How Much is Wegovy Without Insurance?

When you have obesity or have a preexisting condition caused by obesity, it is critical that you get your medication to stay healthy. Wegovy, like many other medications, is quite expensive without insurance. But how much are you going to spend if you are paying for Wegovy without health insurance?

Wegovy is a weight loss medication designed to help individuals with obesity or overweight. Many people on this medication have weight-induced conditions. Wegovy is a solution to this problem.

According to experts, Wegovy is a glucagon-like receptor agonist (GLP-1) medication containing Semaglutide, an anti-obesity drug found in drugs like Ozempic and Rybelsus. Wegovy was approved by the FDA in 2021. The cost of Wegovy without insurance is typically $1,350. This is the minimum price, so it may be more than that. Wegovy can cost as much as $1,753 for a one-month supply. 

The cost of Wegovy may also depend on factors, such as drug supply shortages. However, learning how to save money on Wegovy is the key to being able to afford it without insurance. Drug shortages can cause drug prices to skyrocket, and many people may turn to other medications as an alternative to Wegovy. Drug shortages, on average, cost providers $200 million each year, and affording the drug you usually take can be difficult.

The price you pay for Wegovy will also depend upon where you live. Price varies from country to country. In the United Kingdom, the cost of Wegovy depends upon the cost of a consultation with a doctor, the drug’s price itself, and the cost of extra supplies or services you require. GLP-1 receptor agonist injections typically cost $199 for a one-month supply. A one-month supply of Wegovy includes four pens. 

If you divide $199 by four, you will see that you are paying roughly $50.00 per week for your Wegovy prescription. However, the price you pay for Wegovy may increase when your weekly dosage is increased. You may be able to obtain coupons from websites, such as Good Rx. However, the discount on Wegovy is often small. 

Because there is no generic for Wegovy, some people look for cheaper alternatives. Many people, for example, can get other Semaglutide drugs at a lower cost. SlimMed is one example of a lower cost form of Semaglutide. SlimMed is a weight loss shot that facilitates weight loss when you cannot lose weight through diet and exercise alone. SlimMed is a subcutaneous injection used to help those with chronic obesity lose and manage weight. 

SlimMed imitates GLP-1, which exists naturally in the body. GLP-1 tells your brain that you are full, thus suppressing appetite and limiting your food consumption. This medication also encourages fat metabolism in your body. 

What makes Wegovy desirable? 

Wegovy is a highly effective weight loss drug, and there has been an increased demand for it in recent years. Clinical trials have found that individuals who took this drug over a period of 68 weeks lost roughly 15 percent of their overall body weight. 

According to PubMed, weight gain is linked to the development of comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension.  

Wegovy’s manufacturer offers a $25 savings card for Wegovy. However, this coupon is only available if your insurance covers Wegovy and you meet specific criteria that ensures your eligibility. Many people without insurance simply cannot afford Wegovy, because of its cost. It helps to know which plans cover the cost of Wegovy, even if you can’t afford insurance.

Employer-provided insurance may or may not cover the cost of Wegovy. If your plan does not cover the cost of Wegovy, your doctor may be able to write a letter requesting that they offer you coverage for this medication. You can also apply for a Wegovy savings card.  

According to USA Today, 40 percent of all Americans weigh enough to qualify for weight loss medications like Wegovy. However, a large number of people don’t qualify for coverage for Wegovy. This is troubling, especially since obesity is a growing epidemic around the world. While Wegovy is effective and safe, it is intangible for many patients. Doctors wrote over 2 million prescriptions for Wegovy last year. Wegovy is Novo Nordisk’s form of Semaglutide. Tirzepatide by Eli Lilly was also readily prescribed by doctors in 2022. 

 Experts expect that drugs like Wegovy will be more readily available this year, and the need for prescriptions will increase exponentially. Semaglutide is responsible for significant weight loss, reducing patients’ weight by approximately 15 percent. Those taking tirzepatide tend to see a 20 percent reduction in weight. Wegovy also reduces your risk of developing other health problems. This reduces the amount of money you pay for health conditions as a whole.

Not all individuals with obesity will desire or need Wegovy for weight loss. Many people lose weight when taking medications containing Semaglutide, but many people don’t lose enough weight to look slender. For some people, Semaglutide just doesn’t work. But for those who see the benefits of Wegovy, the drug is worth trying. 

