Which is cheaper without insurance, Wegovy or Ozempic? A Cost Comparison for Self-Pay Patients

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

As of recent manufacturer updates, the out-of-pocket cash price for uninsured patients using official programs is identical for Wegovy and Ozempic. This critical detail challenges the initial perception based on higher retail list prices for Wegovy and is vital for anyone considering which is cheaper without insurance, Wegovy or Ozempic, based purely on cost.

Quick Summary

A detailed comparison of Wegovy and Ozempic costs for uninsured patients. The article explains how manufacturer discounts and assistance programs can align monthly out-of-pocket expenses, despite differing retail list prices. It reviews financial aid eligibility and cost-saving options like discount cards.

Key Points

Equivalent Discounted Cash Price: While Wegovy has a higher list price ($1,350 vs. ~$998 for Ozempic), both medications can be purchased for a discounted cash price of $499 per month by eligible, uninsured patients through the Novo Nordisk direct-to-consumer program.
Patient Assistance Program (PAP) Disparity: Only Ozempic, for its FDA-approved use in type 2 diabetes, is available for free to eligible, uninsured individuals through the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program. Uninsured Wegovy users are not eligible for this specific program.
Identical Discount Card Pricing: Major third-party prescription discount services like GoodRx and SingleCare also offer coupons that can bring the monthly price for both Ozempic and Wegovy down to a comparable $499 for cash-paying customers.
FDA Indication Affects Cost: Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is approved for weight management. Prescribing Ozempic for weight loss is considered 'off-label' and is typically not covered by insurance, which can also affect manufacturer program eligibility.
Final Cost Depends on the Source: An uninsured patient's final out-of-pocket cost is not determined by the initial list price but by which discount or assistance channel they use, such as the manufacturer's program, discount cards, or patient assistance programs.

Ozempic vs. Wegovy: Understanding the High Cost Without Insurance

For many Americans, the cost of brand-name medications like Ozempic and Wegovy presents a significant financial burden, especially without insurance coverage. The list price, which is the official price set by the manufacturer, is often cited and can appear dramatically different for these two drugs. Ozempic, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, typically has a lower list price than Wegovy, which is approved for chronic weight management. However, comparing these list prices is misleading when evaluating the real-world cost for an uninsured patient. Thanks to manufacturer-sponsored programs and third-party discount cards, the actual out-of-pocket expense can be considerably lower and, in many cases, identical for both medications. This article will explore the factors influencing the final price and explain how uninsured patients can navigate the system to achieve the lowest possible cost.

The List Price vs. The Cash Price

It is essential to distinguish between a medication's list price and the discounted cash price a self-pay patient might pay. While the list price reflects a theoretical maximum, it is not what most consumers pay. For Ozempic, the list price has been cited as around $998 per 28-day supply, whereas Wegovy's list price is higher, at about $1,350. These figures, however, are largely irrelevant to the end consumer who utilizes financial assistance. In August 2025, Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of both drugs, announced a direct-to-consumer program offering a reduced cash price of $499 per month for both Ozempic and Wegovy for eligible self-pay patients. This means that for someone paying cash, the official channel cost is no longer a differentiating factor.

Manufacturer-Sponsored Financial Assistance

When exploring options, it's crucial to understand the different financial assistance programs offered by the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, as their eligibility criteria vary significantly between the two drugs.

Ozempic (for Diabetes): Eligible uninsured or Medicare patients can apply for the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP). This program, intended for US citizens with household incomes below 400% of the federal poverty level, can provide the medication at no cost to those who qualify. In addition, self-pay patients can access the $499 discounted monthly price through official NovoCare Pharmacy channels.
Wegovy (for Weight Management): In contrast, the Novo Nordisk PAP is not available for Wegovy for uninsured individuals. This is a critical distinction for those with no insurance coverage and lower incomes. However, uninsured patients can still access the manufacturer's official program to receive Wegovy for a cash price of $499 per month through NovoCare Pharmacy.

Third-Party Discount Cards and Pharmacy Variability

Beyond manufacturer-specific programs, third-party prescription discount services like GoodRx and SingleCare offer coupons that can significantly reduce the cost of both medications. These discounts can be used by anyone, regardless of their insurance status. The price with a discount card can fluctuate based on the specific pharmacy and location. For example, some sources indicate that with a free GoodRx coupon, a 28-day supply of both Ozempic and Wegovy could be priced at $499. This highlights the importance of shopping around and comparing prices.

