | Early termination fee | Remaining balance | Prepaid multi-month plans |
| 11 | Anti-nausea medication add-on | $20–$60/mo | Offered as upsell at some providers |
| 12 | Premium support/coaching | $30–$100/mo | Optional tier upgrades |
The Five Questions That Reveal True Cost
Ask these before signing up with any provider:
- "What is my total out-of-pocket cost for month one, including everything?" — Not just medication. Everything. Consult, shipping, supplies, enrollment.
- "What will I pay at the highest dose level?" — The dose you'll be on for the majority of treatment.
- "What happens if I need to cancel after 3 months?" — Cancellation terms, refund policies, remaining balance obligations.
- "Are follow-up consultations included or billed separately?" — Some providers charge per check-in.
- "Do you require lab work? If so, is it included?" — External lab work can add $50-300.
Green Flag Providers
The best providers are transparent about total cost. Look for: flat-rate pricing at all dose levels, no enrollment fees, free shipping, included follow-ups, and clear cancellation policies posted on their website — not buried in terms of service.
Transparent Pricing Providers
Gala
$179/mo flat — no hidden fees, no dose surcharges, same price every month
Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
Yucca Health
$146/mo — all-inclusive on 6-month plan
Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
Care Bare Rx
Straightforward subscription — consult and medication bundled
Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
Key Takeaways
- Dose escalation surcharges are the most expensive hidden fee — can add $50–$200/month
- Lab work requirements (common at in-person clinics) can add $50–$300 upfront
- Multi-month prepaid plans may have cancellation penalties or no refund policies
- Always ask about month-one total, highest-dose pricing, and cancellation terms
- Flat-rate providers eliminate the most common and costly hidden fee (dose escalation)
- If a provider can't give you a clear total cost answer, that's a red flag