How Much Does Wegovy Cost in Canada?

If you’re considering Wegovy as a treatment option, the cost you’ll pay varies significantly based on your province, insurance coverage, and pharmacy choice.

Here’s what you can expect to pay for Wegovy in Canada, plus the factors that might affect your final cost.

Wegovy cost breakdown in Canada

A single Wegovy pen typically costs between $540 and $570 when you’re paying without insurance. This includes both the medication cost and a dispensing fee of about $10. Most people use one pen per month, so you’re looking at monthly expenses in that range.

The good news? If you have insurance coverage, your costs drop significantly. Many plans can reduce your monthly expenses through co-payment arrangements. Additionally, survey data reveal that approximately 10% of Canada’s adult population currently uses a GLP-1 type drug, translating to an estimated 900,000 to 1.4 million Canadians. This usage rate mirrors trends observed in the United States and suggests continued growth in the coming years.

Some pharmacies offer bulk pricing that can help reduce your per-pen cost:

• Single pen purchases: Usually $540 to $570 per pen
• Multi-pen purchases: Can drop to around $399 per pen when buying three at once
• Bulk savings: The more you buy upfront, the more you typically save per unit

The dosage strength can affect pricing at specific locations, though many pharmacies maintain consistent pricing across all Wegovy strengths.

Wegovy pricing across different provinces

Where you live has a huge impact on your Wegovy costs. Each province has its own drug coverage rules, creating wildly different out-of-pocket expenses.

Ontario offers coverage through the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program for supportive management in diabetes patients. If you qualify, this can significantly reduce your monthly costs compared to paying the full retail price.

Quebec provides coverage through Quebec’s public prescription drug insurance plan for diabetes patients with co-payments that can be up to 35% of the total cost. Your exact co-payment depends on your income level and family situation.

British Columbia covers Wegovy under PharmaCare for diabetes patients. Coverage applies when healthcare providers prescribe Wegovy in accordance with program guidelines.

Alberta requires special authorization through its drug benefit programs. You’ll need to submit applications with supporting medical documentation for consideration of approval.

The Atlantic provinces handle coverage differently:

• Nova Scotia provides coverage through its Diabetes Assistance Program for eligible residents
• Prince Edward Island requires special authorization with specific clinical criteria
• New Brunswick and Newfoundland currently don’t offer specific provincial coverage

This means your monthly costs can range from around $106 with good provincial coverage to the full retail price of approximately $529 without any government assistance.

Private insurance coverage for Wegovy

Private insurance can make a huge difference in your monthly Wegovy costs. Most private insurers evaluate coverage based on the medical reason for your prescription and your specific policy terms. Wegovy has a great resource where you can check your cost and coverage. 

Many plans require prior authorization before they will approve coverage. This means your doctor submits documentation explaining why Wegovy is medically necessary for your situation. The process typically takes 5-10 business days.

Coverage percentages vary widely:

• Some plans cover 50% to 80% of the medication cost
• Others provide up to 100% coverage after you meet your deductible
• Co-payment amounts can range from around $106 to several hundred dollars monthly

What affects your coverage:

• The medical condition being treated
• Previous treatments you’ve tried
• Your plan’s specific formulary (list of covered medications)
• Annual or lifetime maximums on prescription drug benefits

Got both provincial and private insurance? You can often stack these to save even more. Just ask your pharmacist to coordinate the benefits for you.

How much you pay without insurance

Paying for Wegovy without any insurance coverage means you’ll be paying the full retail price. Here’s what you can expect:

Single pen pricing ranges from $540 to $570, depending on the pharmacy and dosage strength. 

Additional costs to consider:

• Dispensing fees: $10 to $15 per prescription
• Delivery charges: $5 to $15 if you choose home shipping
• Tax (varies by province)

Money-saving strategies:

• Shop around: Prices can vary by $50 to $100 between pharmacies
• Buy in bulk: This can reduce your cost by $20 to $30
• Check for patient assistance programs: The manufacturer offers programs for eligible Canadians based on income requirements

City dwellers usually have more pharmacy options, which can drive prices down through competition. Rural areas have fewer choices, but you’ll generally see similar prices across the board. Interestingly, recent data shows that 31% of Canadian employers now provide coverage for both diabetes and non-diabetes applications of GLP-1 medications, a significant increase from previous years. However, 56% of employers still limit coverage to diabetes-only applications, which might affect your options depending on where you live.

Paying cash? Call around to multiple pharmacies – prices can vary significantly. Some locations offer loyalty programs or discount arrangements for regular customers.

Getting help with Wegovy costs

Even without great insurance, you’ve got options to make Wegovy more affordable.

Manufacturer assistance programs can provide significant cost reductions for eligible Canadians who meet specific income requirements. These programs are designed to help bridge the gap when insurance coverage isn’t available or sufficient.

Pharmacy programs vary by location:

• Some offer payment plans that let you spread costs over several smaller payments
• Others provide discount programs for expensive medications
• Loyalty programs can offer savings for regular customers

Employer benefits considerations:

• Group health plans often provide better coverage than individual policies
• Health spending accounts through your employer can help cover co-payments
• These accounts use pre-tax dollars, effectively reducing your costs

Struggling with Wegovy costs? Talk to your doctor and pharmacist. They know the ins and outs of assistance programs that might save you money.

Disclaimer: This content serves educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. All prescriptions are given at the provider’s discretion. Coverage details and policies can change; verify with official sources before making financial commitments.

Frequently asked questions about Wegovy costs in Canada

Does provincial health insurance cover Wegovy in all provinces?

No, provincial coverage varies significantly across Canada. Some provinces like Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia offer coverage for diabetes patients through their drug benefit programs, while others like New Brunswick and Newfoundland currently don’t provide specific provincial coverage for Wegovy.

Can you use both provincial and private insurance for Wegovy?

Yes, if you have both types of coverage, you can often coordinate them to reduce your out-of-pocket costs even further. Your pharmacist can help you understand how to maximize both benefits.

Are there generic versions of Wegovy available in Canada?

Generic versions aren’t currently available in Canada, as the brand-name manufacturer holds exclusive patent rights. Generic alternatives may become available after the patent expires, potentially reducing costs significantly.

What’s the difference between paying cash versus using insurance for Wegovy?

Cash prices typically range from $540 to $570 per pen, while insurance can reduce your cost to around $106 monthly, depending on your coverage. The difference can be over $400 per month.

Do online Canadian pharmacies offer better Wegovy prices?

Online licensed Canadian pharmacies sometimes offer competitive pricing compared to traditional locations, but prices generally remain within the same range of $540 to $570 per pen. Always verify that online pharmacies are properly licensed.