Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injection used mainly to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Many Canadians also use it off-label for weight management because it reduces appetite and helps create a natural calorie deficit. The medication is expensive, and the final price people pay depends heavily on whether they have public drug coverage, private insurance, or pay cash.
In Canada, prescription drug costs are not uniform across the country. Provincial and territorial pharmacare plans cover Ozempic for eligible residents under specific conditions, while private insurance and out-of-pocket payments fill the gaps. Prices can differ by province, pharmacy, dose strength, and whether the patient qualifies for any public or private assistance.
This article explains the current cost of Ozempic in Canada in 2025. It covers list prices, public plan coverage by province, private insurance scenarios, out-of-pocket amounts, ways to reduce expenses, and important safety notes. Costs and coverage rules change frequently, so always verify with your pharmacy, doctor, or provincial drug plan.
List Price of Ozempic in Canada (2025)
The manufacturer’s list price for Ozempic remains relatively stable year to year. A single pen (containing four weekly doses) typically retails between $300 and $340 CAD before any discounts or coverage. The most common maintenance pens (1 mg or 2 mg strength) fall in the $320–$340 range at most pharmacies.
Cash-paying patients without public or private coverage usually pay close to this full amount, though some independent pharmacies offer small discounts for cash payment. Annual out-of-pocket cost without help can exceed $3,840–$4,080 CAD for continuous use.
Higher doses (2 mg pen) sometimes cost slightly more per pen, but the per-dose price remains similar because each pen still provides four injections. Prices are highest in provinces without strong public coverage for non-seniors.
Public Drug Plan Coverage by Province and Territory
Public drug plans in Canada decide coverage based on medical necessity, cost-effectiveness, and budget limits. Ozempic is covered for type 2 diabetes under most provincial formularies, usually after metformin and other first-line agents have been tried or are not tolerated.
Coverage for weight management alone (off-label) is extremely limited. No province or territory routinely covers Ozempic solely for obesity or weight loss in 2025. Some plans allow exceptional access or case-by-case approval when obesity causes or worsens another covered condition (e.g., severe osteoarthritis limiting mobility).
Seniors (age 65+) and residents on social assistance generally pay little or nothing under most provincial plans when the drug is covered for diabetes. Non-senior adults with private insurance or no coverage pay the largest share.
- Coverage Highlights by Province:
- Ontario: Covered for diabetes after metformin failure; $2–$6.11 copay for most
- British Columbia: Covered under PharmaCare for diabetes; income-based deductibles
- Alberta: Covered under AISH/Income Support; non-seniors pay full price without private plan
- Quebec: Covered under RAMQ for diabetes; seniors and low-income pay $0–$15
- Manitoba / Saskatchewan: Covered for diabetes; copays vary by income
Private Insurance Coverage for Ozempic
Private drug plans (through employers, unions, or individual policies) cover Ozempic much more often than public plans when prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Most private insurers place it on a higher tier, resulting in copays of $30–$100 per month or 20–40% coinsurance after deductible.
Coverage for off-label weight loss is rare. Some progressive plans started approving it in 2024–2025 when obesity is documented as a medical condition contributing to other covered issues (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, joint disease). Prior authorization is almost always required.
When private coverage is active, the Novo Nordisk Ozempic Savings Card (available in Canada) can reduce copays to $25–$50 per month for eligible patients. The card has annual and per-fill maximums and cannot be combined with public plans.
Typical Out-of-Pocket Costs in Different Scenarios
Without any public or private coverage, a patient pays the full pharmacy price: $300–$340 per pen, or roughly $1,200–$1,360 per year for four pens (one per month). Seniors and social assistance recipients in most provinces pay $0–$6 per prescription when covered for diabetes.
With private insurance and the savings card, many pay $25–$50 per month after any deductible is met. In provinces with income-based deductibles (British Columbia, Manitoba), non-seniors may pay several hundred dollars in the first few months before reaching the deductible.
Compounded semaglutide (custom-made by pharmacies) costs $250–$600 per month through telehealth providers. These are cash-pay only and not covered by any public or private plan in Canada.
Comparison of Monthly Out-of-Pocket Costs for Ozempic (2025)
| Coverage Scenario | Typical Monthly Cost (CAD) | Includes Doctor Visits? | Public / Private Coverage? |
|---|---|---|---|
| No coverage (cash pay) | $300 – $340 | No | None |
| Private insurance + savings card | $25 – $50 | No | Private only |
| Provincial public plan (diabetes) | $0 – $15 | No | Public |
| Compounded semaglutide (telehealth) | $250 – $600 | Yes | None |
| Manufacturer patient assistance | $0 | No | None |
Private insurance with the savings card offers the lowest predictable cost for many working-age Canadians. Public plans provide the cheapest option for eligible seniors and low-income residents with diabetes.
