What does Wegovy® cost without insurance? How to navigate pricing in 2026

If you’re considering Wegovy® for weight loss, what it will cost is likely a big question about whether treatment will work for you. GLP-1 medications, like Wegovy®, can be very effective for managing weight, but they also have a reputation for being quite expensive. And, insurance is rarely accepted when a medication is used for weight loss. While some of that is changing, you’ll likely still pay out of pocket for Wegovy®. 

While Wegovy® has a list price of $1,350, what people can expect to pay without insurance has shifted over time due to government rule and regulation changes, manufacturer programs, and how pharmacies handle cash-pay prescriptions. There’s even the new Wegovy® pill, approved in late 2025, to consider when thinking about pricing. So your choice will also come down to the daily pill versus the weekly injection, and what the price differences are there. 

Whether you’re uninsured, your plan doesn’t cover weight-loss medications, or you’re trying to understand your true out-of-pocket options, we’ll walk you through the pricing of Wegovy^®, what’s changed recently, and how to navigate the updated cost landscape so you can make a more informed decision.

Price snapshot (Estimated monthly costs)

Cost scenario	Estimated monthly price
List price	$1,350 for both the injection pen and the pill
With insurance	$25–$150 for both the injection pen and the pill (varies by plan and coverage)
Without insurance (cash)	$199-$349 for the injection pen $149-$299 for the pillThrough NovoNordisk’s NovoCare Pharmacy
Most affordable alternative	Varies by prescription option and eligibility

Wegovy® cost: News and changes for 2026 

A few announcements in late 2025 and early 2026 have made a big impact on how much people may pay for Wegovy^®—especially if they’re paying without insurance. Between new government pricing efforts, expanded manufacturer programs, and the launch of an oral Wegovy pill, you now have options. Here are the key updates that explain how pricing has shifted and why what you pay can still vary:

• January 5, 2026: Oral Wegovy^® pill launched with lower cash pricing – In early 2026, Novo Nordisk launched an oral Wegovy^® pill, expanding access beyond injections for the first time for weight loss.
  • Cash pricing through NovoCare Pharmacy for the pill ranges from $149 to $299 per month, depending on dose. Its arrival marked a major shift in the Wegovy^® cost conversation—especially for people paying out of pocket.
• November 17, 2025: Novo Nordisk extended reduced cash pricing for injections – Novo Nordisk announced it would continue offering reduced pricing for Wegovy^® injections through NovoCare Pharmacy when paying cash. Many uninsured or underinsured people can get Wegovy for $199 to $349 per month, depending on dose and pharmacy participation. 
• November 6, 2025 – Federal drug-pricing initiative announced – Novo Nordisk agreed to make its semaglutide weight-loss medications, including Wegovy®, available at a significantly reduced cash price, reported to be around $350 per month. It will be available through a government-supported purchasing platform expected to launch in 2026. The announcement also outlined plans to expand Medicare and Medicaid access with lower copays as part of a broader effort to improve affordability.

Together, these updates signal a real move toward better access—but they also explain why Wegovy^® costs without insurance can look very different from one person to the next.

How much does Wegovy^® cost per month in 2026? 

When people ask how much Wegovy^® costs each month, the answer is: it depends.

Prices you see online often reflect the official list price, not what most people actually end up paying after discounts, insurance, or savings programs are applied. The price also depends on the format you choose, injection or pill, as each has different price points through NovoCare Pharmacy.

Here’s what you need to know about the true cost of a Wegovy prescription:

For 2026, the list price of Wegovy^® for both the pill and the injection is $1,350 per month. That figure represents the starting point before any financial assistance or special program comes into play. In reality, many people pay far less thanks to lower-cost self-pay options, manufacturer programs, or insurance coverage.

Keep in mind, too, that the price of medication is only part of the picture. Ongoing prescriptions usually involve provider check-ins, renewals, and occasional lab tests, which can cost $150 to $300 per visit and $100 to $200 for labs. If these services aren’t included in a bundled program, they can add incremental costs over time that are easy to overlook.

