Key takeaways:
Oral semaglutide is available as Rybelsus and the Ozempic pill to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults.
Without insurance, 30 tablets of Rybelsus 3 mg cost an average of $1245.15. And 30 tablets of Ozempic 1.5 mg cost an average of $1263.86.
Through GoodRx, you can access the Ozempic pill starting at $149 per month. A manufacturer copay savings card and patient assistance program are also available for both medications.
Oral semaglutide comes in two formulations for Type 2 diabetes: the R1 formulation (Rybelsus) and the newer R2 formulation (Ozempic pill). Like many brand-name glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications, cost can be a concern with either version — especially if you don’t have insurance.
Prices for Rybelsus and the Ozempic pill can vary depending on your insurance coverage, pharmacy, and location. Below, we cover how much Rybelsus and the Ozempic pill cost without insurance, how the formulations differ, and ways you can save on your prescription.
How much do Rybelsus and Ozempic pills cost per month without insurance?
Without insurance, 30 tablets of Rybelsus 3 mg cost an average of $1245.15. And 30 tablets of Ozempic 1.5 mg cost an average of $1263.86. These are the starting doses of the medications, which are typically taken for the first 30 days of treatment. After that, your dose may be increased monthly until you reach your maintenance dose. Prices tend to go up with higher doses.
Rybelsus and the Ozempic pill are only available as brand-name medications. There are no generic versions on the market.
The table below shows the average retail cost for various doses and quantities of Rybelsus and the Ozempic pill. Rybelsus is available in 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg doses, while the Ozempic pill is available in 1.5 mg, 4 mg, and 9 mg doses.
What factors affect the cost of Rybelsus and Ozempic pills?
Many factors can affect the price of your prescription, including:
Location: Where you live will likely affect how much Rybelsus and Ozempic pills cost. For example, GoodRx research found that Little Rock, Arkansas, is the most expensive city in the U.S. for prescription medications. The most affordable city is Denver.
Pharmacy choice: Prices can vary from one pharmacy to another, even in the same neighborhood. It’s a good idea to check a few options before filling your prescription.
Insurance: Even if you have health insurance that covers Rybelsus or the Ozempic pill, you may still have some out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles, coinsurance, or copays.
Dosage: The cost of Rybelsus and Ozempic pills can vary depending on the prescribed dosage. The typical starting dosage for Ozempic is 1.5 mg daily; for Rybelsus, it’s 3 mg once daily. But your dosage will likely be adjusted based on your needs and how well you tolerate your medication. Higher doses may cost more.
Discounts: You may be able to save on Rybelsus or Ozempic pills with a manufacturer copay savings card, a patient assistance program, or a GoodRx discount.
Why you’re taking it: Rybelsus and Ozempic pills are sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss in people who don’t have Type 2 diabetes. Your insurance coverage and savings program eligibility may be different if you don’t have diabetes.
Does insurance cover Rybelsus?
Nearly all insurance plans cover Rybelsus for treating Type 2 diabetes. Almost everyone enrolled in Medicaid, Affordable Care Act (ACA), and commercial insurance plans has coverage. About 9 out of 10 people with Medicare have coverage for Rybelsus.
Prior authorization for the medication is required for the vast majority of Medicare enrollees, as well as nearly 4 out of 5 Medicaid and ACA enrollees. About 7 out of 10 commercial insurance enrollees are subject to prior authorization requirements. Rules around step therapy (trying other medications first) vary based on plan type.
For specific information about your coverage and approval requirements, review your plan’s formulary (list of covered medications) or call your insurance company.
How different insurance plans cover Rybelsus
The table below breaks down the percentage of enrollees who have coverage for Rybelsus by insurance type. It also shows the likelihood of having prior authorization and step therapy requirements.
Insurance type | Enrollees covered for Rybelsus 7 mg tablets | Enrollees required to get prior authorization | Enrollees required to do step therapy |
|---|---|---|---|
96.7% | 76.2% | 35.3% | |
Commercial plans (excluding ACA plans) | 97.2% | 67.4% | 24.6% |
Medicare (Medicare Advantage and Part D plans) | 90.2% | 89.8% | 4% |
Medicaid, including state-run and managed care plans | 99.8% | 76.1% | 56.8% |
Source: Managed Markets Insight & Technology, LLC™, as of June 13, 2025. (See methodology below.)
If your insurance doesn’t cover Rybelsus or Ozempic pills, here are a few things you can try:
Ask your prescriber if there’s another medication that’s covered by your plan or that may cost less out of pocket.
Request a formulary exception from your insurance company to get coverage for Rybelsus or oral Ozempic.
If your request for Rybelsus or Ozempic coverage is denied, file an appeal to have the decision reevaluated.
During your next open enrollment, consider choosing a plan that offers better coverage for the medications you take.
Ways to save on Rybelsus and Ozempic pills
With or without insurance, there are ways you can lower the cost of Rybelsus and Ozempic pills at the pharmacy. Here are four to consider.
