Is Zepbound Covered by Insurance? How to Pay Less by Buying Mounjaro from Canada

Is Zepbound Covered by Insurance? How to Pay Less by Buying Mounjaro from Canada

For many Americans prescribed Zepbound, the newest FDA-approved weight loss medication, the excitement is quickly replaced with sticker shock. With retail prices over $1,000 per month, even those with insurance can find themselves burdened with high out-of-pocket costs or insurance denials. If you’re struggling to afford Zepbound, you’re not alone—and there’s good news. Canadian options like Mounjaro, which contains the same active ingredient (tirzepatide), offer a far more cost-effective solution for U.S. patients.

Here’s everything you need to know about Zepbound insurance coverage, why coverage is often denied, and how to save money by ordering Mounjaro from Canada through trusted prescription referral services like Over the Border Meds.

Does Insurance Cover Zepbound in the U.S.?

As of 2025, Zepbound (tirzepatide for weight loss) is not universally covered by insurance in the United States. Many private insurers do not include weight loss medications in their formulary, considering them cosmetic or elective treatments—even though obesity is a medical condition.

If you do get coverage, it often comes with prior authorizations, step therapy requirements, and high copays. Medicare and Medicaid plans usually do not cover weight loss drugs like Zepbound either, though some exceptions exist.

If denied, patients are left paying $1,059 or more per month out-of-pocket.

What About Manufacturer Savings Cards?

Lilly, the maker of Zepbound, offers a savings card that lowers your cost to $25/month—but only if you’re privately insured and approved. Patients without commercial insurance, or those who are denied, cannot use the card.

Worse, supplies of Zepbound are limited due to high demand and manufacturing constraints, so even if you qualify for savings, you may not find it in stock.

What’s the Cheaper Alternative? Buy Mounjaro from Canada

Here’s where Mounjaro from Canada becomes a game changer.

While Zepbound is approved for weight loss in the U.S., the exact same medication—tirzepatide—is sold in Canada under the name Mounjaro, which is currently indicated for type 2 diabetes. However, many Canadian prescribers and pharmacies can dispense it off-label for weight loss.

The best part? You don’t need Canadian insurance to access it.

Through online Canadian prescription referral services like Over the Border Meds, Americans can legally order Mounjaro from Canada with a valid U.S. prescription and have it shipped to their doorstep.

Prices? Starting at $569 USD for a one-month supply, up to $749/month for the higher doses.

That’s hundreds of dollars less than U.S. Zepbound, even when factoring in shipping.

Why Buying Mounjaro from Canada Makes Sense

  • Same Active Ingredient
    Both Mounjaro and Zepbound contain tirzepatide. The only difference is the branding and approval indication. Canada does not yet market Zepbound, but offers the same medication as Mounjaro.

  • No Insurance Needed
    Since Canadian pharmacies do not bill U.S. insurance, there’s no approval, no denials, no paperwork. You pay a flat rate.

  • Health Canada Approved
    All medications sold through licensed Canadian pharmacies are regulated by Health Canada, similar to FDA standards.

  • Stable Pricing
    Canada regulates drug pricing, so medications don’t surge in price like they do in the U.S.

  • Microdosing Options
    With Mounjaro KwikPens from Canada, patients can use click-counting methods to stretch pens for lower doses, making it even more cost-effective. Over the Border Meds offers guidance on this strategy.

How to Order Mounjaro from Canada

Ordering is simple:

1. Visit Over the Border Meds.

2. Upload your valid U.S. prescription for tirzepatide (Zepbound or Mounjaro).

3. Choose your dose and quantity.

4. Complete checkout and wait for a team member to verify your order.

5. Your medication is shipped directly to your door, fully tracked.

First-time buyers can even use promo codes to save more, and referral programs are available for added discounts.

Key Considerations Before Switching

  • Always speak to your doctor before switching from Zepbound to Mounjaro.

  • Dosing is equivalent (e.g., 5 mg Mounjaro = 5 mg Zepbound).

  • Mounjaro pens may have a different look or packaging but deliver the same medication.

  • Follow safe handling and refrigeration guidelines during shipping.

Final Thoughts: Zepbound May Be Unaffordable—But You Have Options

Don’t let high costs or insurance denials keep you from accessing the treatment you need. Whether you’re using Zepbound for weight loss or considering alternatives, Mounjaro from Canada is the same medication at a significantly lower price.

With the help of trusted online prescription referral services like Over the Border Meds, you can skip the red tape, avoid pharmacy shortages, and get your medication safely, legally, and affordably.