Cost Guide · Updated February 2026

GLP-1 Without Insurance: What You’ll Actually Pay in 2026

The brand-name sticker price is brutal. But it's not what most people actually pay. Here's a complete breakdown of every path to affordable GLP-1 treatment -- from compounded alternatives to manufacturer savings cards -- with real numbers.

TL;DR — Yes, You Can Afford GLP-1 Medication Without Insurance

I know why you’re here. You’ve seen the price tag on Ozempic or Wegovy, and you’re wondering if GLP-1 treatment is just… not for you. I get it. When I first looked into this, I felt the same pit in my stomach.

Here’s the good news: most people paying out of pocket are NOT paying brand-name retail prices. They’re using compounded versions through telehealth providers, and the cost starts at around $129/month — medication, doctor consultations, and shipping included.

That’s still real money. But it’s a fraction of the $900-$1,400/month that brand-name medications cost at the pharmacy counter. And for a lot of people, it’s life-changing money well spent.

Let me walk you through every option.

Brand-Name GLP-1 Prices Without Insurance (2026)

Let’s start with the uncomfortable truth. Here’s what the four major GLP-1 medications cost at a retail pharmacy if you’re paying entirely out of pocket, with no insurance and no savings card:

These prices fluctuate depending on your pharmacy, your dose, and your location. The range on Ozempic is wide because some pharmacies charge significantly more than others, and higher doses cost more.

A few things worth noting:

• Ozempic is technically approved for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss. Doctors prescribe it off-label for weight management, but that off-label status means insurance is even less likely to cover it for that purpose.
• Wegovy is the FDA-approved weight loss version of semaglutide — same drug, different branding and dosing.
• Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes. Zepbound is the weight-loss-branded version of the same molecule (tirzepatide).
• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. In head-to-head trials, it showed greater average weight loss than semaglutide.

At these prices, a full year of brand-name GLP-1 treatment costs $10,700 to $16,800 out of pocket. That’s a used car. That’s rent for most of a year in a lot of cities.

No wonder people are looking for alternatives.

Why Most People Shouldn’t Pay Brand-Name Prices

If you don’t have insurance coverage for GLP-1 medications — and many plans still don’t cover them, especially for weight loss — paying full retail is almost never your best move. Here’s why:

1. Compounded versions of the same active ingredients exist and are significantly cheaper.
2. Manufacturer savings programs can knock brand-name costs down dramatically if you qualify.
3. Telehealth platforms bundle the medication, doctor visits, and shipping into one predictable monthly cost.

The pharmaceutical companies would prefer you didn’t know about option #1. But it’s legal, it’s regulated, and for many people it’s the most practical path to treatment.

Compounded GLP-1 Medications: What They Are, and Are They Safe?

This is the question I get asked more than any other, so let me be thorough.

What “Compounded” Means

A compounded medication is a version of an FDA-approved drug that’s mixed by a compounding pharmacy — a licensed, regulated pharmacy that creates custom formulations. Compounding pharmacies have existed for decades. They make medications for patients who need a specific dose, can’t swallow pills, or have allergies to inactive ingredients in commercial drugs.

In the case of GLP-1s, compounding pharmacies produce semaglutide and tirzepatide injections using the same active ingredients as the brand-name versions, but at a fraction of the cost. They’re allowed to do this under specific conditions.

Is It Legal?

Yes. Under Section 503A and 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, compounding pharmacies can produce medications when:

• The drug is prescribed by a licensed provider for an individual patient (503A), or
• The pharmacy is a registered outsourcing facility operating under FDA oversight (503B)

The key factor for GLP-1s: The FDA has maintained semaglutide and tirzepatide on its drug shortage list, which gives compounding pharmacies broader authority to produce these medications. As of early 2026, both drugs remain on the shortage list — but this could change.

Important caveat: If the FDA removes semaglutide or tirzepatide from the shortage list, compounding pharmacies may lose the authorization to produce them. The FDA attempted to resolve the tirzepatide shortage in late 2024, which created uncertainty. As of this writing, compounding continues, but this is a developing situation. Any provider you work with should be transparent about this.

Is It Safe?

Compounded medications are not FDA-approved in the same way brand-name drugs are. That’s an important distinction. The active ingredient is the same, but the specific formulation hasn’t gone through the FDA’s approval process.

