How to save money on Novolog

In this article:

• How much does NovoLog cost without insurance?
• Is NovoLog covered by insurance?
• Can you get NovoLog for free?
• How to save money on NovoLog
• Is there a cheaper alternative to NovoLog?
• Compare the cost of NovoLog vs. alternatives

In this article

• How much does NovoLog cost without insurance?
• Is NovoLog covered by insurance?
• Can you get NovoLog for free?
• How to save money on NovoLog
• Is there a cheaper alternative to NovoLog?
• Compare the cost of NovoLog vs. alternatives

NovoLog (insulin aspart) is a fast-acting, injectable, and FDA-approved insulin that’s used to manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes mellitus. NovoLog is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and is available in 10 mL multiple-dose vials or 3 mL injection pens. A generic version is also available. The price can be an obstacle for some, especially those without insurance. Fortunately, there are several options for saving money on NovoLog, including free SingleCare coupons. 

How much does NovoLog cost without insurance?

Without insurance, one NovoLog pen containing 100 units costs around $130. The price you pay per month can vary depending on your dosage and the quantity purchased. The NovoLog dosage can change based on different factors like body weight and whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. NovoLog should be discarded 28 days after opening.

While NovoLog may seem inaccessible for some without insurance or coupons, it’s an effective insulin. “NovoLog is usually recommended for individuals who need rapid-acting insulin to manage post-meal blood sugar spikes,” says Pamela Tambini, a double board-certified physician in internal medicine and addiction medicine. “It starts working within 10 to 20 minutes and lasts about three to five hours, making it a practical choice for mealtime glucose control.” 

Is NovoLog covered by insurance?

Some health insurance plans may cover NovoLog, but coverage can vary. To confirm coverage, contact your health insurance provider for coverage details. You can also use the manufacturer’s insurance lookup tool to learn whether your specific health insurance plan covers NovoLog. Copays vary by plan, but they won’t exceed $100 for a one-month supply if you live in the District of Columbia or one of the 26 states that have an insulin copay cap. 

NovoLog is covered by Medicare Part D and many state Medicaid programs. People with Medicare pay no more than $35 for a month’s supply of NovoLog nationwide, but Medicaid insulin costs vary by state. 

Can you get NovoLog for free?

The Novo Nordisk patient assistance program offers NovoLog 10 mL vials, NovoLog Mix 10 mL vials, NovoLog FlexPens, NovoLog Mix FlexPens, and NovoLog PenFill cartridges to eligible individuals for free, but there are strict eligibility requirements: 

• You need to be a legal U.S. resident.
• You can’t have health insurance other than Medicare.
• You need to have a total household income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level.
• You cannot qualify for or receive government-funded benefits like low-income subsidies, VA benefits, or Medicaid.

How to save money on NovoLog

The following programs may help you get maximum savings on your monthly NovoLog.

1. Free NovoLog coupons

If you don’t have insurance and don’t qualify for the Novo Nordisk patient assistance program, consider using SingleCare coupons to lower the cash price of NovoLog. The total cost of NovoLog will depend on the dosage, quantity, form, and participating pharmacy, but you can expect to pay around $29 to $49 for one NovoLog pen with a NovoLog coupon from SingleCare. 

The coupons are available on the SingleCare app or website, where you can compare prices at pharmacies near you. When you select a coupon, you’ll have the option to print it, save it to your account, or send it to yourself through text or email. You can also simply show the coupon on your phone to your pharmacist. You can use the same discount card every time you pick up a refill. 

2. Manufacturer savings offer

If you have commercial health insurance and pay $100 or more for a 30-day supply of NovoLog, you may be eligible for a NovoLog savings card. This offer is also available to people whose commercial insurance doesn’t cover NovoLog.

With this offer, you could pay a lower price than you normally would. The exact rate depends on your insurance policy. You can request or activate this savings card by visiting the manufacturer’s website.

3. Insulin safety net programs

Colorado, Maine, and Minnesota have insulin safety net programs that provide low-cost insulin products like NovoLog to eligible residents. When purchased through these state programs, NovoLog typically costs $16–$50 for a 30-day supply.

You’ll need to show proof of state residency, like a state driver’s license. You may be ineligible for assistance if you’re already enrolled in another government benefits program. Colorado has no income restrictions, but Maine and Minnesota require a total household income at or below 400% of the federal poverty line. Other eligibility requirements vary by state. 

4. Extra Help program for people with low income

Run by Medicare, Extra Help is a low-income federal subsidy that can help reduce the out-of-pocket cost of prescription drugs. With this program, eligible individuals can get Medicare Part D coverage with a $0 premium and $0 deductible. Generic prescription drugs (like insulin aspart flexpen) cost no more than $4.90, and brand-name prescriptions (like NovoLog) cost up to $12.15 in 2025. 

The cost of prescriptions drops to $0 once your total drug costs reach $2,000. Subsidy payments count toward the $2,000 total, so you may reach it faster than expected. People who receive Medicaid, Social Security Income (SSI), or premium assistance from a Medicare Savings Program are automatically eligible for Extra Help. 

Is there a cheaper alternative to NovoLog?

NovoLog is available in generic form as insulin aspart. Choosing the generic version can greatly lower your costs—for example, with a SingleCare coupon, you could pay as little as $29 per pen. Generic medications typically cost less than their brand-name counterparts while providing the same active ingredient and effectiveness.

Another option is ReliOn NovoLog, which is a private-label version of insulin aspart sold at specific retailers. ReliOn NovoLog offers the same medication at a lower price, making it a popular choice for people looking to save on insulin costs without compromising quality.

Compare the cost of NovoLog vs. alternatives Per 3 mL of 100 unit/mL pen
Name	Brand or generic	Average retail price	SingleCare price	How to save
NovoLog FlexPen (insulin aspart)	Brand	$130	$29	Get coupon
Relion NovoLog (insulin aspart)	Brand	$81	$29	Get coupon
Fiasp FlexTouch (insulin aspart)	Brand	$767	$428	Get coupon
Insulin aspart pen	Generic	$88	$29	Get coupon
Admelog Solostar (insulin lispro)	Brand	$66	$33	Get coupon
Humalog (insulin lispro)	Brand	$128	$33	Get coupon
Insulin lispro (1 unit dial)	Generic	$70	$33	Get coupon
Tresiba FlexTouch	Brand	$148	$37	Get coupon
Insulin degludec FlexTouch	Generic	$56	$37	Get coupon

 

“Some patients may respond differently to different types of insulin, so if NovoLog is not providing the desired blood sugar control or is causing unwanted side effects, a doctor may suggest trying another option,” Dr. Tambini says. For example, Fiasp contains insulin aspart but works faster than NovoLog, so it may be a better option for people who need immediate blood glucose control. 

“The major difference between the brands is when the medication has peak effect, which can be a difference of mere minutes to an hour,” says Kaushik Govindaraju, a board-certified Internist with Medical Offices of Manhattan. “Of paramount importance is getting that A1C below 7%, so whichever medication gets you there is what I prefer.” 

Dr. Govindaraju says people with diabetes may need to use long-acting insulins like Humulin or Novolin to avoid life-threatening issues like hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar). Therefore, your healthcare provider may start you on a long-acting insulin and advise you to take a fast-acting insulin like NovoLog as needed. 

Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice on your insulin options when it comes to treating Type 2 or Type 1 diabetes. They can help you explore the most appropriate diabetes medications based on your needs.