GLP-1 Cost Guide (2026)
By the UnitedWellness editorial team · Updated March 2026 · 8 min read
GLP-1 telehealth marketing has a pricing problem. The number you see advertised is rarely what you actually pay. Programs split costs between program fees and medication, use starting-dose pricing that understates higher-dose costs, and some add fees that only appear after you’ve completed the intake. This guide breaks down what each cost category actually means so you can compare programs on a real apples-to-apples basis.
The three cost categories to understand
Program or membership fee covers access to the platform, physician evaluation, and ongoing clinical support. This is the number most programs advertise. It does not include medication at most programs.
Medication cost is billed separately at most programs and is often the larger of the two charges. Compounded semaglutide typically runs $150 to $300 per month depending on dose. Compounded tirzepatide runs higher. Brand-name medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound) cost significantly more unless covered by insurance.
Lab fees are required by some programs before prescribing and periodically during treatment. Some programs include labs in their fee; others charge separately or require you to order through your own provider. Always ask.
The number that matters is the all-in monthly cost at your likely prescribed dose - program fee plus medication plus any required labs. Ask for this number explicitly before committing.
What the major programs charge
These are approximate starting rates as of March 2026 based on publicly available information. Starting-dose prices are shown - costs at higher doses will be greater. Medication costs are listed separately where billed that way.
| Program | Program Fee | Medication | All-In Est. | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Found | ~$99/mo | Separate (~$149–$249/mo) | ~$248–$348/mo | Accepted |
| Ro Body | ~$145/mo | Included at starting dose | ~$145/mo+ | Accepted |
| MEDVi | ~$197/mo | Separate at some doses | ~$197/mo+ | Limited |
| Calibrate | ~$149/mo | Separate (insurance or cash) | Varies widely | Accepted |
| Hims | ~$79/mo | Included at starting dose | ~$79/mo+ | Not accepted |
| JRNYS | ~$129/mo | Separate | ~$129/mo+ | Not accepted |
All-in estimates are approximations based on publicly available starting rates as of March 2026. Higher doses cost more. Verify directly with each provider before enrolling.
How insurance affects cost
Insurance can change the math significantly, but it’s complicated. Here’s how the different cost categories interact with coverage:
Program fees and physician visits: Found and Ro Body accept insurance for these components. Patients with compatible plans may pay only a copay for the clinical portion of the program. Hims, JRNYS, and others operate on a self-pay model only.
Brand-name GLP-1 medications: Wegovy and Zepbound (brand-name weight management versions) may be covered by some insurance plans when prescribed for obesity or weight management with a qualifying BMI. Coverage depends entirely on your specific plan. Ozempic and Mounjaro are approved for type 2 diabetes - coverage for off-label weight management use is more variable.
Compounded medications: Not covered by insurance. If your program uses compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide, you are paying out of pocket for the medication. Full stop.
If insurance coverage matters to your decision, call your insurer before signing up for any program and ask specifically: does my plan cover GLP-1 medications for weight management, and does it cover telehealth visits with this specific provider? Get a reference number for the call.
Costs that don’t always appear upfront
Dose escalation costs: Most programs start you at a low dose and increase over time. The advertised price often reflects the starting dose. Higher doses - where most patients end up - cost more at programs that price by dose. Ask what the cost looks like at your likely maintenance dose, not just the entry point.
Lab fees: Some programs require bloodwork before prescribing (metabolic panel, A1c, thyroid) and periodically during treatment. This can add $50 to $150 per panel at programs that don’t include labs. Ask explicitly whether labs are included or billed separately.
Cancellation and pause policies: Some programs have minimum commitment periods or fees to cancel or pause. Read the terms before you sign up, not after.
Shipping: Most programs that ship compounded medication directly include shipping in the price. Confirm before assuming.
How to actually compare costs across programs
Ask every program the same four questions before comparing:
- What is the total monthly cost at the starting dose, including medication?
- What does the cost look like at a higher maintenance dose?
- Are labs included, or billed separately?
- Does this program accept my insurance, and for which components?
With those four answers in hand for each program you’re considering, you can make a meaningful comparison. Without them, you’re comparing marketing numbers that don’t represent your actual cost.
See our full GLP-1 programs comparison for a side-by-side look at all six major programs, or read individual reviews starting with Found and Ro Body.