What do GLP-1 medicines cost without insurance? Cash prices compared

As of November 2026, brand-name GLP-1 medicines for weight loss start at $149 a month without insurance, for the Wegovy pill and Foundayo at their starting doses. The Wegovy pen is $199 a month for a new patient's first two months, then $349, and Zepbound starts at $299. Higher doses often cost more. If your insurance covers the medicine, you may pay much less.

Reviewed by Darshan Patel, MD, Obesity medicine physician, on 2026-11-12. Next review 2026-12-12.

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Paying for a GLP-1 yourself is a big monthly decision. Here is what each maker's own cash program charged on November 12, 2026, and what to check before you pay.

Cash prices by medicine and dose (as of November 2026)

A few details sit behind those numbers:

• Two Foundayo prices are temporary. Lilly has lowered the 2.5 mg and 5.5 mg prices through December 31, 2026. Its regular prices for those doses are $199 and $299.
• Late refills cost more. If you refill more than 45 days after your last delivery, Lilly's regular prices apply: $349 for Foundayo 14.5 mg and 17.2 mg, $499 for Zepbound 7.5 mg, and $699 for Zepbound 10 mg, 12.5 mg and 15 mg.
• A "month" isn't always the same length. For Zepbound it's 28 days (four vials or one KwikPen). For Wegovy it's a 30-tablet bottle or a box of four pens, and for Foundayo it's 30 days.
• Needles are extra for Zepbound. Vials need needles and syringes, and the KwikPen needs pen needles, bought separately.

Where TrumpRx fits

TrumpRx.gov lists the Wegovy pill from $149 a month, the Wegovy pen from $199 and Zepbound from $299, which match the starting prices on NovoCare and LillyDirect. For Wegovy, TrumpRx gives you a coupon to show at your pharmacy. Zepbound vial orders placed through TrumpRx are handled by LillyDirect. Choose whichever route is easier for you.

What the cash price leaves out

• Your prescription and your care. Every one of these programs requires a valid prescription.
• Your deductible. NovoCare and TrumpRx both say money you spend on the medicine outside your insurance won't count toward your deductible or out-of-pocket limit.
• Next year's price. Several of these offers end December 31, 2026, and each maker says it can change or end its program at any time. We review this page every month.

LillyDirect lists Zepbound and Foundayo as HSA and FSA eligible, though eligibility may vary by plan.

Check your insurance first

Before you pay cash, find out what your plan would do.

• If your plan covers the medicine, the makers' savings cards can bring your share down to as little as $25 a month. Savings limits apply, and people with government coverage, such as Medicare, can't use these cards.
• Coverage for weight loss depends on your employer. In KFF's 2026 survey, 18% of firms with 200 or more workers covered GLP-1s for weight loss, and 40% of those required people to meet with a dietitian, case manager or therapist, or to join a lifestyle program, for the drug to be covered.
• If you have Medicare, the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge covers Wegovy, Foundayo and the Zepbound KwikPen for $50 a month for people who qualify, through December 31, 2027. Here's how the Bridge works.

Let us find your lowest price with you

The price that matters is the one you'll actually pay, month after month, at the dose that works for you. That's easier to find with a physician on your side.

At Aayu Well, you meet an obesity medicine physician by video. Your visits are billed to your insurance, and you pay your plan's copay. We check your coverage before your consultation. If brand-name medicine is right for you and your plan covers it, we submit the prior authorization, follow it through, appeal if your plan says no, and help you apply for the maker's copay savings. If it's still not covered, we talk through every option together, including the cash prices on this page, so you can choose what fits your health and your budget. Book my consultation

Good to know

• These prices come from each program's own website on November 12, 2026. They can change at any time, so check the program's site before you order.
• Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide aren't in this table. They're different products: compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, and FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness or quality before they're sold. FDA advises getting a prescription from your doctor and filling it at a state-licensed pharmacy.
• A GLP-1 isn't right for everyone. Your physician reviews your health history and decides with you.

Questions people ask

Which GLP-1 costs the least without insurance?

At their starting doses, the Wegovy pill (1.5 mg) and Foundayo (0.8 mg) are each $149 a month as of November 2026. For most of these medicines the price rises with the dose, so compare what you'd pay at the dose you're likely to stay on. Your physician can help you weigh that, along with whether a daily pill or a weekly shot suits you better.

Is TrumpRx cheaper than buying from LillyDirect or NovoCare?

Not for these medicines when we checked. TrumpRx listed the Wegovy pill from $149, the Wegovy pen from $199 and Zepbound from $299 a month, which match the starting prices the makers list on NovoCare and LillyDirect.

Does paying cash count toward my deductible?

No. NovoCare and TrumpRx both say that money you spend on these medicines outside your insurance doesn't count toward your deductible or out-of-pocket limit.

Can I use my HSA or FSA?

LillyDirect lists Zepbound and Foundayo as HSA and FSA eligible, though eligibility may vary by plan. Check with your plan administrator before you order.

I have Medicare. What are my options?

If you qualify for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, Wegovy, Foundayo or the Zepbound KwikPen costs $50 a month through December 31, 2027. If you don't, read a program's terms before you pay cash, because some offers exclude people with government coverage.

Will Aayu Well help if my insurance won't cover it?

Yes. We submit the prior authorization for brand-name medicine, follow up, and appeal if your plan says no. If it's still denied, we talk through every alternative with you, including the cash prices on this page.

Sources

1. NovoCare: Price your Wegovy, self-pay prices for the pill and pen (checked November 12, 2026)
2. LillyDirect: Zepbound self-pay prices for the vial and KwikPen (checked November 12, 2026)
3. LillyDirect: Foundayo self-pay prices (checked November 12, 2026)
4. Lilly: Foundayo full terms and conditions, regular prices and temporary reductions
5. Lilly: Zepbound coverage and savings, self-pay card terms
6. TrumpRx: medication prices (checked November 12, 2026)
7. TrumpRx: Wegovy pen offer and terms
8. TrumpRx: Wegovy pill offer and terms
9. TrumpRx: Zepbound vial
10. FDA: Wegovy prescribing information, injection and tablets (revised 6/2026)
11. KFF: 2026 Employer Health Benefits Survey (October 22, 2026)
12. Medicare.gov: Weight loss drugs and the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge
13. FDA: FDA's concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss (current as of October 1, 2026)