Ozempic Is Effective — But It's Expensive

If you've been prescribed Ozempic (semaglutide) for type 2 diabetes, you already know it works. What you may also know is that it comes with a significant price tag. With a list price of approximately $935.77 per month and retail cash prices ranging from $800 to $1,100, Ozempic is one of the most expensive medications many patients take.

The good news: there are several legitimate ways to reduce what you pay. This guide covers every major savings option available in 2026 — from manufacturer programs to discount cards to patient assistance.

What Does Ozempic Cost Without Insurance?

Let's start with the baseline. Without any insurance or discounts, here's what Ozempic typically costs:

• Wholesale Acquisition Cost (list price): ~$935.77/month for all pen strengths
• Retail pharmacy cash price: $800–$1,100/month, varying by pharmacy and location
• Annual cost without insurance: Approximately $9,600–$13,200/year

These numbers make it clear why savings programs matter. Even small discounts can save hundreds of dollars per month.

Coupons and Discount Cards

NovoCare Savings Card (Manufacturer Coupon)

This is the single best savings tool for most Ozempic patients. Offered directly by Novo Nordisk, the NovoCare Savings Card provides different benefits depending on your insurance status:

For commercially insured patients:

• Pay as little as $25 per month for Ozempic
• Valid for up to 24 months of savings
• Covers the difference between your copay and $25

For uninsured or self-pay patients:

• $349/month for Ozempic 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, or 1 mg pens
• $499/month for the Ozempic 2 mg pen
• $199/month introductory price for new patients during their first two months (0.25 mg and 0.5 mg doses)

To activate the card, visit NovoCare.com or ask your pharmacy if they can apply it at the point of sale. No income verification is required for the savings card.

Important: The NovoCare Savings Card cannot be used with government insurance programs (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, VA).

Pharmacy Discount Cards

If you don't qualify for the NovoCare card or want to compare prices, pharmacy discount cards can help:

• GoodRx: Prices typically range from $825–$950 per month
• SingleCare: Similar pricing, sometimes slightly lower at certain pharmacies
• RxSaver, Optum Perks, BuzzRx: Additional options worth comparing

These discount cards are free and can be used by anyone, including those with insurance (though they process outside your insurance and won't count toward your deductible). They're most useful for patients who can't use the NovoCare card.

Patient Assistance Programs (Free Medication)

Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP)

If you're uninsured or underinsured and meet income guidelines, you may qualify to receive Ozempic completely free through Novo Nordisk's PAP:

• Eligibility: Household income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $62,400/year for an individual in 2026)
• Requirements: Must be a U.S. resident, uninsured or underinsured, and have a valid prescription
• How to apply: Through NovoCare.com or by calling 1-866-310-7549. Your healthcare provider may need to submit documentation.

Other Assistance Resources

• NeedyMeds (needymeds.org): Database of patient assistance programs and discount resources
• RxAssist (rxassist.org): Comprehensive directory of pharmaceutical assistance programs
• RxHope (rxhope.com): Helps connect patients with manufacturer programs

Other Ways to Save on Ozempic

Use Insurance Wisely

If you have commercial insurance:

• Check your formulary: Ozempic may be preferred on your plan's formulary, which means lower copays
• Complete prior authorization early: Many plans require PA. Having your doctor submit it proactively prevents delays and surprise bills
• Consider your deductible strategy: If you've met your deductible, your out-of-pocket cost drops significantly. Time your fills accordingly
• Use the NovoCare card as secondary: Even with insurance, the savings card can reduce your remaining copay to $25/month

Mail-Order Pharmacy

Many insurance plans offer a mail-order pharmacy benefit that provides a 90-day supply for the cost of 2 copays (instead of 3). This can save you one month's copay every quarter — potentially $150–$450/year in savings.

Ask About Alternative Medications

If Ozempic's cost is prohibitive even with discounts, talk to your doctor about alternatives that may be more affordable:

• Trulicity (dulaglutide): Another weekly GLP-1 injection, sometimes available at a lower cost
• Rybelsus (oral semaglutide): Same ingredient in pill form, may have different insurance coverage
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide): Eli Lilly offers its own savings programs

Learn more in our guide to Ozempic alternatives.

Compare Pharmacy Prices

Ozempic pricing varies significantly between pharmacies — sometimes by hundreds of dollars. Use Medfinder to check both availability and pricing at pharmacies near you. Independent pharmacies and warehouse clubs (like Costco) sometimes offer lower prices than major chains.

Final Thoughts

Ozempic doesn't have to break the bank. Between the NovoCare Savings Card ($25/month with insurance, $349/month self-pay), patient assistance programs (free for qualifying patients), and pharmacy discount cards, most patients can find a way to make their medication affordable.

Start by checking whether you qualify for the NovoCare card, then explore PAP options if you're uninsured. And always compare prices — the difference between pharmacies can be significant.

Need help finding Ozempic in stock? Visit Medfinder to check real-time availability near you. For more about current Ozempic availability, read our 2026 shortage update.