When you explore online peptide therapy, the advertised monthly prices look pretty straightforward.
You see $200 or $300 for your peptide regimen, and it seems simple enough. But here’s what most providers won’t tell you right away: that number is just the beginning.
You’re probably looking at additional expenses that can double or even triple your actual costs. Let’s break down what you’ll really pay.
What About the Initial Consultation Fees?
Most online peptide therapy platforms charge you for the first consultation, even if they advertise “free” services.
You’ll typically pay between $100 and $250 just to speak with a healthcare provider who determines if you’re eligible for treatment.
Some platforms bundle this into a “starter package,” but when you look closely, the cost is still there.
And if you need follow-up consultations? That’s another $50 to $150 each time. These aren’t optional either.
Most providers require regular check-ins to keep your prescription active. Over a year, you could spend an extra $600 to $900 just on consultations alone.
How Much Do Required Lab Tests Actually Cost?
Here’s something that catches people off guard: the lab work. Before you start peptide therapy, you need baseline blood tests.
After you begin treatment, you need more tests to monitor your progress and safety. Providers rarely advertise these costs upfront.
Typical Lab Test Expenses:
| Test Type | Frequency | Cost Per Test |
| Initial comprehensive panel | One-time | $200-$400 |
| Follow-up blood work | Every 3-6 months | $150-$300 |
| Specialized hormone tests | As needed | $100-$250 |
If you follow the standard protocol, you’re looking at $500 to $1,000 in lab costs during your first year.
Some platforms offer “in-network” lab discounts, but you still pay out-of-pocket if your insurance doesn’t cover it—and most insurance plans won’t cover peptide therapy labs.
The Shipping and Handling Trap
You wouldn’t think shipping costs would matter much, but peptides need special handling.
They’re temperature-sensitive and must arrive cold. This means expedited shipping with cold packs, which isn’t cheap.
Expect to pay $20 to $50 per shipment. If you receive monthly deliveries, that’s $240 to $600 annually just for shipping.
Some providers include shipping in their prices, but many don’t. You’ll find this detail buried in the checkout process or in the fine print of your subscription agreement.
Are There Hidden Subscription Requirements?
Many online peptide therapy providers operate on a subscription model. They make you commit to three to six months minimum before you can pause or cancel. If you stop responding well to the treatment or experience side effects, you’re still on the hook for the remaining months.
Here’s what this looks like in practice: You sign up for what seems like a $250/month program. But you’re actually agreeing to pay $750 to $1,500 upfront or in guaranteed installments. The cancellation fees? Typically 50% of your remaining subscription value.
What’s the Deal with Supplies and Administration Costs?
Peptides don’t inject themselves. You need supplies, and those aren’t always included in your monthly price. Here’s what you’ll actually need:
- Syringes and needles: $15-$30 per month
- Alcohol swabs: $5-$10 per month
- Bacteriostatic water (for reconstitution): $10-$20 per month
- Sharps disposal container: $15-$25 (one-time or annual)
That’s roughly $45 to $85 monthly, or $540 to $1,020 per year. Some providers offer supply kits, but they usually charge a premium—sometimes 40% more than buying supplies separately from a pharmacy.
Can Your Insurance Cover Any of This?
Short answer: probably not. Peptide therapy is considered experimental or cosmetic by most insurance companies.
You’ll pay everything out-of-pocket. Even if you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), not all peptide-related expenses qualify for reimbursement.
Some people try to get reimbursed by submitting claims with diagnosis codes, but success rates are low. You should plan on covering 100% of the costs yourself.
The Adjustment Period Nobody Mentions
When you start peptide therapy, you might not respond to the first protocol. Your provider may need to adjust dosages or switch peptides entirely.
Each adjustment often means new prescription fees, additional consultations, and sometimes wasted medication you’ve already paid for.
These adjustments aren’t failures—they’re part of finding what works for your body. But they cost money. Budget an extra $200 to $500 during your first few months for potential protocol changes.
What’s Your Real Total Investment?
Let’s add it all up. If you thought you’d spend $250 monthly for online peptide therapy, here’s what you might actually pay in year one:
- Base peptide cost: $3,000
- Consultations: $700
- Lab work: $750
- Shipping: $400
- Supplies: $780
- Protocol adjustments: $350
Total first-year cost: $5,980
That’s more than double the advertised price. Your costs might drop slightly in year two since you won’t have as many initial tests, but you’re still looking at $4,000 to $5,000 annually.
How Can You Actually Plan for These Costs?
Before you commit to online peptide therapy, ask providers directly about every possible expense. Get it in writing. Request a complete cost breakdown that includes consultations, labs, shipping, and supplies. Don’t accept vague answers.
Compare multiple providers. Some charge more upfront but include more services. Others look cheaper initially but nickel-and-dime you throughout treatment. Calculate the true annual cost for each option before deciding.
You should also consider whether peptide therapy fits your budget long-term. This isn’t a short-term solution—most people need at least six to twelve months to see meaningful results. Make sure you can afford the full commitment before you start.
