Wegovy (semaglutide) is a brand-name subcutaneous injection that’s prescribed for weight loss in some people. The cost of the drug with and without insurance can depend on several factors, such as whether Wegovy has a savings program.
Wegovy is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used along with diet and exercise for long-term weight management in certain adults and children ages 12 years and older.
Wegovy belongs to a drug class called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. It is not available in a generic version.
Read on to learn about Wegovy and cost, as well as how to save money on prescriptions. If you’d like other information about Wegovy, refer to this article.
As with all medications, the cost of Wegovy can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include:
- your treatment plan
- your insurance coverage
- the pharmacy you use
- whether Wegovy has a savings program (see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below)
To find out what the cost of Wegovy will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
Note: If you have insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers Wegovy. This means the company and your doctor will discuss Wegovy in regard to your treatment. The insurance company will then determine whether the medication is covered. If a drug requires prior authorization but you start treatment without the prior approval, you could pay the full cost of the medication. You can ask your insurance company whether Wegovy requires prior authorization.
If you’re interested in treatment with Wegovy and are wondering about the cost covered by insurance, you’re not alone. This is a question commonly asked by people who are prescribed the medication.
Not every insurance company covers Wegovy. The best way to find out if insurance will cover Wegovy is to contact your insurance company. They’ll be able to provide more information about the cost of your prescription. You can also view this website from the drug’s manufacturer to see if your insurance plan covers Wegovy.
The costs of prescription medications such as Wegovy are typically higher without insurance than with insurance. However, Wegovy costs can also depend on other factors, such as the pharmacy you use. For more information about these factors, see the “Wegovy price” section just above.
If your insurance doesn’t cover Wegovy, or you don’t have insurance, see the “Financial assistance” section below. There are resources that may help you pay for the drug.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug cost and Wegovy.
Where can I find a copay card for Wegovy?
You can find a Wegovy Savings Card (commonly called a copay card) on the drug manufacturer’s website. You can also call 888-793-1218. This card is for people with or without insurance. If you’re eligible, the card can help you save on the cost of your prescription.
To learn more about other ways to lower your Wegovy prescription cost, see the “Financial assistance” section below. You can also talk with your pharmacist.
Is a Wegovy coupon offered for people without insurance?
Yes, the drug’s manufacturer offers a Wegovy coupon called the Wegovy Savings Card. People without insurance may qualify for this card. To learn more, call 888-793-1218 or see the program website.
If you don’t have insurance, you can also see the “Financial assistance” section below to find other ways to lower your costs with Wegovy. You can also talk with your pharmacist.
How can I determine the cost of Wegovy per month?
If you have insurance, you can determine your monthly cost of Wegovy by visiting the drug manufacturer’s website. You can also talk with your insurance provider. If you don’t have insurance, you can determine the cost of Wegovy per month by talking with your pharmacist.
The cost of Wegovy per month can vary depending on a few factors, such as your treatment plan and the pharmacy you use. To learn more about these factors, see the “Wegovy price” section just above.
If you’re interested in learning more about ways for people to lower costs with Wegovy, see the “Financial assistance” section below.
Wegovy is only available as a brand-name drug. It doesn’t come in a generic version. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.
Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.
WHY ARE COSTS DIFFERENT FOR BRAND-NAME DRUGS VS. GENERIC DRUGS?
Brand-name drugs can be expensive because of the research needed to test their safety and effectiveness. The manufacturer of a brand-name drug can sell it for up to 20 years. When the brand-name drug’s patent expires, multiple manufacturers can create generic versions. This marketplace competition may lead to lower costs for generics. Also, because generics contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they don’t require the same costly testing.
If you take Wegovy long term, you may be able to lower its cost in the following ways.
Getting a 3-month supply
You may be able to get a 90-day supply of Wegovy. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
Using a mail-order pharmacy
Wegovy may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this type of service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to receive your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug via mail order.
If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.
If you need financial support to pay for Wegovy, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. For example:
- A program called the Wegovy Savings Card is available for Wegovy. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, visit the program website.
- Some websites provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services. Two such websites are:
To learn more about saving money on prescriptions with or without insurance, check out this article.
Now that you’ve learned about cost and Wegovy, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, who can provide personalized guidance about cost issues related to Wegovy. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’d pay for Wegovy.
Here are some other resources you may find helpful:
- Medicare drug coverage. To learn about Medicare coverage for drugs, see these articles about Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, drug coupons and Medicare, and the Medicare drug list.
- More details. For details about other aspects of Wegovy, refer to this article.
- Dosage. Learn about Wegovy and dosage by viewing this article.
- Side effects. For details about Wegovy’s side effects, see this article. You can also look at the Wegovy prescribing information.
- Information about weight management. For more information about managing weight, see our obesity, exercise and fitness, or nutrition hubs. For additional details about Wegovy for weight loss, view this article.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.