How much does Wegovy cost?

Thinking about starting Wegovy, but concerned about the cost? You’re not alone. When prescribing any GLP-1 medications to patients, “cost is about 90% of the discussion,” says Dr. Ethan Lazarus, M.D., owner of Clinical Nutrition Center in Denver, Colorado, and former president of the Obesity Medicine Association. And it’s easy to see why: Wegovy, the brand name for semaglutide FDA-approved to treat obesity and reduce cardiovascular risk, comes at a high price if insurance doesn’t cover it. Below, we’ve mapped out everything you need to know about Wegovy’s cost, coverage, and savings options to consider.

Without insurance, Wegovy’s list price is $1,349.02 per pack, according to the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk. But as of this writing, the manufacturer is offering Wegovy for $349 per month for 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, or 2.4 mg doses; the 7.2 mg dose is $399. Each pack includes four pre-filled injectable pens, which will last you 28 days. A big part of the cost comes down to the drug’s development, which involved years of rigorous clinical trials, not to mention the higher cost of manufacturing the prefilled pens versus a simpler delivery method like a pill. There is also no cheaper generic version of Wegovy yet.

There are discounts available if you pre-pay for several months’ doses at once, making the prices set through December 31, 2026: 

• $249 (buying 12 months at once)

• $299 (buying 6 months)

• $329 (buying 3 months at once)

Compared to paying $399 per month, that means a savings of up to $150 per month/$1,800 per year*.

As is the same with all medications, the cost of Wegovy with insurance varies based on your specific plan. You may end up paying a percentage of the total cost or a small copay, depending on your coverage. To get an accurate idea of your costs and coverage, it’s best to contact your insurance provider directly with the number on the back of your card.

Coverage is based on the type of insurance you have and your individual policy. Some plans might cover GLP-1s like Wegovy fully, while others just partially or not at all. In general, insurance companies tend to be more likely to cover GLP-1’s approved for type 2 diabetes than those for weight loss and the landscape seems to be constantly shifting.

“This is just an ever-changing horizon,” says Dr. Bharti Shetye, M.D., a weight loss specialist certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine. “Every six months, every nine months, or every year, we’re hearing different things [about coverage policies].” That’s why it’s important to stay informed and work closely with your healthcare provider to understand your options. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on whether Wegovy is covered, contact your insurance company directly.

Medicaid, the national healthcare program for low-income individuals and families, offers coverage that varies by state. While some Medicaid plans cover Wegovy, most do not. Each state decides which medications are included under its prescription drug coverage, so whether your Wegovy prescription is covered depends entirely on where you live. Coverage can change, so it’s important to check with your state’s Medicaid office for the most current details.

If you have Medicare Part D, the add-on prescription drug coverage available through the federal health insurance program, it does not cover medications for weight loss. It does, however, cover FDA-approved uses of GLP-1 medications for other conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease — even though weight loss is a secondary benefit. And because Wegovy is FDA-approved to reduce the risk for serious heart problems in people with obesity or overweight, this can be a loophole. “We can get Wegovy approved sometimes for patients with a history of a prior heart attack,” explains Lazarus. If improving heart health is part of the reason your doctor wants to prescribe Wegovy, talk with your provider and Medicare coordinator to determine coverage rules.

There are a few cost-saving strategies and savings programs if you don’t have health insurance or your plan doesn't cover Wegovy.

Telehealth, which allows you to connect with healthcare providers remotely through video or phone consultations, could be a more affordable and convenient option for accessing care. Members of Weight Watchers have access to American Board of Obesity Medicine-certified providers who can prescribe both GLP-1 and non-GLP-1 weight-loss medications. These physicians will evaluate your unique medical history, biology, and insurance coverage to determine the best treatment plan for you. Your membership also includes an Insurance Coordinator who can help do all the heavy lifting when it comes to navigating medication costs.

Through December 31, 2026, there’s an option for “commitment pricing,” when you self-pay in advance for several months’ doses at once, making the prices: 

• $249 (buying 12 months at once)

• $299 (buying 6 months at once)

• $329 (buying 3 months at once)

Compared to the usual price of $399 per month, that means a savings of up to $150 per month/$1,800 per year.

If you’re looking to save on Wegovy, Novo Nordisk has a savings card that could reduce the cost significantly. Here’s how it works:

• If your insurance covers Wegovy: You might only pay $25 a month, depending on your plan.

• If your insurance doesn’t cover Wegovy or you’re paying out of pocket: As of this writing, the makers have an intro offer of $199 per month for 
the first 2 months, 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg doses,
then $349 per month.

• Wegovy^® HD 7.2 mg pen is $399 per month.

Note that these offers do not apply to people with government insurance programs like Medicare or Medicaid. Check Novo Nordisk’s website and review the terms and eligibility requirements on the savings card for more details.

There are other weight-loss medications that may cost less than Wegovy.

GLP-1 drugs, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, are a class of medications designed to aid in weight loss and blood sugar regulation. They work by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone in the body, increasing insulin production, and slowing down gastric emptying — all of which work to reduce appetite and make you feel full.

Within this class of medications, there are two alternatives to Wegovy that are FDA approved for weight loss: Saxenda (liraglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide). Zepbound, which mimics a second hormone called gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) in addition to the GLP-1, comes in an injectable, prefilled, single-use pen for just over $1,000 per pen. The single-dose vial form, however, costs less. If you’re comfortable using a separate syringe as opposed to a pre-filled pen, you could get the medication for less than half the price: $399 to $549, depending on dosage.

Saxenda, a once-daily injectable, may also cost less. But keep in mind that it may not lead to the same weight loss either. A 68-week clinical trial found Wegovy to be more effective for weight loss than Saxenda in adults with overweight or obesity. That said, it’s worth comparing costs, including any savings offers or pharmacy discounts — especially if this is a medication you’re considering long term.

If GLP-1 medications are too expensive, there are more affordable alternatives that can still help you lose weight and maintain the weight loss. “Because most of my patients do not have coverage for GLP-1s for weight loss, we really need to look at all the options,” says Lazarus. Alternatives can include:

• Phentermine: A stimulant that helps suppress appetite and promote feelings of fullness. As a generic drug, it’s an inexpensive option, says Lazarus.

• Contrave: This medication, which combines naltrexone and bupropion, works to suppress appetite and support weight loss.

• Qsymia: A combination of phentermine and topiramate that reduces appetite and creates a feeling of fullness.

• Metformin: This medication enhances insulin sensitivity while also suppressing appetite.

• Bupropion/Naltrexone: This combination targets the brain's reward system to help curb food cravings and support weight management.

Shetye notes that for all weight loss medications, pairing them with lifestyle changes like a balanced diet and regular exercise will lead to the best results. As with any medication, it’s essential to consult with your physician to ensure it’s the right choice for you.

When it comes to Wegovy’s cost, prices can vary greatly based on a number of factors including your insurance coverage, eligible savings programs, or pharmacy choice. Without insurance, for most doses, the cost of a 28-day supply is over $1,300. However, if you have insurance, particularly through commercial providers, there’s a chance your out-of-pocket costs could be reduced significantly. It’s essential to explore every option, including using the Wegovy Savings Card, commitment plan, self-pay, discussing alternatives with your healthcare provider, and staying updated on insurance coverage changes.