Ozempic Is Expensive — But You Have Options

Let's start with the number that stops most people in their tracks: without insurance, Ozempic costs $850 to $1,100 per month. That's for one pre-filled pen that provides four weekly doses. For a medication you'll likely take long-term, those numbers add up fast.

But here's the good news: most patients don't have to pay the full cash price. Between insurance coverage, manufacturer savings cards, patient assistance programs, and discount tools, there are real ways to bring your out-of-pocket cost down significantly — sometimes to as little as $25 per month.

This guide walks you through every major option for saving money on Ozempic in 2026.

What Does Ozempic Cost Without Insurance?

The retail (cash) price of Ozempic varies by pharmacy and dose, but here's what you can expect to pay without any insurance or discount:

• 0.25 mg/0.5 mg pen (starter): $850–$950
• 1 mg pen: $900–$1,050
• 2 mg pen: $900–$1,100

These prices reflect one pen per month (four weekly doses). Prices vary by pharmacy, with some independent pharmacies and warehouse clubs offering slightly lower prices than major retail chains.

There is no generic version of Ozempic available. Novo Nordisk's patents are expected to protect Semaglutide injection through at least 2031-2032, so a cheaper generic isn't coming anytime soon.

Coupons and Discount Cards

If you have commercial (private) insurance, the best deal available is usually the Novo Nordisk Ozempic Savings Card.

Ozempic Savings Card (Manufacturer)

• How it works: Eligible commercially insured patients can pay as little as $25 per 1-month or 3-month prescription fill
• Duration: Valid for up to 24 months of savings
• Who qualifies: Patients with commercial/private insurance. Not valid for patients on Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or other government-funded insurance
• How to get it: Visit ozempic.com or ask your doctor's office. The card can be used at most retail pharmacies.

This is by far the most impactful savings tool for commercially insured patients. If you haven't activated your savings card yet, do it today.

Pharmacy Discount Cards

If you don't have insurance or your insurance doesn't cover Ozempic, pharmacy discount cards can help — though the savings on a brand-name biologic like Ozempic are more modest than what you'd see for generic medications:

• GoodRx: May offer Ozempic at $800–$950 depending on pharmacy and location
• SingleCare: Similar pricing range, sometimes slightly different depending on the pharmacy
• RxSaver, Optum Perks, BuzzRx: Worth comparing — prices vary by pharmacy

These cards are free to use and can be presented at the pharmacy counter. While the savings on Ozempic aren't dramatic compared to generic drugs, saving even $50–$100 per fill adds up over a year.

Pro tip: Compare prices across multiple discount card platforms before each fill. Pricing can change monthly, and different cards may offer better deals at different pharmacies.

Patient Assistance Programs

If you're uninsured or can't afford Ozempic even with insurance, patient assistance programs can provide the medication at no cost.

NovoCare Patient Assistance Program (PAP)

• What it provides: Free Ozempic for qualifying patients
• Who qualifies: U.S. residents who are uninsured or underinsured and meet income requirements (generally household income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level — approximately $62,400 for an individual or $129,600 for a family of four in 2026)
• How to apply: Visit novocare.com or call 1-888-809-3942. Your prescriber will need to complete part of the application.
• Processing time: Typically 2-4 weeks for approval. Plan ahead and apply before you run out of medication.

Other Assistance Resources

• NeedyMeds (needymeds.org) — Database of patient assistance programs, including Novo Nordisk's, plus other resources for medication affordability
• RxAssist (rxassist.org) — Comprehensive database of pharmaceutical company assistance programs
• RxHope (rxhope.com) — Helps connect patients with manufacturer assistance programs

Other Ways to Save on Ozempic

Check Your Insurance Formulary

Before assuming you'll pay full price, verify whether your insurance covers Ozempic. Most commercial plans and Medicare Part D plans cover it for type 2 diabetes, though prior authorization is commonly required. Call the number on your insurance card and ask:

• Is Ozempic on our formulary?
• What tier is it on? (Lower tier = lower copay)
• Do I need prior authorization?
• Is step therapy required? (i.e., do I need to try another drug first?)

Ask About the Inflation Reduction Act Benefits (Medicare)

If you're on Medicare Part D, the Inflation Reduction Act caps your total annual out-of-pocket drug spending at $2,000. While this doesn't make Ozempic cheap, it does provide a ceiling on your total costs. If you take multiple expensive medications, this cap can provide significant relief.

Consider Rybelsus as a Lower-Cost Alternative

Rybelsus is an oral tablet form of Semaglutide — the same active ingredient as Ozempic. While it's not cheap (cash price around $900–$1,000/month), insurance coverage and copay structures may be different. Some plans cover Rybelsus at a lower copay tier than Ozempic, or vice versa. It's worth asking your doctor and checking with your insurance.

Use a Mail-Order Pharmacy

Many insurance plans offer lower copays for 90-day supplies through mail-order pharmacies. If your plan has this benefit, you could save 10-20% compared to filling monthly at a retail pharmacy. Contact your insurance company to find out if mail-order is available and how to enroll.

Look Into Warehouse Club Pharmacies

Pharmacies at Costco, Sam's Club, and similar warehouse clubs sometimes offer lower cash prices on medications — and you generally don't need a club membership to use the pharmacy. It's worth comparing their Ozempic price against other pharmacies in your area.

What NOT to Do

When medication costs are overwhelming, some patients turn to risky sources. Please avoid:

• Buying from unverified online pharmacies: Counterfeit Semaglutide products have been identified by the FDA. These may contain wrong doses, wrong ingredients, or contaminants.
• Using compounded Semaglutide from unknown sources: While some legitimate compounding pharmacies exist, the FDA has flagged quality and safety concerns with many compounded Semaglutide products.
• Importing from other countries: This is generally illegal under U.S. law and carries risks of counterfeit or improperly stored products.
• Sharing pens: Ozempic pens are single-patient use devices. Sharing pens — even with new needles — poses infection risk.

Final Thoughts

Ozempic is an expensive medication, but most patients have ways to reduce what they actually pay. Start with the Novo Nordisk Savings Card if you have commercial insurance. If you're uninsured or struggling financially, apply for the NovoCare Patient Assistance Program. And always compare prices across pharmacies and discount cards.

Use Medfinder to find Ozempic in stock near you, and talk to your doctor if cost is making it hard to stay on your medication. There may be an alternative medication that's equally effective and more affordable for your situation.

For providers looking to help patients navigate costs, see our provider's guide to helping patients save money on Ozempic.