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How much is Freestyle Libre 3 without insurance?

Learn how to get Freestyle Libre 3 at a lower price, or find cheaper alternatives.
Keith Gardner, RPh, medical writer and reviewer for SingleCare
By | Updated on Dec. 30, 2024
Rx savings card and pill bottle: How much is Freestyle Libre 3 without insurance?

Key takeaways

  • The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor is a prescription-only continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that allows people with diabetes to monitor their blood glucose levels continuously.

  • The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor is applied to the back of the upper arm and provides real-time glucose readings for up to 14 days.

  • The average cash price for two FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors without insurance is $232. Because the sensor needs replacement every 14 days, this amounts to more than $3,000 for one year of use.

  • Ways to lower the cost of FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors include obtaining a SingleCare prescription discount card, comparing prices at different pharmacies, and discussing other monitoring systems with your healthcare provider.

In this article:

It is strongly recommended that people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, or gestational diabetes, frequently monitor their blood glucose (sugar) levels at home. Some use a blood glucose meter which requires a finger stick, while others prefer using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). A popular personal CGM system is the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor. It is a prescription-only product that continuously monitors blood glucose levels and is approved for use in those four years of age and older. It’s applied to a site on the back of the upper arm and has a tiny filament that inserts into the skin to provide real-time blood glucose readings for up to 15 days. Without insurance, the average retail price for two FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors, a 28-day supply, is $232. The price without insurance adds up to just over $3,000 for one year. There is not a less expensive generic version of FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor available, but there are ways to make CGM systems like the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors more affordable. 

Is FreeStyle Libre 3 covered by insurance?

Insurance plans are different and may or may not cover the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor. If your insurance does cover it, the cost may vary based on your plan. Abbott Diabetes Care, the manufacturer, states many people with commercial insurance pay $0 for the FreeStyle Libre systems. Contact your insurance company for explicit prescription coverage and copay specifics. 

Medicare and Medicaid plans may cover FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors for eligible patients if certain criteria are met. These criteria include: 

  • You have been diagnosed with diabetes. 
  • Your doctor has determined that you or your caregiver have adequate training to use the device and has written a prescription. 
  • The device is being used as approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 
  • You are an insulin user or have a history of problematic hypoglycemia.
  • You visited with your healthcare provider six months before using the device regarding your diabetes management, and they determined that you met all eligibility criteria.

How much does FreeStyle Libre 3 cost without insurance?

Without health insurance that pays for prescription-only devices, the actual cost of a FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor varies depending on the pharmacy you choose. On average, the cash price for two sensors, for 28 days of use, is $232. For one year, the price without insurance adds up to just over $3,000.

Although there are no lower-cost generic versions of the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor, there are other continuous glucose monitor (CGM) sensors available. These include Eversense, Dexcom G and Guardian personal CGM system sensors. While all these devices are effective options for glucose monitoring, Dexcom and FreeStyle Libre are some of the most popular systems. 

RELATED: Dexcom vs. Freestyle Libre: Differences, similarities, and which one is better for you

Compare FreeStyle Libre 3 prices to related CGMs
CGM name Price without insurance of brand-name CGM  SingleCare price Savings options
Freestyle Libre 3 Plus sensor $232 per 2 sensors $144 per 2 sensors (28 days use) See updated prices
Dexcom G6 CGM System  $548 per 3 sensors $293 per 3 sensors (30 days use) See updated prices
Dexcom G7 CGM System $550 per 3 sensors $301 per 3 sensors (30 days use) See updated prices
Guardian 4 Glucose Sensor $2,396 per 15 sensors $1840 per 15 sensors (105 days use)  See updated prices
Eversense E3 $904 per 1 sensor $653 per 1 sensor (90 days use) See updated prices

CGM prices often change. These are the most accurate prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name CGMs. Click the link under “Savings options” to see updated CGM prices.

How to get FreeStyle Libre 3 without insurance

CGMs may be a convenient and safe option for those with diabetes to monitor their blood glucose levels. CGMs eliminate the need for multiple finger pricks and provide real-time, continuous blood glucose data. They also send notifications or alarms for low or high-glucose events that may even require medical attention. CGMs, including the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor, can cost more than traditional blood glucose monitors. Fortunately, there are ways you can lower the price of FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors if you don’t have insurance. Here are three ways to save money on FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors:

1. Use a SingleCare prescription discount card

Using a SingleCare discount card can lower the retail price of two FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors from $232 to $144. A discount coupon is valid at over 35,000 pharmacies nationwide.

2. Compare pharmacy prices

The price of FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors can vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. To find the lowest price, shop around and compare prices to find the most affordable option. You can find participating pharmacies by searching the CGM name on www.singlecare.com.

3. Discuss other continuous monitoring systems with your healthcare provider

While CGMs are convenient for blood sugar monitoring, they can be expensive without insurance coverage. Talk to your healthcare professional about competitors’ CGM systems which may be less costly than the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor. Also, traditional fingerstick blood glucose monitoring systems cost diabetes patients significantly less than CGMs. Your healthcare professional can help you determine which blood glucose monitoring product is best for you.

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