Best Diabetes Medications for Cash-Paying Patients: What to Ask Your Doctor and Where to Buy

May 6, 2025
Jason K

For millions of Americans without insurance, managing diabetes can feel overwhelming—especially when the cost of medications like Ozempic, insulin, or Jardiance can stretch well beyond what’s affordable. If you’re a cash-paying patient, understanding your treatment options and how to reduce your out-of-pocket costs is essential.

This guide walks you through the most affordable and effective diabetes medications available in 2025, how to discuss cost-saving alternatives with your provider, and where to legally buy medications for less—including from Canada.

Understanding Your Options: Not All Diabetes Medications Are Priced the Same

When paying cash, it’s important to know that not all diabetes medications cost the same. Even within the same drug class, prices can vary dramatically depending on brand, delivery method, and whether a generic is available.

Here are the major classes of diabetes medications with affordable options:

Metformin

First-line oral medication
Often available for under $10 per month
Widely tolerated, though some may need the extended-release form to minimize GI side effects

Insulin

Necessary for many patients with type 1 diabetes or advanced type 2
Short-acting and long-acting options vary in price
In Canada, brand-name insulins like Lantus or Humalog are significantly cheaper than U.S. prices

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (Ozempic, Rybelsus, Mounjaro)

Highly effective for weight loss and A1c reduction
Expensive in the U.S. (over $1,000/month without insurance)
From Canada:
- Rybelsus (oral): around $297.95 for 30 tablets
- Ozempic: $429.96 per pen
- Mounjaro: starts around $620 per month
Can be dosed carefully to extend supply using click-counting strategies

Shop diabetes medications

SGLT2 Inhibitors (Jardiance, Farxiga)

Useful for both diabetes and heart failure protection
Jardiance: about $109 for 30 tablets through Canadian pharmacies
Farxiga (Forxiga in Canada): similar price point
U.S. retail prices can exceed $600 per month without insurance

DPP-4 Inhibitors (Januvia, Tradjenta)

Moderate blood sugar-lowering effect with fewer side effects
Canadian prices are much lower
- Januvia: under $150 per month from Canada
- Tradjenta: similar range

What to Ask Your Doctor if You’re Paying Cash

Many providers prescribe based on insurance formularies or brand familiarity, but if you’re paying out of pocket, they can often suggest lower-cost options. Use these questions during your next visit:

Are there generic versions or lower-cost alternatives to my current medication?
Could we try an older medication like metformin or glimepiride if appropriate?
If I switch to a GLP-1 medication like Rybelsus, can I start with the lowest dose to keep cost down?
Is once-daily insulin or a combination insulin right for me to simplify dosing and cost?

Always mention if you’re open to ordering from Canada. Many doctors are supportive when they know the medication is coming from a licensed pharmacy through a prescription referral service.

Why Buying from Canada Makes a Difference

Prescription medications in Canada are regulated for price, making them significantly more affordable. For cash-paying patients in the U.S., this can be the difference between continuing treatment or not.

Key benefits of buying from Canada:

Up to 50–70% lower prices than U.S. pharmacies
No need for a Canadian prescription (your U.S. prescription is accepted)
Safe, manufacturer-branded products—not compounded
3-month supply available per shipment
Shipped directly to your door for personal use

Average Canadian Prices for Common Diabetes Medications (2025)

Medication	Monthly Supply	Approx. Price (USD)
Rybelsus 7 or 14 mg	30 tablets	$297.95
Ozempic 1 mg	1 pen (4 doses)	$419.00
Mounjaro 10 mg	1 pen (4 doses)	~$599.99
Jardiance 10 mg	30 tablets	$109.00
Forxiga 10 mg	30 tablets	~$110.00
Januvia 100 mg	30 tablets	~$145.00
Lantus SoloStar	5 pens	$179.00

Prices may vary slightly depending on the source pharmacy and exchange rate.

How to Order from Canada Without Insurance

At Over the Border Meds, we help Americans access affordable, brand-name medications from Canada and safely. Here’s how it works:

1. Get a valid U.S. prescription from your healthcare provider

2. Upload it at:
https://overthebordermeds.com/upload-prescription-document/

3. Choose your medication and quantity

4. Complete your order—shipping typically takes 5–10 business days

You can order up to a 3-month supply per medication, making it easier to save on both medication and shipping.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a cash-paying patient managing diabetes, you’re not alone, and you have options. From tried-and-true medications like metformin to advanced therapies like Rybelsus or Jardiance, there are affordable paths forward, especially when Canadian pricing is considered.

Speak with your doctor about safe, effective medications that align with your budget, and explore Canadian ordering to stretch your dollars further without compromising care.