Liraglutide costs in 2025: With and without insurance coverage

While you might not be familiar with the drug liraglutide, you might know it by its two brand names: Victoza^® and Saxenda^®. While they contain the same active ingredient, they’re approved for different uses. 

Victoza^® is primarily prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes, whereas Saxenda^® is approved for weight management. Both are also approved to prevent heart disease. Liraglutide also has several generic versions, the first of which was approved in 2024 for diabetes management.

Liraglutide is the medication in Victoza^® and Saxenda^®, similar to the way that semaglutide is the drug behind Ozempic^® and Wegovy^®. You have two medications with the same actions, approved for different purposes in slightly different doses. 

Why the different approvals? One of the reasons is that what a medication is approved for can determine whether insurance will cover it, significantly affecting the final out-of-pocket cost. Medications used for weight loss are often excluded from coverage, while when prescribed for type 2 diabetes, coverage is more likely. And, GLP-1s like liraglutide and semaglutide can be very pricey. 

If you’re looking for a medication to help you lose weight, understanding the costs behind drugs like liraglutide can help you find the option that’s best for you. 

We’ll go through what you can expect to pay, whether insurance will cover any of it, and which option you should choose with your doctor. We’ll also talk about generic liraglutide and why how it rolls out into the market will be important for people looking for a more affordable option.

Does insurance cover liraglutide?

Whether or not insurance covers liraglutide really comes down to two key things: why it’s being prescribed and which version you’re using.

If you’re taking Victoza^® or generic liraglutide for type 2 diabetes, insurance plans are more likely to cover it. If you are taking Saxenda^® or any of the other two for weight loss purposes, coverage is still unlikely.

Medicare doesn’t cover medications used for weight loss. If your doctor prescribes liraglutide for diabetes management, Medicare Part D might help with the cost.

Private insurance plans fall somewhere in the middle. Some may cover both Saxenda^® and Victoza^®, depending on your diagnosis and the plan’s list of covered drugs. Others may only cover Victoza^® or exclude weight loss medications entirely.

Coverage rules can change, too. Some major insurers have reduced or eliminated coverage for certain GLP-1 weight loss medications. Be sure to check with your insurer.

How much does liraglutide cost with insurance?

Let’s say your insurance approved Victoza^®, Saxenda^®, or a generic form of liraglutide. What will you pay? The cost of liraglutide with insurance can vary a lot. Depending on your specific plan, you could pay as little as $0 per month, or you might find yourself facing costs that can exceed $1,000. Much of this comes down to your insurance provider, your diagnosis, and which version of liraglutide you’re prescribed.

Cost of Victoza^® with insurance:

Victoza^® tends to be more broadly covered across insurance plans for diabetes management.

Here’s what you can expect based on your insurer:

• Private insurance: Most private insurance plans cover Victoza^® for diabetes, but prior authorization is often required. This means your doctor must confirm the medical necessity with your insurer.
  • Out-of-pocket costs vary, with some plans offering fixed copays and others requiring you to pay a percentage of the retail price. Many insurers now prefer covering generic liraglutide, which may lower your costs.
• Medicare (Part D & Advantage Plans): Medicare Part A and Part B don’t cover any medication costs, but Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans may include them under prescription drug coverage. Each Part D plan has its own list of covered medications.
  • Coverage, copays, and out-of-pocket costs will vary based on your plan’s tier system and pharmacy network. In some cases, Victoza^® may be fully covered, while other plans require a copayment. 
• Medicaid (varies by state): Victoza^® is covered by most state Medicaid programs when prescribed for type 2 diabetes. To confirm coverage details, check your state’s Medicaid-covered medication list.
• Veterans Affairs (VA) and other government plans: The VA has a list of medications it usually covers, but Victoza^® isn’t on that list. That means veterans can still get them, but only if a VA doctor approves them through a special request. TRICARE covers most FDA-approved prescription drugs for diabetes.

Learn more about the cost of Victoza^®.

