Best Diabetes Medications Without Insurance: Save Money on Rybelsus, Jardiance, Januvia, and Insulin
Best Diabetes Medications Without Insurance: Save Money on Rybelsus, Jardiance, Januvia, and Insulin
Managing diabetes without health insurance can be overwhelming. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or facing high out-of-pocket costs, the price of medications like Rybelsus, Jardiance, Januvia, and insulin often becomes a serious burden. Many Americans end up skipping doses or rationing meds, dangerous decisions that no one should have to make.
Fortunately, there are ways to save by exploring more affordable options, including ordering from licensed Canadian pharmacies through trusted prescription referral services like Over the Border Meds.
This guide covers some of the best diabetes medications for patients without insurance, along with real prices and ways to cut costs.
Jardiance (Empagliflozin)
- What it is: An SGLT2 inhibitor taken once daily, helping the kidneys remove excess glucose through urine.
- Added benefits: Shown to reduce cardiovascular risk in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- U.S. price: ~$600 for 30 tablets.
- Price from Canada: $109 (10 mg) or $125 (25 mg) for 30 tablets.
If you’re on Medicare Part D or uninsured, buying Jardiance from Canada can cut your monthly costs by more than half.
Rybelsus (Oral Semaglutide)
- What it is: A GLP-1 receptor agonist taken once daily by mouth.
- Why it’s popular: Weight loss benefits and strong A1C reduction.
- U.S. cash price: $900+ per month.
- Price from Canada: $297.95 for 30 tablets.
- Savings tip: Buy a 2–3 month supply and use coupon code hello10 for 10% off your first order.
Note: Rybelsus is semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Ozempic. If you prefer injections, switching may also help reduce costs.
Januvia (Sitagliptin)
- What it is: A DPP-4 inhibitor that helps improve blood sugar control, often prescribed when metformin alone isn’t enough.
- U.S. price: Around $600 per month.
- Generic Sitagliptin (from Canada): $128.95 for 100 tablets (vs. $140 for 30 Januvia tablets).
Ordering the generic version from Canada is one of the most affordable ways to continue DPP-4 treatment without insurance.
Insulin (Lantus, Humalog, NovoRapid, etc.)
- Why it matters: Essential for many patients with type 1 and advanced type 2 diabetes.
- Problem in the U.S.: Insulin costs can be life-threateningly high.
- Solution: In Canada, a box of insulin pens ranges from $100–$179 depending on the brand.
Popular options available from Canada include:
- Lantus SoloStar (Insulin Glargine) – $179 per box
- Humalog KwikPens – $109 per box
- Tresiba Pens – $155 per box
Patients can import up to a 3-month supply with a valid U.S. prescription.
Other Cost-Saving Strategies for the Uninsured
If you’re paying cash for diabetes meds, here are a few additional tips:
- Ask your doctor to prescribe a 3-month supply at once to reduce shipping costs.
- Use trusted prescription referral services like Over the Border Meds that work with licensed Canadian pharmacies.
- Compare different medication classes, GLP-1s, SGLT2s, DPP-4s, to find what works and fits your budget.
- Consider starting with generics when available.
- Always follow your provider’s advice, especially when switching between brands or classes.
Is It Legal to Order Diabetes Medication from Canada?
Yes, for personal use, Americans can order up to a 90-day supply of prescription medications from a licensed Canadian pharmacy through a referral service. You must have a valid prescription from a U.S. doctor, and the medications must be shipped to a residential address (not a clinic or business).
Final Thoughts
Diabetes care shouldn’t be out of reach for people without insurance. From GLP-1s like Rybelsus to essential medications like insulin, affordable alternatives are available when you know where to look. Buying your medications from Canada through a trusted referral service can make managing your diabetes safer and more sustainable, without skipping doses or breaking the bank.