Here are some of the key factors that can influence the final price for self-pay patients:

Pharmacy choice: Different pharmacies have different pricing agreements and markups.
Location: The price can vary based on geographic location.
Dosage: The prescribed dosage can impact the total cost.
Discount program: Whether using a manufacturer program or a third-party discount card will affect the final price.

Comparison Table: Wegovy vs. Ozempic without Insurance


Feature	Wegovy	Ozempic
FDA-Approved Use	Chronic weight management	Type 2 diabetes, heart disease risk reduction
List Price (Retail)	~$1,350 per month	~$998 per month
Discounted Cash Price (NovoCare Pharmacy)	$499 per month for eligible self-pay patients	$499 per month for eligible self-pay patients
Patient Assistance Program (PAP)	No. Uninsured patients not eligible.	Yes. Eligible uninsured and Medicare patients.
Discount Card Price (e.g., GoodRx)	As low as $499 per month	As low as $499 per month
Active Ingredient	Semaglutide	Semaglutide
Dosage	Higher maximum dosage for weight loss	Lower maximum dosage for diabetes

Actionable Steps for Uninsured Patients

If you are uninsured and need to make these medications more affordable, follow these steps:

Consult Your Doctor: Discuss your needs and confirm which medication is appropriate for your condition. Understand that using Ozempic for weight loss is an “off-label” use, which can impact program eligibility and cost.
Investigate Patient Assistance: If you require Ozempic for a diabetes-related condition, check your eligibility for the Novo Nordisk PAP, which may provide the medication for free if you meet income requirements. Remember, this is not an option for uninsured Wegovy users.
Use NovoCare Pharmacy: Enroll in the manufacturer's direct-to-consumer program to access the guaranteed $499 monthly price for either Ozempic or Wegovy. This can provide a predictable cost and home delivery.
Compare Third-Party Discounts: Use online resources and discount cards from providers like GoodRx or SingleCare to check prices at different local pharmacies. Compare these prices to the NovoCare Pharmacy offer, as they may offer competitive pricing.
Consider Compounded Versions (with caution): While more affordable, compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved and carries risks. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider and understand the safety concerns associated with these alternatives.

Conclusion

For uninsured individuals comparing the out-of-pocket costs, the question of which is cheaper without insurance, Wegovy or Ozempic, has a straightforward answer: they can cost the same monthly amount ($499) through official manufacturer discount channels and third-party coupons. While Ozempic has a lower initial list price and offers a free patient assistance program for uninsured diabetes patients, Wegovy is excluded from that specific program for uninsured individuals. The availability of the $499 discounted cash price for both drugs, accessible through the manufacturer's direct-to-consumer pharmacy, has effectively leveled the playing field for self-pay patients not eligible for the PAP. The final cost will ultimately depend on eligibility for different programs and the shopping-around efforts of the patient.

For more information on the manufacturer's programs, visit the NovoCare website.

Frequently Asked Questions

An uninsured person may be able to get Ozempic for free by qualifying for the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP) if they meet income and eligibility requirements for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, Wegovy is not available to uninsured individuals through this program.

Through the manufacturer's NovoCare Pharmacy, eligible self-pay patients can purchase either Ozempic or Wegovy for a discounted cash price of $499 per month, which includes home delivery.

Yes, uninsured patients can use prescription discount cards from services like GoodRx or SingleCare to find savings. These programs can often bring the monthly cost down to the same $499 price point available through the manufacturer's pharmacy.

The primary reason for the list price difference is their FDA-approved uses and corresponding dosages. Wegovy, approved specifically for weight management, is prescribed at a higher maximum dosage of semaglutide than Ozempic, which is approved for type 2 diabetes.

No, the standard manufacturer's savings card for Ozempic is typically reserved for commercially insured patients with a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Uninsured patients who are eligible can either apply for the free Patient Assistance Program or use the $499 direct-to-consumer pharmacy option.

While compounded semaglutide may be available at a lower price, it is not FDA-approved and carries significant safety risks. The FDA and healthcare providers recommend using the brand-name, FDA-approved versions whenever possible.

Yes, different pharmacies have varying pricing for medications, even when using discount cards. It is always wise to compare prices across different pharmacies in your area to ensure you get the best rate.

No. When you use the manufacturer's $499 cash discount or a third-party discount card, the purchase is processed outside of any insurance plan. Therefore, it does not count toward your insurance deductible or maximum out-of-pocket limits.