That said, reputable compounding pharmacies:

• Are licensed and inspected by state boards of pharmacy
• 503B outsourcing facilities are registered with the FDA and subject to current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) requirements
• Undergo regular testing for potency, purity, and sterility

The risk is real but manageable: you want to make sure your provider sources from a reputable, preferably 503B-registered compounding pharmacy. The telehealth platforms I list below all use vetted pharmacy partners. Avoid random online pharmacies offering injectable medications without a prescription — that’s a different situation entirely.

What About the “Compounded Is Not the Same” Argument?

You’ll sometimes hear that compounded semaglutide “isn’t real Ozempic.” Technically, that’s correct — it’s not branded Ozempic. But the active pharmaceutical ingredient is semaglutide. The molecule is the same. The difference is in the inactive ingredients (buffers, preservatives) and the fact that it hasn’t gone through the brand-name approval process as a specific product.

For most patients, compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide works the same way. But if you have concerns, talk to your prescribing provider. That’s exactly what they’re there for.

The Real Cost: Telehealth GLP-1 Providers Compared

Here’s what you actually came for. These are the major telehealth platforms offering compounded GLP-1 medications in 2026, sorted by monthly cost. All prices are approximate and may vary by dose level and plan structure.

A few things to keep in mind when comparing these providers:

• The cheapest option isn’t always the best. Some lower-priced providers have longer wait times for provider responses or more limited dosing options.
• Calibrate is unique in that it includes a structured lifestyle program (the “metabolic reset”), which is why it has a membership fee on top. If you want a more comprehensive approach, the premium may be worth it.
• Found Health consistently offers the lowest all-in price for compounded GLP-1s, which is why it tops our list.
• Most of these prices reflect the starting dose. Some providers charge more as you titrate up to higher doses, while others keep a flat rate. Always confirm before signing up.

Manufacturer Savings Programs (For Brand-Name Medications)

If you have your heart set on brand-name medication — or if your doctor specifically recommends it — there are savings programs that can bring the cost down significantly. These are offered directly by the drug manufacturers.

Zepbound Savings Card (Eli Lilly)

• Eligible patients pay as low as $25/month for a single-use pen
• The savings card covers up to $550 off per fill
• Available to patients with or without commercial insurance (Lilly expanded eligibility for cash-pay patients in 2024)
• Not valid with Medicare, Medicaid, or other government insurance
• You need a prescription, and the card must be activated through Lilly’s website
• Most patients end up paying approximately $500-$550/month out of pocket after the savings card if they have no insurance at all (the card caps at $550 off the retail price)

Mounjaro Savings Card (Eli Lilly)

• Similar structure to the Zepbound card
• Eligible patients can pay as low as $25/month
• Covers up to $550 per 30-day fill
• Same eligibility restrictions — no government insurance
• Since Mounjaro’s retail price is around $1,023, expect to pay roughly $473-$550/month after the savings card if you’re fully uninsured

Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Programs

Novo Nordisk (maker of Ozempic and Wegovy) offers a few options:

• Wegovy Savings Card: For commercially insured patients, can reduce costs to as low as $0 for 13 fills. Less helpful for fully uninsured patients.
• Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP): For uninsured patients below certain income thresholds, Novo Nordisk may provide Wegovy or Ozempic at no cost. You’ll need to apply and demonstrate financial need.
• NovoCare: The company’s patient support hub can help you navigate options based on your specific insurance (or lack thereof) and income situation. Call 1-888-693-8746 or visit novocare.com.

The honest take on savings cards: They help, but they don’t solve the problem for most uninsured patients. Even with a Zepbound savings card, you’re still looking at $400-$550/month. Compare that to $129-$199/month for compounded versions through telehealth, and the math speaks for itself — unless you specifically need or want the brand-name product.

What’s Typically Included in the Price

When you sign up with a telehealth GLP-1 provider, your monthly fee usually covers more than just the medication. Here’s what’s typically bundled in:

Almost always included:

• The compounded GLP-1 medication (semaglutide or tirzepatide injection)
• Initial medical evaluation by a licensed provider
• Ongoing provider check-ins and dose adjustments
• Free shipping (usually 2-day or overnight cold shipping)
• Injection supplies (syringes, needles, alcohol swabs)

Sometimes included:

• Metabolic lab work (blood panels for thyroid, A1C, lipids, etc.)
• Health coaching or nutritional guidance
• Access to a mobile app for tracking progress
• Unlimited messaging with your care team

Rarely included (but important):

• DEXA scans or body composition analysis
• In-person visits
• Comprehensive metabolic panels beyond the basics

The reason I stress this: when you’re comparing providers, don’t just look at the monthly number. A provider charging $249/month that includes quarterly labs and dedicated coaching might be a better deal than one charging $149/month if you’d need to pay for labs separately elsewhere.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

I’ve been through this process myself, and I’ve talked to a lot of people in online communities about their experiences. Here are the costs that catch people off guard:

1. Lab Work

Some providers require baseline lab work before they’ll prescribe. If labs aren’t included in your plan, expect to pay $50-$200 out of pocket for a basic metabolic panel. Services like Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or online lab ordering services (like Ulta Lab Tests) can help you find affordable pricing.