1. Use a GoodRx discount
With a free GoodRx coupon, you could access the Ozempic pill starting at $149 per month. Discounts are also available for Rybelsus.
Here’s what you might pay for different doses and quantities of Rybelsus and Ozempic pills when using a GoodRx discount at participating pharmacies.
Product and dose | Quantity | GoodRx price (as low as) |
|---|---|---|
Rybelsus 3 mg | 30 tablets | |
Rybelsus 7 mg | 30 tablets | |
Rybelsus 14 mg | 30 tablets | |
Ozempic 1.5 mg | 30 tablets | |
Ozempic 4 mg | 30 tablets | |
Ozempic 9 mg | 30 tablets |
Here’s how to get your coupon:
Visit the GoodRx website or download the GoodRx app.
Search for “Rybelsus” or “Ozempic” and select “Find the lowest prices.”
Choose your prescribed dose, form, and quantity.
Print your coupon or have it sent by text or email. If you’re using the app, you can pull up the coupon right from your phone.
Show the coupon to your pharmacy staff when you drop off your prescription to make sure you receive the discounted price and avoid delays.
2. Apply for the manufacturer copay savings card
Novo Nordisk, the maker of Rybelsus and the Ozempic pill, offers a copay savings card to help make your prescription more affordable. If you have commercial insurance, you could pay as little as $25 for up to a 3-month supply, with a maximum savings of $100 per month.
To qualify, you must:
Have commercial or private insurance that covers your medication
Have a valid prescription for Rybelsus or the Ozempic pill
Not be enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, or any other government-funded health program
If your insurance doesn’t cover the Ozempic pill, or if you’re paying cash, you may be eligible for the Ozempic Self-Pay Offer. Pay as little as $149 for Ozempic 1.5 mg tablets, $199 for Ozempic 4 mg tablets, or $299 for Ozempic 9 mg tablets.
3. Compare pharmacy prices
Prices for Rybelsus and Ozempic pills can vary widely between pharmacies, even ones close to one another. While you’re on the GoodRx app or website, you can compare the cost of Rybelsus or Ozempic pills at various pharmacies in your region to find the lowest price. You may be surprised to find your medication is available at a cheaper price at a pharmacy you don’t typically visit.
4. Use a tax-advantaged health account
If you have a health savings account (HSA), a flexible spending account (FSA), or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), consider using those funds to cover the cost of Rybelsus or Ozempic pills. These accounts let you set aside pretax money for eligible medical expenses, such as prescription medications.
Keep in mind that FSA funds usually must be used by the end of the plan year, or you’ll lose them. Some employers offer a grace period or a carryover option to give you more time to spend your FSA funds. HSA funds roll over every year and are available for use anytime.
Frequently asked questions
Rybelsus is an oral tablet taken once a day on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning. Swallow the tablet whole with no more than 4 oz of water. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything, or taking other medications to help your body absorb it properly. Don’t crush, split, or chew the tablet, and keep it in its original container to protect it from moisture and light.
The most common side effects of Rybelsus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. These symptoms typically improve as your body adjusts to the treatment.
Rare but serious side effects can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney damage, so contact a healthcare professional if you experience severe or persistent symptoms.
Yes, most side effects from Rybelsus tend to improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Common symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are often temporary and may ease after the first few weeks of treatment. If these side effects don’t go away or become severe, contact a healthcare professional. They may suggest ways to manage your symptoms or adjust your dosage.
Rybelsus is an oral tablet taken once a day on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning. Swallow the tablet whole with no more than 4 oz of water. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything, or taking other medications to help your body absorb it properly. Don’t crush, split, or chew the tablet, and keep it in its original container to protect it from moisture and light.
The most common side effects of Rybelsus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. These symptoms typically improve as your body adjusts to the treatment.
Rare but serious side effects can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney damage, so contact a healthcare professional if you experience severe or persistent symptoms.
Yes, most side effects from Rybelsus tend to improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Common symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are often temporary and may ease after the first few weeks of treatment. If these side effects don’t go away or become severe, contact a healthcare professional. They may suggest ways to manage your symptoms or adjust your dosage.
The bottom line
Without insurance or discounts, 30 tablets of Rybelsus 3 mg cost an average of $1245.15. And 30 tablets of Ozempic 1.5 mg cost an average of $1263.86. But what you’ll pay for Rybelsus or the Ozempic pill can depend on your insurance plan, the pharmacy you choose, and other factors.
If you have private insurance, you may qualify for a manufacturer copay savings card, which can reduce your costs to as little as $25 for up to a 3-month supply. GoodRx also offers discounts on the Ozempic pill to help you access the medication starting at $149 per month.
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References
Medicaid.gov. (n.d.). Managed care.
NovoCare. (n.d.). Diabetes savings offer program. Novo Nordisk.
Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries. (2026). Ozempic - oral semaglutide tablet, Rybelsus - oral semaglutide tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
Ozempic. (n.d.). Ozempic (semaglutide) cost and insurance coverage. Novo Nordisk.
