The price of GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro varies dramatically from country to country. In the US, a monthly supply of Wegovy can cost over $1,300, while the same medication in the UK can be obtained for around £92 privately — or just £9.90 on an NHS prescription. This article gives you a clear overview of what these medications cost and who covers the bill across the key markets.

Quick comparison: monthly cost without subsidy

CountryWegovy (approx.)Covered for weight loss?
DenmarkDKK 2,000–3,000No (in general)
NorwayNOK 1,748Under review (blue prescription)
SwedenSEK 1,400–1,600No
Germany€200–300No (exception: cardiovascular risk)
UK~£92 private / £9.90 NHSYes, via NHS for eligible patients
USA~$1,349 (list price)Varies widely

Denmark

In Denmark, Wegovy has no general public subsidy for the treatment of obesity. The Danish Medicines Agency has assessed that the price is not proportionate to the overall clinical value for the broad population. It is possible to apply for an individual subsidy (enkelttilskud) in exceptional cases, but this is rarely granted.

Ozempic (semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Wegovy) does have a subsidy for type 2 diabetes, but the rules have tightened progressively. Since November 2024, patients must have tried other diabetes medicines (such as metformin and SGLT-2 inhibitors) without adequate effect before Ozempic qualifies for subsidy. Ozempic cannot be prescribed with a subsidy for weight loss alone.

For many Danes using these medications for weight loss, the cost is therefore a purely private expense of approximately DKK 2,000–3,000 per month depending on dose and pen strength.

Norway

In Norway, the situation is evolving rapidly. Ozempic has blå resept (full subsidy) for type 2 diabetes, but since July 2024, it can no longer be prescribed off-label for weight loss with a blue prescription.

Wegovy for weight loss was in December 2025 assessed as cost-effective by the Norwegian Medicines Agency (DMP) for patients with BMI ≥ 35 and two comorbidities, or BMI ≥ 40 alone. DMP recommends including Wegovy in the blue prescription scheme for this group. However, the decision remains under political review by the Ministry of Health and Care Services as of April 2026. Without a blue prescription, Wegovy costs approximately NOK 1,748 per month.

Sweden

In Sweden, neither Wegovy nor Mounjaro has received a subsidy from the Dental and Pharmaceutical Benefits Agency (TLV) for the treatment of obesity. TLV has assessed that there is a significant risk that the medications would be used for far more patients than intended — so-called subsidy drift. Without a subsidy, patients typically pay SEK 1,400–1,600 per month for Wegovy and upwards of SEK 2,000 for Mounjaro depending on dose.

Ozempic is included in the Swedish högkostnadsskydd (high-cost protection), but only when prescribed for type 2 diabetes. If used for weight loss, the patient pays the full price.

Germany

Under German law (§ 34 SGB V), the public health insurance system (GKV) is generally not permitted to cover medications primarily intended for weight loss. This applies to both Wegovy and Mounjaro. Self-pay costs are approximately €200–300 per month.

There is one important exception: in 2024 the EU approved Wegovy for reducing cardiovascular risk in patients with obesity and existing heart disease. In some cases, GKV may cover treatment when it is prescribed for this specific cardiovascular indication. Private health insurance (PKV) may cover Wegovy depending on the terms of the individual policy — contact your insurer for clarification.

United Kingdom

In the UK, it is possible to receive Wegovy through the NHS — but specific criteria under NICE Technology Appraisal 875 (TA875) must be met. You need a BMI of at least 35 kg/m² and at least one weight-related comorbidity (such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure), and you must be referred by your GP to a specialist weight management service (Tier 3/4). NHS-funded treatment is capped at a maximum of two years.

Waiting times for specialist services are 12–24 months in many areas. If you obtain an NHS prescription, you pay only the standard prescription charge: £9.90 per item in England (free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). Private treatment typically costs £150–300 per month for the medication alone.

A key fact: in the UK, Wegovy retails at around £92 per month privately — a fraction of the US list price.

United States

The US is the most expensive market for GLP-1 medications. Wegovy's official list price is approximately $1,349 per month. Many insurance plans — including a large proportion of private employer-sponsored plans — do not cover weight loss medications. Medicare did not cover Wegovy for weight loss until 2024, when the FDA approved it for reducing cardiovascular risk, opening the door to Medicare Part D coverage for that specific indication.

Novo Nordisk offers Wegovy through its NovoCare programme for approximately $349 per month for eligible uninsured patients. Compounded versions of semaglutide (mixed at compounding pharmacies) are available for $200–400, but these are not FDA-approved and carry quality risks.

Ways to reduce your cost

Regardless of which country you live in, there are ways to lower your monthly outlay:

Important note

Prices and subsidy rules change regularly. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist for current information about what you can expect to pay and whether you qualify for coverage in your country.

Sources