2. Membership or Platform Fees

A few providers charge a separate membership fee on top of the medication cost. Calibrate is the most notable example — the medication is one cost, and the program membership is another. Make sure you understand the total all-in cost before committing.

3. Titration and Dose Changes

Most GLP-1 treatment involves gradually increasing your dose over several months (this is called titration). Some providers charge the same flat rate regardless of dose. Others charge more at higher doses, since the medication itself costs more to produce at higher concentrations. A provider that costs $129/month at the starting dose might cost $179 or $199/month at a maintenance dose. Always ask about pricing at higher doses.

4. Cancellation Fees or Minimum Commitments

A handful of providers require a minimum commitment (3 months is common) or charge a fee if you cancel early. Read the fine print. Most of the larger, more established platforms — Found, Ro, Hims — offer month-to-month plans with no commitment.

5. Needles, Sharps Containers, and Supplies

Most providers include injection supplies. If yours doesn’t, you’re looking at roughly $10-$20/month for syringes, needles, and a sharps disposal container. It’s not a huge cost, but it adds up over time.

6. Side Effect Management

This one’s indirect but real. GLP-1 medications can cause nausea, especially during the first few weeks and after dose increases. Some people buy anti-nausea medication (like OTC Dramamine or prescription ondansetron), ginger supplements, or electrolyte drinks to manage side effects. Budget an extra $15-$30/month in the early stages, just in case.

Is It Worth It? — Cost vs. Value Analysis

This is the question that keeps people up at night, and I want to give you an honest answer.

The Financial Reality

At $129-$199/month for compounded GLP-1 through a telehealth provider, you’re spending $1,548 to $2,388 per year. That’s real money for most people.

What You’re Getting

GLP-1 medications aren’t just “weight loss drugs.” Clinical trials have shown:

• 15-22% total body weight loss on average with tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) at the highest doses
• 12-17% total body weight loss with semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy)
• Significant improvements in A1C, blood pressure, triglycerides, and other cardiovascular risk markers
• Reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (the SELECT trial showed a 20% reduction with semaglutide)
• Emerging evidence for benefits in NAFLD/MASH (fatty liver disease), sleep apnea, and kidney disease

The Cost Comparison

Consider what obesity-related health conditions cost over time:

• Type 2 diabetes management: $9,600/year average in direct medical costs
• Hypertension medications: $1,200-$2,400/year
• Sleep apnea (CPAP, supplies, sleep studies): $1,000-$3,000/year
• Joint replacement surgery: $30,000-$50,000+
• Heart attack or stroke: $50,000-$200,000+ in immediate costs

I’m not saying GLP-1 medication prevents all of these. But the evidence is strong that effective weight management reduces the risk of all of them. Spending $1,500-$2,400/year on a medication that meaningfully reduces your metabolic risk might be one of the highest-return health investments you can make.

My Personal Take

I’ve been on Mounjaro for six months. I’ve spent roughly $1,000 over that period through a telehealth provider. In that time, I’ve lost weight, my blood work has improved across the board, and — honestly — my relationship with food has changed in a way I didn’t think was possible. The constant background noise of hunger and cravings is quieter. I eat less, I think about food less, and I enjoy meals more when I do eat.

Was it worth it? For me, absolutely. But I also want to be honest: it’s a financial commitment, and it’s a commitment you’ll likely need to maintain. Most research suggests weight regain is common if you stop GLP-1 treatment. This isn’t a one-time fix — it’s an ongoing therapy, like blood pressure medication.

Factor that into your decision.

The Bottom Line: My Recommendation for Uninsured Patients

If you don’t have insurance that covers GLP-1 medications, here’s what I’d suggest:

For most people, the best value is a compounded GLP-1 through a telehealth provider. You’ll pay $129-$199/month for the same active ingredients as the brand-name drugs, with a doctor overseeing your treatment and medication shipped to your door.

