GLP-1 medication costs range from $147/month (compounded semaglutide through telehealth) to $1,300+/month (brand-name tirzepatide without insurance). This guide covers every pricing scenario so you can understand your options.
Brand-Name Costs Without Insurance
| Medication | Indication | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ozempic 0.5mg–2mg | Type 2 Diabetes | $900–1,000 |
| Wegovy 2.4mg | Weight Management | $935–1,050 |
| Mounjaro 2.5mg–15mg | Type 2 Diabetes | $1,000–1,250 |
| Zepbound 2.5mg–15mg | Weight Management | $1,050–1,300 |
| Saxenda (liraglutide) | Weight Management | $1,300–1,500 |
Compounded Costs Through Telehealth
| Medication | Monthly Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Compounded semaglutide | $147–200 | Med + supplies + shipping + physician |
| Compounded tirzepatide | $197–280 | Med + supplies + shipping + physician |
With Insurance
Type 2 diabetes indication: If your plan covers Ozempic or Mounjaro, typical copays range from $25–$100/month after deductible. Prior authorization is usually required. Tier placement and formulary inclusion vary by plan.
Weight management indication: Most commercial plans do not cover Wegovy or Zepbound for weight loss. Medicare explicitly excludes weight loss medications from Part D coverage. When commercial insurance does cover weight management medications, typical copays are $50–150/month.
Manufacturer savings programs: Novo Nordisk offers savings cards for Wegovy (commercially insured patients: as low as $0/month, uninsured: $499/month). Eli Lilly offers similar programs for Zepbound. These programs have eligibility restrictions and are not available for Medicare patients.
Annual Cost Comparison
| Scenario | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Compounded semaglutide (telehealth) | $149 | $1,788 |
| Compounded tirzepatide (telehealth) | $199 | $2,388 |
| Wegovy with insurance copay | $75 | $900 |
| Wegovy without insurance | $1,000 | $12,000 |
| Zepbound without insurance | $1,175 | $14,100 |
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Some telehealth providers advertise low medication prices and add costs at checkout:
- Physician consultation fee ($50–150/month added separately)
- Injection supply kit ($30–50 one-time or monthly)
- Shipping fees ($15–30/month)
- "Priority" support tier fees
Always get the all-inclusive monthly cost before committing. See our provider vetting guide for what legitimate pricing looks like.