Paxlovid costs $1,390 to $1,600 per 5 day course in 2026
A 5 day course of Paxlovid costs about $1,390 at Pfizer's list price in 2026, and $1,400 to $1,600 at most retail pharmacies without insurance. That is 30 tablets, about $280 to $320 a day. Most people do not pay that. Pfizer's PAXCESS program gives Paxlovid free to uninsured and Medicare patients who qualify, and commercially insured patients can get copay help down to $0. Typical insured copays are $0 to $100. There is no generic in the US. MedFinder lists the cash price at $1,400 to $1,600 for the 5 day course, or $280 to $320 a day, with commercial copays of $0 to $75.
What price guides say
We checked 4 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| MedFinder | MedFinder lists the cash price at $1,400 to $1,600 for the 5 day course, or $280 to $320 a day, with commercial copays of $0 to $75. |
| TeleDirectMD | TeleDirectMD lists the price at $1,390 to $1,447 per course, free for eligible uninsured and Medicare and Medicaid patients through December 31, 2026, and a $79 telehealth visit. |
| Free Market Healthcare | Free Market Healthcare lists the list price near $1,390 and the cash price at retail often at $1,200 to $1,500. |
| BuzzRx | BuzzRx lists the retail cash price at $1,400 to $1,800, with $1,652 to $1,797 at major chains and $0 with a PAXCESS copay card for commercial insurance. |
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Insurance | Most commercial plans cover Paxlovid with a copay of $0 to $100. Medicare Part D covers it with the 2026 cap. |
| PAXCESS | Pfizer's program makes it free for uninsured and underinsured patients and most Medicare patients, through December 2026. |
| The pharmacy | Cash prices run $1,200 at the low end to $1,600 at some chains. |
| Timing | Paxlovid must start within 5 days of symptoms, so there is little time to shop. |
| The visit | A telehealth visit to get the prescription runs $50 to $100, often less than an urgent care copay. |
What the price includes
The price covers the 5 day blister pack of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. The doctor or telehealth visit, the COVID test and any follow up are separate. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Does insurance cover it
Most health plans cover Paxlovid, and many have a small copay. MedFinder lists commercial copays of $0 to $75. Medicare and Medicaid also help pay, though the amount depends on your plan. A Pfizer program called PAXCESS may lower your cost further. TeleDirectMD says it makes the drug free for eligible uninsured, Medicare and Medicaid patients through December 31, 2026. Commercial insurance users can use a copay card. Call your plan or ask the pharmacist before you pay, since the drug must start fast.
How to judge your quote
- Ask the pharmacist to check PAXCESS before you pay, since it can lower the price a lot.
- Ask the cash price and the insured copay at two pharmacies.
- Ask your doctor if you are eligible, since you must start within 5 days of symptoms.
- Ask if the doctor visit and the COVID test are billed apart from the drug.
- Compare the total with the range above: $1,390 to $1,600 per 5 day course for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Ask the pharmacist to run PAXCESS before you pay. Enrollment takes minutes and can take the price to $0.
- Use a telehealth service to get the prescription fast and cheap. Many charge under $100 with no insurance.
- Check Cost Plus Drugs and GoodRx for cash prices if you do not qualify for help.
- Do not wait. Paxlovid only works if you start it in the first 5 days.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from MedFinder, TeleDirectMD, Free Market Healthcare and BuzzRx. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does Paxlovid cost without insurance?
MedFinder lists $1,400 to $1,600 for the 5 day course. TeleDirectMD lists $1,390 to $1,447.
Can I get Paxlovid for free?
TeleDirectMD says eligible uninsured and Medicare and Medicaid patients can get it free through December 31, 2026 through PAXCESS.
How much is the copay with insurance?
MedFinder lists commercial copays of $0 to $75. BuzzRx says a PAXCESS copay card can bring it to $0.
Is there a generic?
Not yet in the US, so there is no cheaper version to buy.