GLP-1 · Australia

Ozempic vs Wegovy Cost in Australia 2026:
PBS and Private Prices Compared

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Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide, made by Novo Nordisk. Same active ingredient, different approved uses, different maximum doses, and very different costs in Australia depending on your eligibility for the PBS. This guide gives you a straight comparison of what each actually costs and who qualifies for what.

Ozempic vs Wegovy: Key Differences

PBS co-payments shown are current October 2026 rates. PBS eligibility for Ozempic requires a confirmed type 2 diabetes diagnosis and authority prescribing, not all patients qualify. Private prices vary by pen and pharmacy; the Chemist Warehouse example is for the 1.5mL pen.

The PBS Coverage Gap: The Biggest Cost Difference

Ozempic is on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for eligible type 2 diabetes patients. Patients who meet the PBS prescribing criteria pay the standard co-payment, $25.00 per script (general) or $7.70 per script (concession) as of October 2026. Eligibility depends on a confirmed type 2 diabetes diagnosis and your GP meeting authority requirements; not all patients qualify.

Wegovy is not on the PBS for weight management. All patients pay the full private price, currently approximately $250 to $460 per month depending on dose stage, regardless of Medicare or concession status. Novo Nordisk lodged its listing documentation on 27 February 2026; the PBS medicine status page, current at 1 October 2026, shows it as “Not Accepted”, and the remaining listing steps have not started. No listing date has been announced.

Use the MediRemind PBS Cost Calculator to find your exact out-of-pocket cost for Ozempic or Wegovy based on your patient type.

Ozempic Cost in Australia in 2026

PBS price, for eligible type 2 diabetes patients

• General patients: $25.00 per script
• Concession card holders: $7.70 per script
• PBS Safety Net: after reaching the annual threshold, further PBS medicines cost the applicable reduced patient co-payment for the rest of the calendar year

Private prescription price, without PBS eligibility

Private prices vary by pen and pharmacy. For example, Chemist Warehouse lists the Ozempic 1.5mL pen (used for the 0.25mg and 0.5mg doses) at $144.99 private (October 2026). On the PBS, eligible type 2 diabetes patients pay $25.00 per script, or $7.70 with a concession card. Chemist Warehouse lists only the PBS price for the 3mL pen used for the 1mg dose; no private price is shown online.

Wegovy Cost in Australia in 2026

Wegovy is private-prescription only for all patients, no PBS subsidy regardless of concession status. The cost varies by dose stage: starting doses are lower, and the cost increases as the dose escalates toward maintenance. See the full Wegovy cost breakdown by dose for a complete month-by-month table.

Private pharmacy prices sourced from Australian pharmacies October 2026. Prices vary by pharmacy and dispensing fee. Always confirm current pricing before ordering.

Managing your script: Once you have a prescription, keep it organised. If you can't find your eScript, see how to find your eScript. If you deleted the SMS, see what to do if you lost your eScript SMS. MediRemind is an eScript app that keeps your scripts, repeats and reminders in one place.

Who Qualifies for Each?

Ozempic at PBS price

You must have a confirmed type 2 diabetes diagnosis and your GP must meet PBS authority prescribing criteria. If weight management is also a goal, Ozempic at PBS rates is far more cost-effective than Wegovy, but it is only available on PBS for the diabetes indication.

Wegovy

Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with at least one weight-related comorbidity (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea). A GP, endocrinologist, or telehealth weight management clinic can prescribe Wegovy.

Can You Use Ozempic for Weight Loss Instead of Wegovy?

Ozempic is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight management. In this case it is a private prescription with no PBS subsidy; private prices vary by pen and pharmacy, as noted above. There is also a supply consideration: Ozempic has experienced shortages in Australia when weight management demand has competed with diabetes supply. During shortages, the TGA has asked prescribers to prioritise diabetes patients. Wegovy uses a separate supply chain. Discuss the appropriate option with your prescriber.

Mounjaro: The Third Option

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) targets two receptors (GLP-1 and GIP) rather than one, and has shown greater average weight loss than semaglutide in head-to-head trials. As of 1 October 2026, Mounjaro is available in Australia on private prescription, is not PBS-listed for any use and the official listing process has ceased because the manufacturer did not proceed. See the Mounjaro dose-price guide for current published examples.

Keeping Your Weekly Prescription Organised

Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are all once-weekly injections with dose escalation schedules. The weekly timing, prescribed dose stage and repeat count all need active tracking, especially when dose stages change over the first few months of treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

This article is for general information only and does not constitute medical or pharmaceutical advice. Information about PBS listings, TGA approvals and medication pricing is accurate at the time of writing and subject to change, verify current status at PBS.gov.au or TGA.gov.au before relying on it. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before making any decisions about your medication or treatment. MediRemind is not affiliated with Novo Nordisk or any other pharmaceutical manufacturer.

References to weight management medications on this page are for general information only. MediRemind does not prescribe, supply or endorse any specific medication. Individual circumstances vary, speak to your doctor about which treatment is appropriate for you.