How much is Modafinil without insurance?

In this article:

• How much does Modafinil cost without insurance?
• Modafinil costs by dose
• Is Modafinil covered by insurance?
• How to get Modafinil without insurance

In this article

• How much does Modafinil cost without insurance?
• Modafinil costs by dose
• Is Modafinil covered by insurance?
• How to get Modafinil without insurance

Modafinil is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant prescribed for the treatment of narcolepsy and excessive sleepiness related to obstructive sleep apnea and shift work sleep disorder. You may know it by the brand-name Provigil. Like many brand-name drugs, Provigil can be quite expensive, but fortunately, there are a number of ways to save on this treatment. Using the generic version is just one option that will be covered in-depth here.

How much does Modafinil cost without insurance?

Without health insurance, modafinil costs will still depend on a number of factors, even if a formulary and copay are not part of the equation. Brand-name Provigil can cost $1891 for 30, 100 mg tablets. The retail price of generic modafinil can hit $568 for 30, 100 mg tablets. However, the price will vary between different pharmacies.

If we use that cost estimate for modafinil, it breaks down to $19 per pill. That would add up to almost $7,000 over the course of a year. No wonder everyone wants to know how to save on modafinil and what alternative drug options are out there.

RELATED: Modafinil alternatives: What can I take instead of Modafinil

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Nov. 5, 2025. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see the latest drug prices.

Modafinil costs by dose

The cost of modafinil varies depending on the quantity and strength prescribed. The following table compares the prices of modafinil by strength.

Is Modafinil covered by insurance?

Determining whether your insurance company covers modafinil requires a look at the plan’s drug formulary. There, you can see if modafinil is listed on the formulary and whether the insurance provider considers it a preferred agent with a lower copay. Since generics are usually preferred, modafinil is often covered. For example, Aetna’s Standard Plan and Humana’s Medicare plan include coverage for it but not brand Provigil. The active ingredients are the same in generic and brand-name products.

How to get Modafinil without insurance

As you can see from the table above, brand-name products can have a substantial cost, none more so than Provigil in this comparison. Manufacturer discount programs can help reduce the price of brand-name drugs. Unfortunately, they come with restrictions that can result in patients not qualifying for their programs. Our focus here is to provide more widely useful options.

1. Use a SingleCare discount card

SingleCare discount cards are free. Using one is easy by simply showing it, along with your prescription, to your pharmacist. As a result, you may end up spending less than $1 per 100 mg tablet of modafinil, compared to the retail price of about $63 per 100 mg tablet of brand-name Provigil. A modafinil coupon from SingleCare could get you 30, 100 mg tablets for $16. That can save people over $1800 each month compared to the brand-name option.

2. Compare prices at different pharmacies

SingleCare coupons are accepted at over 35,000 pharmacies in the United States, and drug prices can be very different among them. The discounted cost of modafinil can vary from $16 for 30, 100 mg tablets to $44 for the same amount. You got that right; shopping around at pharmacies for the best price could save you over $25 for the month’s supply.

3. Ask your healthcare provider about alternatives

Modafinil is not the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating narcolepsy and excessive daytime sleepiness. Nuvigil, Adderall, Ritalin, Sunosi, Xyrem (sodium oxybate), and Wakix (pitolisant) are other CNS stimulants with FDA indications for treating these conditions.

Check with your healthcare provider about what medications could be right for you. All of the options mentioned are stimulants, and they can cause high blood pressure and other adverse effects. None of them may be recommended for those with pre-existing heart or blood pressure problems. They also each have their own precautions and warnings. Comparing these alternatives in regard to safety and effectiveness requires a health care provider, such as your doctor and pharmacist.

4. Don’t forget about non-pharmacologic methods of treatment

Although medicines can be an effective way to combat the symptoms of narcolepsy, including sleepiness, healthy sleep habits, and taking a nap in the middle of the day are often recommended too. Using a CPAP device while sleeping is a way to increase energy by improving sleep quality in the care of obstructive sleep apnea. 

Avoiding drugs that cause drowsiness is another frequent recommendation. This may mean steering clear of opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol. Together, you and your doctor can help review your list of prescription meds and over-the-counter drugs to avoid drug interactions and see if any changes need to be made. 

The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Nov. 5, 2025. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our modafinil coupon page for updated modafinil prices near you.