The table below shows typical monthly cost ranges based on different payment setups and different options.

Payment scenario	Estimated monthly cost	Who this is for
Full retail price	$1,350	People paying fully out of pocket
With insurance	$25–$150 (varies by plan)	Plans that include weight-management benefits
With the Wegovy® Savings Card	As low as $25	Commercial insurance holders (government plans excluded)
Self-pay cash programs through NovoCare Pharmacy	Pill: $149–$299 Injection: $199–$349	People without insurance coverage

Actual costs depend on eligibility, dosage, pharmacy selection, and available savings at the time of purchase.

Do you need a prescription for Wegovy^®? 

Yes, Wegovy^® does require a prescription, and there’s no over-the-counter version. If a website claims you can buy Wegovy^® with “no prescription needed,” that’s your cue to pause. Those products are often counterfeit or unsafe. The FDA has even issued warnings about counterfeit versions being sold online. When it comes to Wegovy^®, a licensed provider is always part of the process—and that’s a good thing. Here’s why you need a prescription for Wegovy^®: 

Wegovy^®is gradually increased, based on side effects and results

Wegovy^® isn’t started at the full dose right away. Instead, your provider will slowly increase your dose over several weeks to help your body adjust and to minimize side effects. The goal is to find the lowest dose that delivers results while keeping side effects manageable. 

Learn more: Wegovy^® dosage guide: Finding the right dose for weight loss results

Wegovy^® can cause side effects that need monitoring

Like other GLP-1 medications, Wegovy^® can cause side effects—most commonly nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach discomfort. These effects are usually mild to moderate and often improve over time, especially with slow dose increases. Wegovy can also be associated with more severe conditions that need to be monitored for. 

Having a prescribing provider allows for check-ins, dose adjustments, and guidance to keep treatment both safe and effective. 

Learn more: Wegovy^® side effects: Symptom guide and management tips

Some people can’t take Wegovy^®

Wegovy^® isn’t right for everyone, which is why a prescription—and a medical review—matters. Your provider will look at your medical history, current medications, and future pregnancy plans before prescribing.

You can’t take Wegovy^® if:

• You or a family member has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• You’ve had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or any ingredients in Wegovy®
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
  • Wegovy^® should be stopped at least two months before trying to conceive

Your provider may recommend avoiding Wegovy^® if you:

• Have a history of pancreatitis
• Have severe digestive conditions, such as gastroparesis

Learn more: What is Wegovy^®? Exploring the weight loss benefits, side effects, and cost

How to get a prescription for Wegovy^® 

Prescriptions can come from in-person clinicians or online providers, and costs vary based on visit fees, follow-ups, and how much support is included. Telehealth has made the process much easier for many people, though pricing structures and services can differ, so it’s worth knowing your options.

Common ways to get a Wegovy® prescription

• Primary care provider (in person). Primary care clinicians are able to prescribe Wegovy^® when it’s medically appropriate. If you’re uninsured, you’ll usually pay out of pocket for office visits, follow-ups, and any labs your provider orders, often as separate charges.
• Obesity medicine specialist or endocrinologist. These specialists typically have more experience with GLP-1 medications like Wegovy®. That expertise can be helpful, but it often comes at a higher price. Initial visits may cost several hundred dollars, with additional fees for ongoing care and lab work.
• Telehealth programs focused on weight or metabolic health. Telehealth platforms connect you with licensed clinicians through virtual visits. Some charge per appointment, while others offer a flat monthly fee that covers evaluation, prescription management, and follow-ups. Medication is usually not included, so it’s important to confirm what’s part of the program.
• Online clinician marketplaces. Some websites offer one-time virtual consults with independent providers. These can be cheaper upfront, but continued care—like dose adjustments, refills, or monitoring—often requires additional visits and added costs.

Getting a prescription for Wegovy: Telehealth vs. In-person

If keeping costs down is a priority, the way you get your prescription matters almost as much as Wegovy^® itself.

