GLP-1 Cost Calculator
Estimate your monthly and yearly GLP-1 medication costs. Compare prices across top telehealth providers for semaglutide and tirzepatide.
How the GLP-1 Cost Calculator Works
Our GLP-1 cost calculator helps you estimate the true out-of-pocket cost of GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound). Whether you are paying cash, using commercial insurance, or have Medicare or Medicaid, this tool shows you the most affordable options available through licensed telehealth providers.
The calculator factors in base monthly medication costs, telehealth consultation fees, and shipping charges to give you an accurate total cost estimate. You can adjust the treatment duration to see monthly and yearly projections, making it easier to budget for your GLP-1 treatment plan.
Understanding GLP-1 Medication Pricing
GLP-1 receptor agonist medications are available in two main categories: brand-name FDA-approved drugs and compounded alternatives. Brand-name medications like Wegovy ($1,212–$1,587/month) and Zepbound ($1,000–$1,350/month) carry high list prices that reflect decades of clinical research and patent-protected exclusivity. Compounded versions of the same active ingredients are available from licensed compounding pharmacies during FDA-declared shortages at significantly lower prices, typically $85 to $399 per month through telehealth providers.
For most patients without comprehensive insurance coverage, compounded GLP-1 medications represent the most accessible path to treatment. The calculator above shows cash-pay prices from leading telehealth providers. If you have commercial insurance, some providers like Ro can coordinate insurance billing for brand-name GLP-1 medications, potentially reducing your copay to as low as $0 to $25 per month with manufacturer savings cards. Learn more about navigating coverage in our insurance prior authorization guide.
Comparing Provider Value Beyond Price
While monthly price is an important factor, the best GLP-1 provider for you depends on several considerations beyond cost alone. Provider quality, pharmacy sourcing, shipping speed, and clinical support all affect the overall value of your treatment experience.
Prescriber quality: Look for providers staffed by board-certified physicians or nurse practitioners who conduct real consultations — not just automated questionnaires. Providers like Henry Meds offer video consultations with licensed prescribers, which can lead to better clinical outcomes and more personalized dosing.
Pharmacy sourcing: Reputable providers use 503B-certified outsourcing facilities or licensed 503A compounding pharmacies. 503B facilities are subject to FDA oversight and cGMP compliance, providing an additional layer of quality assurance. Ask your provider which type of pharmacy they use before starting treatment.
Shipping and handling: GLP-1 medications require temperature-controlled shipping to maintain potency. Most providers include standard cold-chain shipping in their monthly price, but delivery windows vary from 2 days to 7 days depending on the provider. Faster shipping means less risk of temperature excursions during transit.
For a detailed side-by-side comparison of all providers, visit our price comparison page or read individual provider reviews.
Tips for Reducing Your GLP-1 Medication Costs
Use quarterly bundles: Most providers offer 10–20% discounts for 3-month commitments. A $199/month plan at a quarterly rate of $499 drops your effective cost to ~$166/month — saving over $300 per year. If you are committed to treatment, bundles are the easiest way to save.
Pay with HSA or FSA funds: GLP-1 medications prescribed by a licensed provider generally qualify as eligible medical expenses. Paying with pre-tax dollars effectively reduces your cost by 20–37% depending on your tax bracket. A $199/month prescription costs roughly $151/month after tax savings for someone in the 24% bracket.
Check manufacturer copay cards for branded drugs: If you have commercial insurance and your provider prescribes brand-name Wegovy or Zepbound, manufacturer savings cards can reduce copays to $0–$25/month. These programs are not available for Medicare, Medicaid, or cash-pay patients.
Compare total cost, not just the monthly rate: Some providers include telehealth consultations, follow-ups, and shipping in their base price, while others charge these separately. The calculator above shows the all-in price to help you make an accurate comparison. Read our complete semaglutide cost guide for a detailed pricing breakdown.
Cost Calculator FAQ
How accurate is the GLP-1 cost calculator?
Our calculator uses the latest publicly available pricing data from each provider. Prices reflect base monthly rates and may vary based on dosage, your specific prescription, and any promotional offers. We update our data regularly, but always confirm the exact price with your chosen provider before signing up.
Does the calculator include hidden fees?
The calculator shows the base monthly medication price and adds known telehealth consultation fees and shipping costs where applicable. Most providers on our list include telehealth visits and standard shipping in their monthly price, but some may charge additional fees for expedited shipping or specialized consultations. Always review the full cost breakdown on the provider's website.
Can I use insurance with these GLP-1 providers?
Some providers, like Ro, coordinate with commercial insurance for brand-name GLP-1 medications (Wegovy, Zepbound). Compounded GLP-1 medications are typically cash-pay only and are not billed through insurance. However, you can usually use HSA or FSA funds to pay for compounded GLP-1 prescriptions. Check with your specific plan administrator for details.
What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide pricing?
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are generally priced in a similar range through telehealth providers, typically $149 to $299 per month for compounded versions. Tirzepatide may be slightly more expensive at some providers because the active ingredient costs more to compound. Tirzepatide (dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist) has shown slightly higher average weight loss in clinical trials compared to semaglutide (GLP-1 only).
How much can I save with a quarterly bundle?
Many providers offer 10 to 20 percent discounts when you purchase three or more months at once. For example, a provider charging $199/month might offer a quarterly bundle for $499 ($166/month effective). Over a year, this can save you $300 to $400 compared to month-to-month billing.
Is compounded GLP-1 safe?
Compounded GLP-1 medications are produced by licensed compounding pharmacies under FDA regulations during declared drug shortages. While they are not FDA-approved generics, reputable telehealth providers use pharmacies that follow strict quality control standards. Always choose providers that use 503B-certified outsourcing facilities when available.