GLP-1 Switch Cost Calculator: Compare Ozempic, Wegovy + Mounjaro Real OOP Cost (2026)

Significantly. For Type 2 diabetes patients eligible for PBS Authority Ozempic, the cost is $31.60/month ($379/year). The same patient paying private Mounjaro is $500-$600/month ($6,000-$7,200/year) — a $5,600-$6,800/year difference. For non-diabetic weight-loss patients with no PBS access, the comparison is Mounjaro $500-$600/month vs Wegovy $440-$500/month vs Saxenda $430-$520/month — typically $50-$100/month variance. Telehealth bundles ($290-$450/month) often beat retail pharmacy private scripts.

PBS Streamlined Authority for Ozempic (semaglutide) requires: (1) confirmed diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, (2) HbA1c above target on dual therapy (typically metformin + sulfonylurea or metformin + DPP-4 inhibitor), (3) inadequate glycaemic control documented. If you meet criteria, your GP issues the script with Authority code and you pay $31.60 general / $7.70 concession per month. Ozempic is NOT PBS-subsidised for weight loss without T2D. See our PBS Authority decision tree.

Yes, but with caveats. Both are weekly injections, but Mounjaro is a dual-agonist (GIP/GLP-1) with stronger effects on weight + glucose. Typical switch: stop Ozempic, wait 7 days, start Mounjaro at lowest dose (2.5mg), titrate up over 4-8 weeks. Side effect profile during transition is usually mild. CAVEAT: if you were on PBS-funded Ozempic for T2D, Mounjaro is currently NOT on PBS — switch means moving from $31.60/month to $500-$600/month private. Your GP can write a Mounjaro script but it\'s entirely private cost.

Same molecule (semaglutide), different brand + dose. Wegovy contains higher-dose semaglutide pens approved specifically for weight loss (BMI 30+ or BMI 27+ with comorbidities). Ozempic is approved for T2D — same molecule but the standard dose is calibrated for glucose control. Wegovy doses go higher (up to 2.4mg/week vs Ozempic 1.0mg/week). Wegovy is NOT on PBS in Australia — entirely private cost ($440-$520/month). For weight-loss-only patients, Wegovy is the more clinically appropriate choice; for T2D patients on PBS, Ozempic remains the cheapest.

Only in specific cases. Saxenda (liraglutide) is the older daily-injection GLP-1, costing $430-$520/month privately. Almost all patients do better on once-weekly Ozempic / Wegovy / Mounjaro. Exception: patients with severe injection anxiety who prefer daily small injections to weekly larger ones; or patients with specific gastric emptying issues where Saxenda\'s shorter half-life is preferred. For most patients, Saxenda is now superseded — read our Saxenda guide for the full picture.

Telehealth bundles (Juniper, Pilot, Mosh, Eucalyptus brands) charge $290-$450/month all-inclusive: medication + consults + coaching. Compare to retail pharmacy private script: medication only $400-$600/month + initial consult $50-$200 + ongoing GP visits $80-$120 each. For most patients, telehealth saves $50-$200/month. CAVEAT: telehealth programs often lock you into a 3-6 month commitment; some have cancellation fees. Read the contract before signing.

GLP-1 medications escalate over 4-5 months. Starting dose costs less per month than maintenance dose because you use fewer pens. Typical escalation: Ozempic 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1.0mg → 2.0mg over 16 weeks. Saxenda escalates daily over 5 weeks. Mounjaro: 2.5mg → 5mg → 7.5mg → 10mg → 12.5mg → 15mg. Initial 4-8 weeks may cost 30-50% less than maintenance. After escalation, expect the full sticker price. Our calculator accounts for this with separate "escalation phase" + "maintenance phase" costs.

No. Private health insurance in Australia does NOT cover prescription medication — only hospital + extras services. GLP-1 cost is paid out-of-pocket regardless of your insurance level. The only exception: some bariatric surgery patients receive a few months of post-op GLP-1 included in their surgical package, billed under hospital cover. Don\'t expect insurance to subsidise medication; budget the full sticker price.