• Traditional in-person care can become expensive quickly. An initial appointment may cost $200 or more, follow-up visits often run around $150, and lab work is typically billed separately. Before you even pick up your prescription, costs can climb into the hundreds.
• Telehealth programs like Noom Med take a different approach with a flat monthly fee. That fee usually includes the clinician evaluation, prescription oversight, follow-ups, and often lab coordination. With fewer surprise charges, costs tend to be more predictable—especially for people paying without insurance.

For those without insurance, or for people using insurance only for the medication, telehealth can be one of the most straightforward ways to access prescription weight-loss care. Rather than paying per visit or managing referrals, Noom Med combines clinician care, prescription support, and structured behavior-change tools in one place.

Noom Med for branded medications starts at $69 for an initial 30-day trial (medication not included). You’ll fill your Wegovy^® prescription at your chosen pharmacy and will receive Noom’s full program, GLP-1 Companion access, and support from a dedicated Care Team.

Who is eligible for Noom Med?

Noom Med is designed for people who may benefit from medical guidance alongside lifestyle support. After reviewing your health history, a licensed clinician determines whether prescription weight-loss medications—such as Wegovy^®—are appropriate. It’s often a good option for those who want medical care paired with ongoing, structured behavioral support.

Wegovy^® cost without insurance: Pharmacy comparison

If you’re paying cash for Wegovy^®, where you fill your prescription can make a big difference. Prices often vary by hundreds of dollars depending on the pharmacy, your dose, and whether manufacturer programs or discount coupons are used. 

If you’re looking for the lowest Wegovy^® price without insurance, it’s smart to start with Novo Nordisk’s cash-pay programs, then compare big retailers like Costco and Walmart. For standard retail pharmacies, always ask about coupons or discount cards—those savings are often applied manually and can dramatically lower what you pay.

Here’s a side-by-side look at common pharmacy options based on GoodRx prices, plus a few practical tips to help you navigate pricing with confidence. Note that most of the pharmacies below have applied the manufacturer’s new pricing structure, and some stipulations apply. Some of these prices are a limited-time offer, so be sure to note the dates.

Retailer/pharmacy	Est. cash price	Insider tip
Costco	Injection: $199–$349 Pill: $149–$299	Pricing is standardized through the manufacturer program, but Costco often has reliable stock and fewer coupon processing issues. You don’t need a membership to use the pharmacy.
Walmart	Injection: $199–$349 Pill: $149–$299	The price matches other pharmacies under the manufacturer program, but some Walmart locations may be quicker at applying NovoCare pricing. Ask the pharmacist to process it as a manufacturer cash offer.
Amazon Pharmacy	Injection: $199–$349 Pill: $149–$299	Offers the same manufacturer pricing with the added benefit of home delivery. This can be helpful if local pharmacies are out of stock or if you want automatic refills.
CVS / Walgreens	Injection: $199–$349 Pill: $149–$299	Pricing is the same under the manufacturer program. Always confirm that the NovoCare price has been applied at checkout.
NovoCare® Pharmacy	Injection: $199–$349 Pill: $149–$299	Manufacturer-supported pricing fulfilled through partner pharmacies. Offers typically apply to eligible self-pay patients and specific formulations.

Disclaimer: Prices are estimates based on data from Jan 2026.

How to get Wegovy^® for $25

You can get Wegovy^® for as low as $25 per month for both the injection and pill, but you would have to be covered by insurance. Let’s take a look at Novo Nordisk’s savings structure.

What the Wegovy^® savings offer actually does

Novo Nordisk offers a manufacturer savings program that can meaningfully lower out-of-pocket costs when you have commercial insurance that already covers Wegovy^®. With the savings offer, people with plans that cover Wegovy^® can pay as little as $25 for a one-month supply for both the pill and the injection, depending on how their plan processes benefits and monthly maximums. The program sets limits on the total savings per fill, which means the exact copay reduction varies by plan and pharmacy.

This savings offer is applied after insurance, and it doesn’t replace your insurance; it simply helps with what’s left after your insurer has paid its portion. The older, simpler “$25 copay card” people remember is no longer offered in the same form; it has been replaced by this current savings structure.