My specific recommendation:

1. Start with Found Health at $129/month if your primary goal is the most affordable path to treatment. They include medication, provider visits, and coaching.

2. Consider Ro at $149/month if you want a more established platform with a larger provider network and a strong track record.

3. Look into manufacturer savings cards (especially Zepbound’s) if you want brand-name medication and are okay with paying $400-$550/month.

4. Apply for Novo Nordisk’s Patient Assistance Program if your income qualifies and you specifically want Wegovy or Ozempic at no cost.

5. Don’t pay retail pharmacy prices unless you’ve exhausted every other option. $900-$1,400/month is almost never necessary when alternatives exist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use GoodRx or a discount card for brand-name Ozempic without insurance?

Yes, but the savings are modest. GoodRx coupons typically bring Ozempic down to roughly $800-$900/month — better than full retail, but still far more expensive than compounded alternatives. GoodRx can be more helpful for other medications (like metformin, which is sometimes prescribed alongside GLP-1s) where the discount is proportionally larger.

Is compounded semaglutide the same as Ozempic?

The active ingredient — semaglutide — is the same molecule. However, compounded semaglutide is not manufactured by Novo Nordisk and has not gone through the same FDA approval process as Ozempic. The inactive ingredients (buffers, stabilizers) may differ. For most patients, the therapeutic effect is equivalent, but they are not technically interchangeable in a regulatory sense.

What happens if the FDA removes semaglutide or tirzepatide from the shortage list?

If a drug is removed from the shortage list, compounding pharmacies lose some of their authority to produce it (specifically under the shortage exemption). This has been an ongoing concern — the FDA briefly resolved the tirzepatide shortage in late 2024 before it was relisted. If this happens, telehealth providers may need to transition patients to brand-name medications, switch to a different compound, or find alternative legal frameworks. This is the biggest risk of choosing compounded GLP-1s. Reputable providers will give you advance notice and help you transition.

Do I need a prescription for compounded GLP-1 medication?

Yes. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are prescription medications. You cannot legally buy them without a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. The telehealth platforms listed above include the medical evaluation and prescription as part of their service — you don’t need to see a separate doctor first.

Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for compounded GLP-1 medication?

In most cases, yes. GLP-1 medications prescribed for a medical condition (obesity, type 2 diabetes) are generally considered HSA/FSA-eligible expenses. However, eligibility depends on your specific plan administrator. Keep your receipts and documentation from your provider, and check with your HSA/FSA administrator if you’re unsure.

How long do I need to be on GLP-1 medication?

There’s no universal answer, but current evidence suggests that many patients need ongoing treatment to maintain results. The STEP 1 extension trial showed that patients who stopped semaglutide regained roughly two-thirds of their lost weight within a year. Some patients eventually taper to a lower maintenance dose, which reduces cost. Discuss a long-term plan with your provider — they can help you find the right approach for your situation.

What if I experience side effects and want to stop?

Most telehealth providers allow you to cancel or pause your subscription at any time (check for any minimum commitments). If you’re experiencing side effects, your provider can also adjust your dose downward before you decide to stop entirely. The most common side effects — nausea, constipation, reduced appetite — often improve over time and are typically worst during the titration phase.

Are there any GLP-1 pills available without insurance?

Oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and costs roughly $900-$1,000/month without insurance. As of early 2026, Novo Nordisk’s oral semaglutide for weight loss (oral Wegovy) is in late-stage trials. Some compounding pharmacies also offer oral or sublingual semaglutide formulations at lower cost, though availability varies by provider. If you strongly prefer pills over injections, ask your telehealth provider about oral options.

I’m outside the US. Do these prices apply to me?

These prices are US-specific. GLP-1 medication pricing varies dramatically by country. In some markets (like the UAE, UK, and parts of Europe), Ozempic and similar medications may be available at lower cost, through national health systems, or via different distribution channels. This guide is focused on the US market.

Affiliate Disclosure: Clear Metabolic earns a commission when you sign up through some of the links on this page. This doesn't affect our rankings or recommendations -- we feature the same providers we'd recommend to a friend. All medical decisions should be made with your healthcare provider. Pricing is approximate and based on publicly available information as of February 2026. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved products. Availability of compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide depends on ongoing FDA drug shortage designations.

Written by someone on Mounjaro. Not a doctor. Not medical advice.