If you live in the U.S. and have heard about Zepbound, you probably know one thing already — it’s powerful for weight management, but its price without insurance can be a bit of a shock. With rising interest in medications like Zepbound, Wegovy, and Ozempic, many are asking: how much will I really pay out of pocket?
In this post, we’ll walk through up-to-date pricing, savings programs, what “self-pay” means, and strategies to reduce your cost if you're uninsured or underinsured.
What Is Zepbound?
Generic / Active Ingredient: Tirzepatide
Manufacturer: Eli Lilly
FDA Approval: Approved for chronic weight management in adults (November 2023)
Zepbound works by mimicking certain hormones involved in appetite regulation and glucose metabolism, helping reduce hunger and supporting weight loss.
Current U.S. Pricing: No Insurance
List Price
The list price for a 28-day supply (4 pens) of Zepbound is about $1,086.
Without discounts or insurance, that means over $13,000 annually if you take it continuously.
LillyDirect Self-Pay Options
For people paying fully out of pocket (no insurance), Eli Lilly offers “self-pay” pricing through their LillyDirect pharmacy service. Some examples:
| Dose | Price per Month (Self-Pay) |
|---|---|
| 2.5 mg vial | ≈ $349 |
| 5 mg vial | ≈ $499 |
| 7.5 & 10 mg vials | ≈ $499 with the Self Pay Journey Program, otherwise $599–$699 |
| 12.5 & 15 mg vials | ≈ $849–$1,049 depending on refill timing |
These vial options are single-use vials (not pens), meaning you’ll need to handle administration via syringe or needle.
Discounts, Savings & Programs
If you have no insurance, or your insurance does not cover Zepbound, there are still a number of ways to reduce cost:
Self Pay Journey Program: Offers reduced monthly cost for vials if you refill within specific time windows.
Patient Assistance Programs: Income-based programs run by Lilly that may reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs.
Compounded Alternatives: Some people have used compounded tirzepatide from specialty pharmacies in the past, though these are not FDA-approved versions and availability is more limited now.
Who Is Eligible for Savings & Who Is Not
Eligible: Patients with commercial insurance (through an employer or private plan) may qualify for the Zepbound Savings Card, which can reduce costs dramatically.
Not Eligible: Patients with government-provided insurance programs (Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, etc.) are generally excluded from manufacturer savings cards.
Example Scenarios
Scenario A: Uninsured, wants 5 mg dose
Through LillyDirect Self-Pay: about $499/month.Scenario B: Uninsured, wants 10 mg dose, but delays refill beyond program timing
Price could rise to $699/month.Scenario C: Has commercial insurance and uses a Savings Card
Out-of-pocket may be as low as $25/month, depending on plan.
Key Things to Watch Out For
Dose matters: Higher doses cost more.
Form matters: Vials are generally less expensive than pens, but require syringes.
Refill timing: Discounts depend on when you reorder.
Insurance type: Government insurance usually cannot use savings cards.
Changing policies: Pricing and coverage rules change frequently — always confirm the latest information.
Conclusion & Takeaway
If you don’t have insurance, expect to pay the list price (~$1,086 for a 28-day pen supply) unless you use LillyDirect’s self-pay vial options, which can reduce monthly cost significantly — for example, about $499/month for a 5-mg vial.
If you’re considering Zepbound:
Talk with your healthcare provider about vial vs. pen options
See if you qualify for Lilly’s Self Pay Journey Program
Explore income-based patient assistance programs
Compare pharmacies and pricing options carefully
Takeaway: The price of Zepbound without insurance is high, but with the right program or option, many patients can cut their costs by half or more.