Who qualifies (and how coverage affects cost)

Eligible:

• People with commercial (non-government) insurance
  
  • If your plan covers the Wegovy^® injection or pill, you may pay as little as $25 with the savings offer (subject to plan design and maximum savings limits)
  • If your plan doesn’t cover Wegovy^®, you may qualify for a discounted self-pay program directly through the manufacturer’s NovoCare Pharmacy or partner telehealth services and participating pharmacies
    
• Prescriptions written for FDA-approved Wegovy^® indications.
  
• Fills processed at participating pharmacies where insurance benefits are billed.

Not eligible for manufacturer savings tied to insurance

• People enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, VA, or other government-funded prescription programs (official savings offers exclude these plans, even if a person wants to pay cash)
• Government beneficiaries can’t use any Wegovy^® manufacturer savings offers
• People using other third-party discount programs as “primary insurance” for a copay offer

How to use the Wegovy^® savings offer

• Step 1: Visit the official Wegovy^® website or text SAVE to 83757 to enroll in the savings program
  
• Step 2: Download your savings card or save it to your phone
  
• Step 3: Present both your insurance card and savings card at the pharmacy during checkout
  
• Step 4: Ask the pharmacist to apply the savings offer after insurance using the BIN, PCN, and Group numbers provided

The savings offer can be used for 1-, 2-, or 3-month supplies, with different maximum savings caps depending on the quantity.

Manufacturer savings can reduce Wegovy^® to as little as $25 per month for the pill and injection for adults with commercial insurance that already covers Wegovy^®, but the exact amount depends on plan design and monthly savings caps

Want the full picture? Our Wegovy Insurance Coverage Guide breaks down insurance coverage, savings options, and what you can realistically expect to pay.

Wegovy^® without insurance: Tips to lower your monthly cost

There are a few practical ways to reduce what you pay for the Wegovy^® injection and pill beyond the manufacturer savings offer. Not every tip applies to every plan, but taken together, they can make a meaningful difference when you know how your insurance works.

1. Ask whether a 90-day prescription is allowed. Some insurance plans offer lower total copays for longer supplies, though many GLP-1 plans limit fills to 30 days, especially during dose changes.
   
2. Use savings offers early in the plan year if you have a high deductible. Starting sooner can help you reach your deductible faster, depending on whether your plan counts copay assistance toward it.
   
3. Pay with HSA or FSA funds when eligible. These tax-advantaged accounts can be used for prescription medications like Wegovy^® with proper documentation.
   
4. Check your insurer’s mail-order pharmacy option. Some plans require or discount prescriptions filled through a preferred mail pharmacy.
   
5. Keep receipts and explanation-of-benefits statements. You’ll need them for HSA/FSA reimbursement and any insurance appeals.

These strategies can help bring monthly costs down. And if Wegovy^® still isn’t financially workable, there are other prescription options worth discussing with a provider.

How does Wegovy® compare to other GLP-1 medications?

When you’re paying out of pocket, comparing GLP-1 medications side by side can help.

Here’s how the major GLP-1 medications stack up based on all pricing options for a standard one-month supply without insurance.

Medication	Uses and approvals	Est. cost monthly
Wegovy® (Semaglutide)	Weight loss, heart disease, and metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)	Retail: $1,349 NovoCare Pharmacy: Pen: $199: 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg; $349:1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg Pill: $149: 1.5 mg; $149–$199: 4 mg; $299: 9 mg and 25 mg
Zepbound® (Tirzepatide)	Weight loss and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)	Retail and pen: $1,087 Lilly Direct: Vial & syringe: $299: 2.5 mg$399: 5 mg; $449: 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg
Saxenda® (Liraglutide)	Weight loss	Retail: $1,349
Generic liraglutide	Weight loss, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes treatment	Retail: $470 – $1,200

When does insurance cover Wegovy^®?

Wegovy^® is still rarely covered by insurance when it’s prescribed for weight loss, and coverage varies widely by plan. Some plans may cover it when Wegovy^® is prescribed for heart disease, but that’s not guaranteed and often comes with strict criteria.

