Key takeaways
Vitamin D is an important nutrient that we get from diet and the sun, but many people need a dietary supplement in order to get enough vitamin D.
The most common vitamin D supplements include vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), both of which are available over the counter, as well as in prescription-strength doses.
Many insurance plans cover prescription versions of vitamin D. Some plans may cover OTC vitamin D, but if your plan does not, you can have your healthcare provider write a prescription and use a SingleCare card to save money.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for bone health, immune system health, and nervous system function. We get this nutrient from our diet (including fortified milks, cereals, and orange juice) as well as from the sun. People who do not get enough vitamin D need to add a vitamin D supplement, especially if they have osteoporosis, Crohn’s disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or celiac disease. There are various forms of vitamin D that you can get over the counter (OTC). There are also higher doses of vitamin D available by prescription. Here’s how to save on the most common forms of vitamin D supplements: ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3).
Related: Vitamin D side effects
What is the brand name for vitamin D?
Prescription vitamin D2 can be found in generic form as well as under the brand name Drisdol. Prescription vitamin D3 is typically found in generic form instead of brand-name form.
OTC versions of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 can be found as generics.
RELATED: Vitamin D vs. D3: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you
Is vitamin D covered by insurance?
Insurance plans often cover generic prescription-strength vitamin D2 or D3. If your healthcare provider prescribes a prescription-only version of vitamin D, it is likely that your insurance plan will cover it, although out-of-pocket costs and copays will vary.
Insurance plans typically do not cover OTC vitamin D supplements. However, some plans, including certain Medicaid plans, may be more likely to cover these versions.
You can always use your free SingleCare prescription discount card to save on your vitamin D supplement in place of insurance. You can even use SingleCare for OTC vitamin D. All you need is a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider so the pharmacist can process the discount through the computer system. Healthcare providers are happy to do this for their patients to help them save money.
How much does vitamin D cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the average retail cost of prescription ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) is about $27 for 12, 50,000-unit capsules. With a typical once-weekly dose, this is a three-month supply. You can use a SingleCare coupon to pay as low as $5, depending on your choice of pharmacy.
If your healthcare provider prescribes vitamin D3, the cost without insurance is about $34 for 12, 50,000-unit capsules, which is also a three-month supply. With a SingleCare discount, you can pay as low as $8 for this prescription.
If you are taking a daily OTC vitamin D3 supplement, it would cost about $17 for 90, 2,000-unit capsules, which is a three-month supply. But if you have your healthcare provider write you a prescription, you can use a SingleCare discount to pay as low as $6.
Compare prices of common forms of vitamin D |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance for a three-month supply | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) 50,000-units (by prescription) | $27 for 12, 50,000-unit (1.25 mg) capsules | $5 for 12, 50,000-unit (1.25 mg) capsules at Walmart | See latest prices |
| Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 50,000-units (by prescription) | $34 for 12, 50,000-unit (1.25 mg) capsules | $8 for 12, 50,000-unit (1.25 mg) capsules at Kroger or Harris Teeter | See latest prices |
| Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) 2,000-units (OTC) | $10 for 30, 2,000-unit (50 mcg) tablets | $4 for 90, 2,000-unit (50 mcg) tablets at Kroger or Harris Teeter | See latest prices |
| Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 2,000-units (OTC) | $17 for 90, 2,000-unit (50 mcg) capsules | $5 for 90, 2,000-unit (50 mcg) capsules at Walgreens | See latest prices |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Dec. 18, 2025. The listed price without insurance references the price of generic versions of vitamin D. The listed SingleCare price also references the price of generic drugs. Click the link under “Savings options” to see the latest drug prices.
Vitamin D costs by dose
The cost of vitamin D will vary, based on the form you use (prescription or OTC) as well as the strength and quantity. For example, brand-name Drisdol costs $56 for 12, 50,000-unit capsules without insurance or discounts. With a SingleCare Drisdol coupon, you could pay $36 for brand-name Drisdol or $5 for generic ergocalciferol.
Cheap Prescriptions with SingleCare
How to get vitamin D without insurance
Here are some ways to save even more on low-priced medications like vitamin D. There are a few great strategies to save money. Let’s start with a SingleCare prescription discount card.
1. Save up to 80% on prescription and over-the-counter medications with SingleCare.
You can save a significant amount of money by using your SingleCare prescription discount card. For example, if you are taking prescription-strength vitamin D3, a typical three-month supply is $34. But if you use your SingleCare discount card or coupon, you can pay as low as $8, a savings of $26.
You can even save a significant amount of money on OTC vitamin D. A daily OTC vitamin D3 would cost about $17 for a three-month supply, but if you have your healthcare provider write a prescription and use the SingleCare discount, you could pay as low as $5, saving $12 each time.
2. Compare prices at local pharmacies
Prices for over-the-counter and prescription vitamin D will vary. To save money, you can call around to different pharmacies to inquire about pricing. Or, simply use the SingleCare website or app to compare prices near you. Just enter your ZIP code and the name of the medication or supplement you’re looking for to instantly see the prices in your area.
Just remember that, if you are purchasing OTC vitamin D, you’ll need your healthcare provider to issue a prescription so the discount can be processed through the pharmacy computer system.
3. Consider purchasing a 90-day supply
Generic drugs and vitamins often cost less per pill when filling a 90-day rather than a 30-day prescription. Though the 90-day supply may cost more upfront, it will save money in the long run. Ask your pharmacy staff to help you compare prices.
Expert takeaway
“If you are taking a weekly prescription-strength vitamin D2 or D3, it can be difficult to remember to take your dose,” says Karen Berger, Pharm.D., member of the SingleCare Medical Board. “To stay consistent, you might want to use a reminder tool, such as writing a note in your calendar, setting an alarm on your phone, or placing your weekly dose in a pill organizer.”
The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Dec. 18, 2025. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our vitamin D coupon pages for updated vitamin D prices near you.
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- Vitamin D, MedlinePlus (2024)
- Vitamin D capsules or tablets, Cleveland Clinic (2023)
- Vitamin D deficiency, Cleveland Clinic (2022)
- Ergocalciferol capsule, DailyMed (2023)