Cost of Saxenda^® with insurance:

Saxenda^® is FDA-approved for weight management, but getting insurance to cover it can be a challenge. Most insurers treat weight loss medications as elective or non-essential, which means coverage may be limited or excluded altogether.

Here’s how coverage for Saxenda^® typically looks by insurance type:

• Private insurance: Saxenda^® is rarely covered under insurance plans. When it is, insurers usually require proof that diet, exercise, or other weight loss treatments have been tried first. Prior authorization is required before coverage is approved.
• Medicare (Part D & Advantage plans): Medicare doesn’t cover Saxenda^® for weight loss. Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medigap plans may offer limited coverage. People with Medicare should check their specific plan details to determine if Saxenda^® is included.
• Medicaid (varies by state): Medicaid coverage for Saxenda^® varies widely across states. Some state programs provide coverage under strict guidelines, while others don’t cover Saxenda^® at all. Eligibility depends on state-specific policies, and people should contact their state Medicaid office for more details.
• Veterans Affairs (VA) and TRICARE: The VA covers weight management, including medications like Saxenda^®, for veterans who qualify. TRICARE may also provide coverage for Saxenda^® in certain cases, but a coverage review and prior authorization are required. And, most of the time, you also need to prove that you failed multiple other medications.
•  To check if Saxenda^® is covered under your specific plan, you can search the TRICARE coverage list for the most up-to-date details.

Learn more about the cost of Saxenda^®.

Cost of generic liraglutide with insurance:

Liraglutide was the first GLP-1 medication to have a generic version hit the U.S. market, and more are following. In 2024, Teva launched the first authorized generic of liraglutide (the active ingredient in Victoza^®) for type 2 diabetes, in coordination with Novo Nordisk. Since then, Hikma Pharmaceuticals and Meitheal Pharmaceuticals have launched their own FDA-approved generic versions, expanding availability and starting to drive prices down, though they can still be quite high.

The Teva version is readily available. As more generics roll out, prices are expected to become more competitive.

These generics are only approved for type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss like Saxenda^®. Some healthcare providers may prescribe them off-label, but insurance coverage for weight loss use is rare, and you can still expect to pay several hundred dollars per month. 

• Private insurance: Generic liraglutide is rarely covered by private insurance plans, but manufacturers may offer savings programs for people. Teva provides a savings program for its generic liraglutide, allowing eligible people to pay as little as $0.
• Medicare (Part D & Advantage plans): Some liraglutide medications are typically included in Medicare drug plans, but generic liraglutide isn’t on that list.
• Medicaid (varies by state): Medicaid coverage is more likely for type 2 diabetes, but it will depend on the state you live in. Some states offer generic liraglutide with little to no copay, while others may have stricter requirements. To find out what applies to you, check in with your local Medicaid office. 
• Veterans Affairs (VA) and TRICARE: While VA and TRICARE may offer coverage for other liraglutide medications like Saxenda^® and Victoza^®, coverage for generic liraglutide is unlikely.

How much does liraglutide cost without insurance?

If you’re considering liraglutide and don’t have insurance coverage, it’s important to know what you’ll be paying out of pocket. 

Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect:

• Saxenda^®: Around $1,349 per month for the full 3 mg dose.
• Victoza^®: A $544 for a 2-pen package and $815 for a 3-pen package. Your dose will determine the monthly cost. If you’re taking 1.2 mg, a pen will last 15 days; if you’re taking 1.8 mg, a pen will last 10 days.
• Generic liraglutide. Prices range from around $410 for a 2-pen package to $750 for a 3-pen package, depending on the dosage, as listed on GoodRx. Again, if you’re taking 1.2 mg, a pen will last 15 days; if you’re taking 1.8 mg, a pen will last 10 days.

If you don’t have insurance or you’re on Medicare, you may qualify for free medication through Novo Nordisk’s Patient Assistance Program for Victoza^® and Saxenda^® if you meet the income and coverage requirements. Teva also has a patient assistance program that could help you pay for generic liraglutide.