• Employer-sponsored and private plans: Some employer-sponsored and private insurance plans do include Wegovy^®. Even when Wegovy^® is covered, out-of-pocket costs can vary a lot. Prior authorization is almost always required, and insurers typically ask for documentation like BMI, related health conditions, and proof that other weight-loss approaches were tried first.
• Medicare coverage is limited. Medicare generally doesn’t cover medications prescribed solely for weight management. Some Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plans may cover Wegovy^® when it’s prescribed for cardiovascular risk reduction in eligible patients. Looking ahead, the Trump administration has announced pricing and access agreements that could expand Medicare coverage for obesity treatment, with projected beneficiary costs around $50 per month starting in 2026–2027.
• Medicaid varies by state. Medicaid coverage for Wegovy^® depends entirely on where you live. Some states offer coverage with prior authorization, while others exclude it altogether. Coverage is shifting as states reassess budgets—California’s Medi-Cal, for example, stopped covering Wegovy^® for weight management starting January 1, 2026, and other states are reviewing similar changes.

The best way to know what you’ll actually pay is to check directly with your insurance plan. For a more in-depth look at coverage and costs, check out our Wegovy Insurance Coverage Guide. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the cost of Wegovy^® without insurance

Getting a prescription for Wegovy^® can be confusing. Here are some answers to the most common questions people have.

What is the cheapest way to get Wegovy^® without insurance?

The NovoCare Pharmacy program offers the lowest cash prices: 

• Injection: $199 – $349 
• Pill: $149 – $299

Does the $25 coupon work if I have no insurance?

No, the $25 savings offer only works for people with commercial insurance coverage. Government beneficiaries and uninsured people can’t use the savings coupon. 

How much is Wegovy^® out of pocket?

The list price is $1,349 per month for both the injection and the pill, but manufacturer programs can bring this down significantly. Current pricing is:

• Injection: $199 – $349 
• Pill: $149 – $299

Is there a generic Wegovy^®?

There’s no FDA-approved generic version of Wegovy® yet. It remains under patent protection, with key patents expected to expire in the early 2030s, so brand-name pricing still applies.

Does Noom Med include Wegovy^®?

No, Noom Med’s program fee includes consultation with a clinician, our behavior change program, a dedicated Care Team, and everything you need to maximize your results with the medication. The monthly fee ($69 to start) doesn’t cover medication costs, but Noom Med can help you access the most affordable option for you. See if you qualify.

Does the monthly cost of Wegovy^® include doctor visits?

No, the monthly medication prices only cover the prescription itself. Doctor visits, lab work, and follow-up appointments are separate costs. Noom Med bundles these services into the monthly fee.

Can I get Wegovy^® for free?

There’s no free Wegovy^® program available. The manufacturer’s savings programs can reduce costs significantly, but don’t eliminate them entirely. Even with maximum savings, you’ll pay at least $25 monthly if you have qualifying commercial insurance.

The bottom line: Wegovy^® costs vary by plan, form, and pharmacy

Ultimately, the price you see for Wegovy^® is typically much lower than the list price of $1,350 per month in 2026. For people without insurance, manufacturer cash programs have brought injectable Wegovy^® down to $199–$349 per month, and the newer oral Wegovy^® pill to $149–$299 per month. 

While insurance is rare for weight loss use, some people with commercial insurance coverage can still get Wegovy^® for as little as $25 per month. Medicare and Medicaid coverage remains limited and highly plan- or state-specific, though pilot programs and policy changes may change access in the next year or two. 

Given the frequent pricing changes, a little planning goes a long way. Comparing pharmacies, understanding savings limits, factoring in visit and lab costs, and considering telehealth programs that bundle care can help you avoid surprises and choose the most realistic option for your budget. And, if you can’t find a Wegovy^® price that fits your budget, there are other medications you can consider that may be more affordable.

If you qualify, Noom Med can connect you with a clinician who can help find the right option for you and prescribe it, if needed. By combining prescription access with ongoing behavioral support, Noom Med guides you toward an option that fits both your health goals and your budget. Find the best plan for you.