Manufacturer Patient Assistance Program (Canada)
Novo Nordisk Canada offers the Ozempic Patient Assistance Program for uninsured or underinsured patients who meet income criteria. Eligible individuals receive Ozempic at no cost when they cannot afford it and have no other coverage options.
To apply, patients need proof of income, denial letters from insurance (if applicable), and a valid prescription from a Canadian licensed prescriber. The program is administered through the manufacturer and often requires physician involvement.
Approval can take 2–6 weeks. Once approved, medication is shipped directly or coordinated through the pharmacy at no cost to the patient. The program does not cover consultation fees, lab tests, or injection supplies.
Practical Steps to Lower Ozempic Costs in Canada
Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether your provincial drug plan covers Ozempic for your specific diagnosis. Request prior authorization if required. Provide recent A1C results, medication history, and notes on why other treatments were insufficient.
If you have private insurance, ask your employer or plan administrator whether Ozempic is covered and on which tier. Activate the Novo Nordisk savings card immediately if eligible. This card is free and can be obtained through your doctor or the official Ozempic Canada website.
If denied coverage, apply for the manufacturer patient assistance program right away. For cash-pay patients, compare prices at different pharmacies—independent ones sometimes charge less than chain pharmacies. Consider compounded semaglutide through licensed Canadian telehealth providers if branded cost is unaffordable.
- Steps to Reduce Costs:
- Confirm provincial formulary coverage for diabetes
- Activate the savings card if you have private insurance
- Apply for patient assistance if uninsured
- Compare pharmacy prices across chains and independents
- Ask your doctor about slower titration to reduce early costs
Safety and Monitoring When Using Ozempic
Ozempic commonly causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort, especially during the first few months. These effects are dose-dependent and usually improve with time. Eating small, low-fat meals and staying hydrated helps manage them.
Rare but serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and possible thyroid tumors (seen in animal studies). Report severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or neck lumps to your doctor immediately.
Regular follow-up is essential. Blood work (A1C, kidney function, lipids) is recommended every 3–6 months. Monitor weight, blood pressure, and side effects closely, especially if using off-label for weight loss.
Conclusion
Ozempic remains expensive in Canada without public or private coverage, with full cash prices around $300–$340 per month. Provincial drug plans cover it for type 2 diabetes in most regions (often $0–$15 copay), while private insurance + the savings card can reduce costs to $25–$50 per month for eligible patients. Uninsured individuals may qualify for free medication through patient assistance or pay $250–$600 for compounded versions. Always verify coverage with your plan, use legitimate pharmacies, and work with your doctor to ensure safe, affordable treatment.
FAQ
How much does Ozempic cost per month without insurance in Canada?
Without any coverage, a 4-week pen typically costs $300–$340 CAD at retail pharmacies in 2025. Independent pharmacies sometimes charge slightly less for cash payment. Annual cost without assistance exceeds $3,600–$4,080.
Does provincial health coverage pay for Ozempic?
Yes, in most provinces and territories when prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Coverage usually requires prior authorization, failed metformin trial, and recent A1C documentation. Copays range from $0 to $15 depending on age and income.
Can I get Ozempic for free if I have no insurance?
Yes, through the Novo Nordisk Canada Patient Assistance Program if you meet income criteria (typically household income ≤400% of the federal poverty level) and have no other coverage. Applications require proof of income and prescription. Approval takes 2–6 weeks.
Is Ozempic covered for weight loss under private insurance?
Coverage for weight loss alone is rare. Most private plans cover Ozempic only when type 2 diabetes is the primary diagnosis. Off-label use for obesity may be denied or require exceptional approval with strong medical justification.
How do I activate the Ozempic savings card in Canada?
Visit the official Ozempic Canada website or ask your doctor for the savings card. Activate online or by phone using the instructions provided. The card reduces copay to $25–$50 per month for eligible commercially insured patients.
What should I do if my insurance denies coverage for Ozempic?
Appeal the denial with additional medical records, recent A1C results, and a letter of medical necessity from your doctor. If still denied, apply for Novo Nordisk patient assistance or consider compounded semaglutide through licensed telehealth providers ($250–$600/month). Never stop treatment abruptly without medical guidance.
Dr. Usman is a medical content reviewer with 12+ years of experience in healthcare research and patient education. He specializes in evidence-based health information, medications, and chronic health topics. His work is based on trusted medical sources and current clinical guidelines to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Content reviewed by Dr. Usman is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.