Disclaimer: Prices may change and are accurate as of the time of publication.

What factors affect the cost of liraglutide?

A range of factors can influence how much you end up paying for different versions of liraglutide. 

Some key factors that affect the cost of liraglutide medication include:

• Insurance coverage: Whether or not your health insurance covers liraglutide—and under what conditions—will likely have the biggest impact on your out-of-pocket cost. Coverage often varies depending on the version (Saxenda^® vs. Victoza^®), your diagnosis, and the specific plan you’re enrolled in.
  
• Pharmacy and location: Prices can differ depending on the pharmacy you use and even where you live. Big-box pharmacies, local chains, and mail-order services may all offer different pricing for the same medication.
  
• Manufacturer discounts and savings programs: If you’re using Saxenda^® and covered by insurance, you may qualify for the Saxenda^® Savings Card, which can reduce costs. A Patient assistance program is also available for those using Victoza^®. Teva offers discounts for its generic liraglutide for those who are covered by insurance.
  
• Generic vs. brand name availability: Generic liraglutide may cost less than Victoza^® if you’re paying out of pocket.

Tips to reduce liraglutide costs without insurance

One important tip with liraglutide is to compare pharmacy prices before buying. Medication prices can vary more than you’d expect from one pharmacy to another. 

Use tools like GoodRx, WellRx, or local pharmacy websites to compare costs and find the best deal in your area, or through mail-order services. Prices can vary depending on where you shop, and many retailers offer their own discount programs to help reduce the cost.

Below is a breakdown of estimated prices for each medication from GoodRx. To check your area, enter your zip code, and you’ll see what’s available near you.

Warehouse clubs and big supermarkets

Big-box retailers and supermarkets like Costco, Walmart, and Target often offer lower out-of-pocket prices on liraglutide, especially when using their prescription discount programs.

Here’s a look at typical prices across these retailers:

Retailer	Victoza®	Saxenda®	Generic liraglutide
Costco	2 pens: $608 3 pens: $904	$1,364	2 pens: $462 3 pens: $755
Walmart	2 pens: $571 3 pens: $854	$1,406	2 pens: $502 3 pens: $750
Target	2 pens: $560 3 pens: $827	$1,386	2 pens: $263 3 pens: $381

Local pharmacies and discount programs

Pharmacy chains also offer liraglutide. Here’s a breakdown of estimated prices at pharmacy chains:

Pharmacy	Victoza®	Saxenda®	Generic liraglutide
CVS	2 pens: $560 3 pens: $827	$1,386	2 pens: $202 3 pens: $290
Walgreens	2 pens: $544 3 pens: $806	$1,390	2 pens: $461 3 pens: $672
Rite Aid	2 pens: $555 3 pens: $819	$1,351	2 pens: $409 3 pens: $605

Disclaimer: Prices may change and are accurate as of the time of publication. They may vary based on your zip code.

Can you get liraglutide for free with insurance?

It’s uncommon to get liraglutide completely free, even with insurance, but there are definitely ways to lower the cost. Some insurance plans offer partial coverage, and when paired with manufacturer savings programs, your out-of-pocket cost can drop dramatically.

Novo Nordisk, the maker of Victoza^® and Saxenda^®, offers a Patient Assistance Program for people who meet certain income and insurance criteria. If you qualify, this program can cover most—or in some cases, all—of your medication costs.

Even if you don’t qualify for full assistance, you may still pay much less. Some people using Saxenda^® have reported paying as little as $25 for a 28-day supply by using a savings card from the manufacturer. 

How to get a liraglutide prescription for weight loss

Starting liraglutide begins with making sure it’s the right fit for you. A licensed healthcare provider will evaluate your health history, current medications, and weight-related goals to decide if it’s a safe and appropriate option.

Here are the key steps to getting a prescription for liraglutide:

• Consider your eligibility: To be prescribed liraglutide medication, you need to have a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
  
• Talk to a healthcare provider: Doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants can all prescribe liraglutide. They’ll review your overall health, current medications, and risk factors before writing a prescription. If your insurance company requires prior authorization, your provider will need to explain why this medication is medically necessary.
  
