How to Save Money on Prescriptions Without Insurance

Whether you’re without insurance by choice, because you’re between jobs, or because you’re self-employed, there are ways to get around paying full price for your prescription cost. Yes, really!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

This post is sponsored by SearchRx, but all opinions and discount prescription finds are 100% my own.

The outrageous cost of prescriptions has done damage to my budget on more than one occasion...mostly because we don't have insurance to cover all our pills. After trying the website mentioned in this post, we're saving more now than we did even WITH insurance. It's totally crazy! #savingmoney #moneysavingtips #prescriptions #nohealthinsurance

Even though health insurance is a priority for Joseph and I, there have been a few times in life when we either haven’t had access to it, or have been unable to pay for it. For instance, when we first moved to Florida, our insurance plan didn’t kick in for three months, which meant we had to pay out of pocket for the few prescriptions I was taking.

Fast forward a few years: we now have some coverage through Christian Healthcare Ministries, but the downside of our plan is that it doesn’t cover any medication at all. Yikes!

With the help of this handy little thing called the internet, I brainstormed a variety of ways to help make the cost of prescriptions a little less painful. I hope these tips come in handy for those of you who don’t have insurance at all, or have insurance without prescription coverage.

You might just be surprised at how affordable your pills really are!

1. Ask for samples

Although this option is becoming less available, it’s still worth asking your doctor whether he/she has any samples of your medication available.

When I worked as a medical billing manager for an OBGYN, we always had representatives dropping off their latest drug samples. We kept stock on hand for emergencies, or to give to ladies who couldn’t afford the much-needed prescriptions.

My point is—it doesn’t hurt to ask your doctor if samples are available for you. The office might not have your drug, but at least your need is on their radar, because that next rep who comes peddling might have exactly the kind you need.

2. Use GoodRx

I was recently introduced to GoodRx, and I cannot believe how easy this site is to use! Basically, you search for your prescription in their database {don’t forget to put in your location too}, and GoodRx will tell you the price of your meds at each local pharmacy using their deep discount system. Users are able to save up to 75% on their prescriptions at most major pharmacies across the U.S.

All you have to do is text or email the coupon to yourself, OR, you can present the GoodRx app (download via iOS here) with the coupon on it to your pharmacist. The pharmacy just needs the group ID numbers to verify the discount.

Prescription Cost

I would say GoodRx is similar to prescription drug discount cards, except much easier and more efficient. In fact, I used to recommend applying for a variety of discount cards, but now I don’t even think it’s worth it. You save more time and money using GoodRx because you don’t have to call anyone and check the price before hand with each card.

Bonus Tip: Even if you have insurance, a coupon from GoodRx might make your prescription cheaper than your copay. It’s definitely worth checking out to see which is more cost-effective!

3. Add Prescriptions to Your budget

Medications are certainly an added, often-unexpected expense. While you can print off discount coupons and ask for samples, it doesn’t hurt to also add a new column to your expense tracking sheet just in case. Setting aside a little bit of cash each paycheck to go towards doctor’s visits and medications, can eliminate the stress of having to pay a large amount all at once.

Remember, you can always deduct those medications come tax time, so keep a separate medication tracker in your planner or bullet journal. Or, you can just make a note on your expense tracking worksheet anytime you pick up a prescription, and add up those totals at the end of the year.

Oh, and for even more ways to save on medical expenses, don’t forget to pick up a copy of 31 Days to Radically Reduce Your Expenses if you haven’t already! I offer lots of tips to save on insurance, doctor’s visits, hospital bills, and more.

No matter the reason you’re without insurance—whether by choice, because you’re between jobs, or because you’re self-employed—there are ways to get around paying full price for prescriptions. Every little bit helps, so don’t be shy. Make the ask, try SearchRx, and plan ahead. Your budget will thank you!

How do you pay for your prescriptions?

Prescription Cost - Save with Search RX

SearchRx offers a comprehensive database and pharmacy price checker for the lowest discounted prices on over 50,000 prescription drugs. SearchRx works with nearly every pharmacy in America, so you always know you’re getting the best deal in town. Learn more about how SearchRx works HERE.

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Rest assured, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

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7 Comments

    1. I know what you mean! Without tools like Search RX people usually just get their prescription from their normal pharmacy without shopping around.

  1. Medical deductions are subject to a 2% floor meaning you can only deduct expenses made in excess of 2% of your adjusted gross income and you have to file a Schedule A (itemize your taxes). Almost no one is able to actually deduct medical expenses because of this unless they are chronically ill.

    1. Thanks, Leigh Ann.

      That’s really good information!

      I think it’s still a good practice to keep track. A regular prescription, an unexpected emergency room visit, and a few follow up appointments and you can quickly find yourself over that 2%. Especially if you are making less than $40,000 a year and don’t have great insurance.

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