Wegovy (semaglutide) has become one of the most discussed weight-loss injections in the UK—but understanding its price and availability can feel confusing. Costs vary widely depending on how you access it, and NHS provision is limited by strict eligibility criteria and supply constraints.
If you’re wondering how Wegovy works and whether it’s a good fit for you before exploring costs, start with our comprehensive guide to how Wegovy supports long-term weight control.
Below, we’ll break down Wegovy prices in the UK, NHS eligibility and charges, private prescription costs, and factors that influence availability so you can make an informed choice.
Wegovy Pricing in the UK — How It Differs by Route of Access
- NHS Wegovy: Low Cost but Limited Access
In the UK, Wegovy can be prescribed on the NHS — but it’s much harder to obtain than private prescriptions.
To get Wegovy through NHS services, you generally need to meet criteria such as:
- BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² with weight-related health conditions, or
- BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² with significant comorbidities (e.g., type 2 diabetes)
Even when you meet these criteria, access isn’t guaranteed — waiting lists for specialist weight-management services can be months or years long due to limited capacity and high demand.
Cost to you (if approved):
- In England: Standard NHS prescription charge (currently about £9.90 per item).
- In Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland: Prescriptions are free.
However, NHS funding for Wegovy is time-limited to a maximum of around 2 years under NICE recommendations, and local availability can vary by region.
- Private Prescription Costs — Faster Access, Higher Price
If you don’t qualify for NHS access or want quicker treatment, private prescriptions are the most common route.
Typical Private Costs (per month)
The price varies by dose, provider, and level of support included:
Approximate private costs in the UK:
- Lower doses (e.g., 0.25 mg weekly): ~£98 – £150+
- Mid doses (0.5–1.0 mg): ~£128 – £200+
- Higher titration doses (1.7 mg): ~£175 – £300+
- Maintenance dose (2.4 mg): ~£198 – £319+
These prices usually include a month’s supply (four pens), though consultation and follow-up fees may be additional. Some online telehealth providers bundle consultation and delivery into the price, while others charge separate fees.
Key point: Private annual costs can total £2,000–£4,000+ when medication and clinical support are included.
Why Private Prices Vary So Much
Several factors influence private Wegovy pricing:
- Dose strength: Higher doses cost more.
- Provider model: Some include medical assessment and follow-up; others charge extra.
- Stock and supply: Temporary shortages or high demand can push prices up slightly at some clinics.
- Geographic and service differences: Some high-street clinics and online prescribers price differently.
Reddit discussions from UK users also reflect wide price variation depending on provider, with typical monthly private costs reported anywhere from ~£79 to ~£300+ per month.
Are Prices Expected to Change in the Future?
There’s ongoing industry speculation around generic or lower-cost versions of semaglutide entering the market in the coming years as patents expire in some regions. However, in the UK the brand patent remains in force for now, and regulated generic options are not yet widely available.
Greater competition and increased production could bring prices down — but always ensure any alternative is sourced through a GPhC-registered pharmacy and prescribed by a UK-licensed clinician.
NHS Eligibility and Why Access Isn’t Guaranteed
Even if you meet NICE criteria, access through the NHS is constrained by:
- Resource limits in specialist weight management services
- Local Integrated Care Boards applying stricter criteria than national guidelines
- Supply and distribution challenges
This means many eligible patients face long waits — leading many to pursue private prescription options for faster access and more flexible care.
Where to Get Wegovy Safely in the UK
Private online clinics and telehealth services
These offer:
- Remote medical assessment
- UK-registered prescribers
- Home delivery of medication
- Follow-up support
Before ordering, always verify the provider carries:
- GPhC registration
- Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration (for prescribers)
- Clear cost breakdown
For examples of reputable accessible services, see options such as safe online Wegovy prescriptions in the UK.
High-street private clinics
Some local clinics and pharmacies offer Wegovy prescriptions after face-to-face assessments, but pricing may be higher.
Tips for Affordable Wegovy Access
- Compare multiple private providers and what’s included in the price.
- Ask about bundle pricing (consultation + medication).
- Confirm supply timelines and shipping costs up front.
- In England, consider whether an NHS Tier 3 referral is appropriate (longer wait but lower cost).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can anyone in the UK get Wegovy on the NHS?
No — only those who meet strict NICE eligibility criteria and are referred to specialist weight management services.
- How much does Wegovy cost privately per month?
Typically, between £150 and £300+, depending on dose, provider, and included services.
- Are there clinics with cheaper Wegovy options?
Yes — some providers charge lower starter prices (e.g., ~£79–£99 for initial dosing) but always confirm legitimacy and support.
- Do private insurance plans cover Wegovy?
Most standard UK health insurance plans do not cover weight-loss medications, though some employers’ schemes may offer discounts or wellness support.
- Will Wegovy prices drop in the future?
Possibly, as global patents expire and generic options emerge, but affordable generics are not yet widely available in the UK.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
Understanding Wegovy price and availability in the UK is key to planning your weight-loss treatment journey realistically. While NHS access offers lower out-of-pocket costs, strict eligibility and long waiting lists limit availability for many. Private prescriptions provide faster access and flexible care, but with significantly higher ongoing costs and variability in pricing.
Before starting treatment, review clinical eligibility, compare providers, and choose regulated, UK-registered pharmacies and prescribers to ensure safety and authenticity.
To explore current private prescription options and typical pricing, visit trusted UK Wegovy prescription services and understand what’s included in the cost.
