Zepbound Costs in 2025: With and Without Insurance Coverage
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a popular medication for weight loss and sleep apnea, but its cost can be a concern. In 2025, Zepbound costs in 2025: with and without insurance coverage vary widely based on dosage, pharmacy, and savings programs.
This article breaks down the pricing, insurance options, and ways to save in simple language.
What Is Zepbound?
Zepbound is an injectable drug approved by the FDA for weight management and obstructive sleep apnea. It contains tirzepatide, which mimics GLP-1 and GIP hormones to reduce appetite. Administered weekly, it’s available in pens or vials.
The drug is also sold as Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes, but Zepbound targets obesity specifically. Its effectiveness makes it a top choice, but costs can be a barrier.
Zepbound Costs Without Insurance
Without insurance, Zepbound’s list price for a 28-day supply of pens is $1,086.37. Retail prices often range from $1,000 to $1,300, depending on the pharmacy and location. Single-dose vials are cheaper, starting at $349 for 2.5 mg.
Higher doses, like 7.5 mg and 10 mg vials, cost $499 through LillyDirect’s Self Pay Journey Program. These prices apply only for cash payments, not insurance claims.
Compounded tirzepatide, though sometimes cheaper, isn’t FDA-approved and may carry risks. Always consult a doctor before choosing non-branded options.
Zepbound Costs With Insurance
With commercial insurance, Zepbound costs in 2025: with and without insurance coverage can drop significantly. If your plan covers Zepbound, you might pay as little as $25 for a 1- or 3-month supply using the Zepbound Savings Card. Coverage varies by plan, and prior authorization is often required.
Without coverage under commercial insurance, the Savings Card reduces costs to about $550–$650 per month for pens. Medicare and Medicaid rarely cover weight-loss drugs like Zepbound, leaving patients to pay out-of-pocket or seek alternatives.
Zepbound Savings Card Program
Eli Lilly’s Zepbound Savings Card helps lower costs for commercially insured patients. Those with coverage can pay $25 for up to a 3-month supply, with a maximum annual savings of $1,950. The card covers up to 13 fills per year.
For those without coverage, the card offers up to $469 off a 1-month supply, saving up to $6,097 annually. This program expires on December 31, 2025, and isn’t available for government-funded insurance like Medicare.
To qualify, you need a valid prescription and commercial insurance. Check eligibility at zepbound.lilly.com.
Single-Dose Vials vs. Pens
In 2025, Eli Lilly expanded single-dose vial options to make Zepbound more affordable. Vials require manual injection with a syringe, unlike auto-injector pens. They’re ideal for those paying cash or without insurance coverage.
| Dose | Vial Price (LillyDirect) | Pen Price (Retail) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | $349 | $1,000–$1,300 |
| 5 mg | $499 | $1,000–$1,300 |
| 7.5 mg | $499 (Self Pay Program) | $1,000–$1,300 |
| 10 mg | $499 (Self Pay Program) | $1,000–$1,300 |
Vials are only available through LillyDirect and not covered by insurance. Prices for 7.5 mg and 10 mg vials drop to $499 with timely refills.
LillyDirect Self Pay Journey Program
The Self Pay Journey Program targets uninsured patients or those without coverage. It offers 7.5 mg and 10 mg vials for $499 per month, provided refills occur within 45 days of the last delivery. The 2.5 mg and 5 mg vials cost $349 and $499, respectively.
This program is accessed via LillyDirect, Eli Lilly’s direct-to-consumer pharmacy. Patients need a prescription and must self-inject using vials, which may require learning proper technique.
Lilly provides educational resources for safe administration. The program has made Zepbound more accessible, especially after compounded tirzepatide restrictions in 2025.
Insurance Coverage Challenges
Insurance coverage for Zepbound is inconsistent in 2025. Commercial plans may cover it, but many require prior authorization or proof of medical necessity, like a BMI over 30 or weight-related conditions. Coverage dropped for 4.9 million people from 2024 to 2025, per GoodRx data.
Medicare Part D doesn’t cover weight-loss medications, though some Medicare Advantage plans might. Medicaid coverage varies by state, with only 16 states covering weight-loss drugs as of 2024.
If your plan denies coverage, appeals or alternative medications like Mounjaro (for diabetes) may be options. Always check with your insurer for specifics.
Ways to Save on Zepbound
Several strategies can reduce Zepbound costs in 2025: with and without insurance coverage. Here are some practical tips:
- Use the Zepbound Savings Card for commercial insurance discounts.
- Compare pharmacy prices using GoodRx or SingleCare for up to 20% off.
- Opt for vials through LillyDirect if paying out-of-pocket.
- Ask your doctor about 90-day supplies to lower pharmacy trips.
Discount cards like GoodRx can bring pen prices to around $1,025.67. Always verify prices, as they fluctuate by location and pharmacy.
Patient assistance programs from Eli Lilly may help eligible low-income patients. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for application details.
Factors Affecting Zepbound Costs
Zepbound’s price varies based on several factors. Dosage doesn’t significantly affect pen prices, but vials are cheaper for lower doses. Pharmacy markups can increase retail costs by $200 or more.
Your location impacts pricing due to regional pharmacy differences. Insurance factors, like copays, deductibles, or prior authorization, also play a role.
The lack of a generic version keeps costs high, as tirzepatide’s patent lasts until 2036. New vial options and savings programs aim to ease this burden.
Alternatives to Zepbound
If Zepbound is too expensive, consider alternatives like Wegovy (semaglutide), which costs $499 per month without insurance after Novo Nordisk’s 2025 price cut. Mounjaro, also tirzepatide, is an option for diabetes but may be prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Other drugs, like phentermine, are cheaper but less effective for significant weight loss. Discuss options with your doctor to find a cost-effective solution.
Compounded tirzepatide is no longer widely available due to 2025 restrictions. Avoid non-FDA-approved versions to ensure safety and efficacy.
Tips for Managing Costs
Check your insurance plan annually for coverage updates, as formularies change. Contact your insurer to confirm Zepbound’s status and prior authorization requirements. Use Lilly’s cost navigator tool on their website for quick insurance checks.
If paying out-of-pocket, explore mail-order pharmacies for potential savings. A 90-day supply can reduce costs and pharmacy visits.
Work with your doctor to appeal denials or explore lower-cost medications. Staying proactive helps manage Zepbound costs effectively.
Summary
Zepbound costs in 2025: with and without insurance coverage range from $25 to over $1,300 monthly, depending on insurance, dosage form, and savings programs. Without insurance, pens cost $1,000–$1,300, while vials start at $349 through LillyDirect.
Commercial insurance with the Zepbound Savings Card can lower costs to $25 for covered patients, but Medicare and Medicaid rarely cover it. Single-dose vials and discount programs make Zepbound more accessible, but coverage challenges persist. Compare prices, use savings cards, and consult your doctor to find the best option.
FAQ
How much does Zepbound cost without insurance in 2025?
Without insurance, Zepbound pens cost $1,000–$1,300 per month. Single-dose vials are cheaper, at $349 for 2.5 mg and $499 for 5–10 mg through LillyDirect. Prices vary by pharmacy and location.
What is the Zepbound Savings Card?
The Zepbound Savings Card offers $25 monthly costs for insured patients with coverage or up to $469 off for those without. It’s for commercial insurance only and expires December 31, 2025.
Does Medicare cover Zepbound in 2025?
Medicare Part D doesn’t cover Zepbound for weight loss, but some Medicare Advantage plans may. Check with your plan provider for details. Medicaid coverage varies by state.
How do vials compare to pens for Zepbound?
Vials cost $349–$499 per month and require manual injection, while pens cost $1,000–$1,300. Vials are only available through LillyDirect for cash payments, not insurance.
Are there cheaper alternatives to Zepbound?
Wegovy costs $499 per month without insurance, and Mounjaro may be prescribed off-label for weight loss. Phentermine is a lower-cost but less effective option. Consult your doctor for alternatives.