But how much are other forms of Semaglutide? You can get Semaglutide over the counter. The cost for a one-month supply ranges from $150 to $399 in countries like India. A six-week supply of some forms of Semaglutide costs $149. You can, however, opt to get a generic form of Semaglutide. Semaglutide’s generic is eight times less expensive than branded versions of Semaglutide. 

Semaglutide by itself costs $1,200 per month. If you can’t afford to pay for Semaglutide, pharmaceutical companies often offer programs to reduce costs. However, there are cases where people can’t afford it. If you fall into this category, it may be wise to speak with your doctor. He or she may be able to help you find programs that help you afford this medication.

Your pharmacist may also be able to find coupons, so you can afford Wegovy. Your doctor might not tell you about discount coupons right off the bat, so it is beneficial to research and look for these programs online. Once you have found these programs, you can ask your doctor about them and get Wegovy and similar medications at a reduced cost.    

Of course, it’s important to remember that you must eat a healthy diet and exercise to find success on Wegovy. 

The retail price of Wegovy hovers at around $1,718.50. If you have no insurance and want to get Wegovy, Novo Nordisk may be able to give you a Wegovy Savings Copay Card. You can also request coverage for this drug “by printing out a sample letter” and requesting that your doctor send it for you. 

Even if you don’t have insurance, it helps to know the best ways to afford Wegovy. There are many cases where people have insurance, but their insurance company won’t pay for weight loss medications, such as Wegovy. However, insurance companies are more likely to pay for Wegovy if you can prove that the drug is needed to maintain good health.

In many cases, individuals need a medical diagnosis to prove that they need Wegovy to maintain good health. Those with weight-related conditions typically qualify for coverage of Wegovy. Aside from the cost of Wegovy, other factors may play a role in your ability to obtain the medication. According to Novo Nordisk, pharmacies can encounter delays, especially when they order medications from their distribution center.

The location of medication can also determine when you get your medication. If you are interested in getting a prescription for Wegovy, the drug’s manufacturer recommends that you request a prescription sooner rather than later, due to anticipated supply chain shortages. 

Even if you can’t afford the cost of Wegovy without insurance, it helps to know the benefits of this drug. Benefits of Wegovy include the following:

• Weight loss begins quickly.

• It is available through mail-order pharmacies.

• It suppresses appetite.

• It decreases the number of calories you consume.

• When compared to individuals given a placebo, Wegovy helped individuals lose 15 percent of their body weight.

If you want to get a prescription for Wegovy, you should first speak with your medical provider. You may also have a virtual consultation with a doctor using your computer or smartphone. Your doctor may want you to have bloodwork and can send a referral to your lab of choice. Once your doctor gets your results, he or she will go over them and discuss possible options for treatment.

In addition to cost, it is important to consider other factors before you take Wegovy. For example, it helps to know Wegovy’s side effects before you begin treatment. Side effects of Wegovy include:

• Nausea 

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Upset stomach

• Fatigue

Those who take Wegovy may experience indigestion and stomach flu. Not everyone develops the same side effects. 

When does Wegovy begin to work? According to Healthline, Wegovy begins to work as soon as you take a dose. However, it can take weeks to months for you to see noticeable weight loss. You may not see your appetite decrease until weeks or months have passed.  

17 Sources

Nu Image Medical has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.

https://www.wegovy.com/

https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/drug-shortages-cost-u-s-care-providers-at-least-200-million-annually-pose-patient-safety

https://khealth.com/learn/weight-loss/wegovy-cost/

https://my-bmi.co.uk/wegovy-cost/

https://www.ibihealthcare.com/slimmed-weight-loss/

https://www.joincalibrate.com/resources/is-wegovy-covered-by-insurance-heres-what-you-need

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34706925/

https://www.goodrx.com/wegovy/wegovy-for-weight-loss-cost-coverage

https://www.wegovy.com/coverage-and-savings/save-on-wegovy.html

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2023/02/19/anti-obesity-medications-cost/11069886002/

https://www.outlookindia.com/outlook-spotlight/ozempic-cost-90-off-coupon-how-to-get-ozempic-for-weight-loss--news-247372

https://www.goodrx.com/wegovy

https://www.khealth.com/learn/weight-loss/how-to-get-wegovy-covered-by-insurance/

https://www.singlecare.com/blog/save-on-wegovy/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_diagnosis

https://www.novonordisk-us.com/content/nncorp/us/en_us/products/product-supply-update.html

https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/wegovy

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.