• Consider online options: If getting to a doctor’s office is difficult, you can get your liraglutide prescription online through licensed telehealth services. Noom Med is an easy alternative. If you qualify, our licensed clinician can help decide whether medication is right for you and prescribe it if needed. 

Weight loss medications: Alternatives to liraglutide

If liraglutide isn’t the right fit, there are other alternatives worth exploring. Many of these medications fall under the same class of GLP-1 receptor agonists and are used to support weight loss and blood sugar control. The key differences often come down to dosing frequency, effectiveness, and how they fit into your lifestyle.

Here’s a side-by-side look at how some of the most commonly prescribed alternatives compare:

Medication	Brand names and uses	Cost per month (without insurance)	Effectiveness	How it’s taken
Semaglutide – GLP-1 receptor agonist.	Ozempic®: type 2 diabetes, off-label weight loss Wegovy®: weight loss and heart disease Rybelsus®: type 2 diabetes, off-label weight loss	Ozempic®: $998 Learn more Wegovy®: $1,350  $499 (NovoCare Pharmacy) Learn more Rybelsus®: $998 Learn more	Ozempic®/Wegovy®: People lost an average of 15% of body weight in 68 weeks with injectable semaglutide Rybelsus®: People lost about 4% of their body weight	Ozempic®/Wegovy®: Weekly injection Rybelsus®: Daily pill
Tirzepatide – GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist	Mounjaro®: type 2 diabetes, off-label weight loss  Zepbound®: weight loss and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)	Mounjaro®: $1,080 Learn more Zepbound®: Pens: $1,087 Vials: $349 (2.5 mg) $499 (5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg) Learn more	People lost an average of 21% of body weight at 72 weeks.	Weekly injection

Other GLP-1 alternatives

These medications work in different ways—some help suppress appetite, others affect how your body processes fat or blood sugar.

Here’s a quick comparison of some of the most common non-GLP-1 medications that people use for weight loss:

Medication	Brand names	Cost per month (without insurance)	Effectiveness	How it’s taken
Metformin (off-label weight loss)	Glucophage®, Fortamet®, Glumetza®	Generic: $4–$15 Brand name: $100–$500+ Learn more.	People lost an average of about 6% of their body weight over six months while taking metformin.	Pill taken up to two times daily
Phentermine	Lomaira®, Adipex-P®	$27-$100	About 80% of people with a BMI of 30 or more lost at least 5% of their body weight in 6 months.	Daily pill
Diethylpropion	Tenuate®, Tenuate Dospan®	$40-$85	People lost an average of 10% of their body weight in 6 months.	Pill taken one to three times daily
Naltrexone and bupropion	Contrave®	$600-$800 CurAccess™: $99	People lost an average of 7 to 8% of their body weight in a year.	Pill taken up to twice daily
Orlistat	Xenical®, Alli®	$50-$800	People in a study lost about 10% of body weight after taking Orlistat for 1 year.	Pill taken three times daily with meals.

Your next steps for managing liraglutide costs

Liraglutide can be a great option for managing blood sugar or supporting moderate weight loss. The cost, however, depends on the version prescribed, the intended use, and the type of insurance coverage. 

Medications prescribed for weight loss are less likely to be covered by insurance. While generic versions of liraglutide are now available, they are only FDA-approved for diabetes management, and coverage for weight loss use remains limited. 

Out-of-pocket costs can range from several hundred to over one thousand dollars per month, depending on the product, dosage, and pharmacy. It pays to do your research on the costs of Victoza^®, Saxenda^®, and generic liraglutide.

For those exploring GLP-1 medications for weight management, see if you qualify for Noom Med. You’ll be connected with a clinician who can go through your history and prescribe medications if needed. 

Note: Victoza^®, Ozempic^®, Mounjaro^®, Rybelsus^®, and metformin are not FDA-approved for treating obesity or weight loss.