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Key takeaways
Paxlovid is a prescription antiviral medication that treats mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in people with a high risk of severe illness and is started within five days of symptom onset.
A five-day treatment course of Paxlovid (30 tablets) can cost around $2,070 on average without insurance, depending on the pharmacy.
Paxlovid is often covered by health insurance, but out-of-pocket costs can still vary based on the plan.
While other treatments may be limited or costly, a SingleCare discount card may help lower the retail price of Paxlovid without insurance.
Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) is a brand-name prescription drug used for mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infections in people at high risk of progression to severe disease. It is a first-line treatment when someone has risk factors for hospitalization and has experienced COVID-19 symptoms for less than five days. The tablet combines the antiviral nirmatrelvir with ritonavir, a metabolic inhibitor that helps boost nirmatrelvir levels in the body. Paxlovid has an average cost of around $2,070 for one 30-tablet pack. People without health insurance coverage have a few ways to save money on a Paxlovid prescription.
Save up to 80% on Paxlovid with SingleCare
Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.
Related: What is Paxlovid?
How much does Paxlovid cost without insurance?
The average retail price for Paxlovid is $2,070 for a 30-tablet pack, enough tablets for a five-day treatment course since two nirmatrelvir tablets are taken with one ritonavir tablet twice daily. That means that patients without insurance pay about $414 for each day of Paxlovid treatment. Health insurance could lower the out-of-pocket cost, but copays for Paxlovid can still be high depending on the plan.
There are few alternatives to Paxlovid for treating high-risk patients with COVID-19. Veklury (remdesivir) and Lagevrio (molnupiravir) are potential options if Paxlovid can’t be used because of a drug interaction or a side effect. Veklury is an intravenous medication administered at a hospital or other medical center, resulting in associated administration costs. Lagevrio is an oral antiviral similar to Paxlovid, but it has only Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and no formal approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
How much does generic Paxlovid cost?
Paxlovid has no generic versions sold in the U.S. due to patent protections. A generic version might not be available until as early as 2028, although this is an estimate.
Compare Paxlovid prices to related drugs |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance< | SingleCare price | Savings option |
| Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) | $2,070 per 1, 30-tablet therapy pack | $1,502 per 1, 30-tablet therapy pack of brand-name Paxlovid at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Veklury (remdesivir) | $1,469 per 2, 100 mg solutions | $1,388 per 2, 100 mg solutions of brand-name Veklury at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Lagevrio (molnupiravir) | See updates here | ||
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices available at the time of publication in ZIP code 23666 as of January 8, 2026. The listed price, without insurance, refers to the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.
Paxlovid costs by dose
The cost of Paxlovid does not change much when comparing the 20-tablet lower-dose therapy pack to the 30-tablet standard-dose therapy pack. The lower-dose pack is recommended for individuals with reduced kidney function, and the appropriate dosage is always prescribed by a healthcare provider.
| Compare Paxlovid prices by strength | ||
|---|---|---|
| Strength | SingleCare price of brand-name | SingleCare price of generic |
| 30 tablets of Paxlovid (20, 150 mg nirmatrelvir and 10, 100 mg ritonavir) | $1,502 for 1, 30-tablet therapy pack of Paxlovid at Kroger | No generic available |
| 20 tablets of Paxlovid (10, 150 mg nirmatrelvir and 10, 100 mg ritonavir) | $1,509 for 1, 30-tablet therapy pack of Paxlovid at Kroger | No generic available |
| See our lowest price for Paxlovid without insurance | ||
Is Paxlovid covered by insurance?
Paxlovid is nearly universally covered by commercial insurance plans, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid, but there may be exceptions. The out-of-pocket costs can be unpredictable since insurance providers may have Paxlovid in different formulary tiers. That means copays could range from $0 to much higher amounts.
Quantity limits may also be a serious issue for some patients who get a second infection. Some insurance companies may only cover as little as one five-day treatment every three months. Some may have no limits. Check your health plan’s drug formulary.
How to get Paxlovid covered by insurance
To optimize your chances of having Paxlovid covered by insurance, ensure that your healthcare provider provides a prescription and documents the reason for the prescription. The drug’s label states that it is indicated for COVID-19 treatment in people who are at high risk for progression to severe disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has compiled a list of health conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, that are considered risk factors.
How to get Paxlovid without insurance
Paxlovid may be a premium-priced drug, but there are ways to save. The PAXCESS copay savings program from Pfizer may help eligible patients with private insurance coverage. The USG PAP (U.S. Government Patient Assistance Program), administered by Pfizer, may help those who are uninsured or who have health insurance through Medicare, Medicaid, the VA, or Tricare. However, not everyone can meet the income or eligibility criteria. Other ways to save money include:
1. Use a SingleCare discount card
At over 35,000 participating pharmacies across the U.S., you can use a SingleCare Paxlovid coupon to save money. Drop off the coupon along with your Paxlovid prescription. With a coupon, the price can be as low as $1,502 for a 30-tablet therapy pack at Kroger, around $500 in savings compared to the retail price. Make sure to sign up for SingleCare’s bonus loyalty savings program. Each SingleCare discount purchase can earn additional savings on future purchases of prescription medications or refills.
2. Compare prices to find the lowest price
Take your prescription and SingleCare discount card or coupon, and shop around at different pharmacies for the best price. The discounted Paxlovid price can vary by $200 or more. It pays to be a cost-conscious healthcare consumer.
3. Ask the prescriber about alternative medications
There are limited alternative COVID-19 antiviral treatments, and they’re all premium-priced brand-name medications. Still, they may be the right option for your particular case, so have your prescriber review these other treatments, as well.
- Paxlovid nirmatrelvir and ritonavir prescribing information, DailyMed (2026)
- Paxlovid (COPACKAGED) drug patent profile, Drug Patent Watch (2026)
- People with certain medical conditions and COVID-19 risk factors, CDC (2025)