One of the most common questions we receive is: “Will my insurance cover this?” It’s a fair question — prescription weight loss medications represent a meaningful financial commitment, and understanding your coverage options before you start is important.

The Current Landscape

Most provincial health plans across Canada currently cover GLP-1 medications like Ozempic only for managing diabetes. However, many private insurance plans do cover GLP-1 medications for weight management, especially if your BMI is above 30, or above 27 with certain medical conditions. 

This means that if you have group benefits through your employer, or an individual private health plan, there’s a meaningful chance your medication may be partially or fully covered — particularly if you have related conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.

What Does It Cost Without Insurance?

If you don’t have insurance coverage, GLP-1 weight loss drugs typically cost around $300 to $450 per month, depending on your prescribed dose, with some medications costing $450 to $650 per month. 

Good News: Costs Are Coming Down

Canadians taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss currently pay anywhere from $300 to $500 a month, usually out of pocket. However, Canada could soon become the first country in the world to offer a cheaper, generic version of semaglutide. Experts estimate generics could bring the price down to approximately $100 to $125 per month. 

How to Check Your Coverage

Here are the steps to determine your coverage before starting treatment:

  1. Review your benefits booklet — look for “anti-obesity medications,” “GLP-1,” or specific drug names like Wegovy® or Zepbound®
  2. Call your insurance provider and ask specifically about coverage for semaglutide or tirzepatide prescribed for weight management (not diabetes)
  3. Ask your prescriber — our licensed prescribers can assist with prior authorization forms where required
  4. Check manufacturer patient support programs — Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly both offer patient support programs that may help with cost

The Bottom Line

Even without insurance, many Canadians find that the long-term health benefits of medically supervised weight loss — reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems — make treatment a worthwhile investment. Our team is here to help you navigate your options.

Start your assessment today →

Helpful Resources: