Dexcom makes two very different CGM devices at very different price points — the prescription G7 ($350/month retail) and the OTC Stelo ($99/month). This guide covers what each costs without insurance, how to reduce that cost, and whether cheaper alternatives might work better for your situation.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
Affiliate links — GlucoseForge earns a commission at no cost to you.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making health decisions.
See prices for every device — OTC and prescription — side by side.
Dexcom G7 without insurance: ~$350/month retail. Dexcom Stelo (OTC) without insurance: ~$99/month. No prescription needed for Stelo. G7 requires a prescription but may be covered by insurance for qualifying patients.
| Device | Price without insurance | Prescription | Sensor life | MARD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dexcom G7 | ~$350/month retail | Yes (required) | 10 days | 8.2% |
| Dexcom Stelo | ~$99/month | No (OTC) | 15 days | 7.3–9.1% |
The Dexcom G7 retails for approximately $350/month without insurance — that's roughly $4,200/year for continuous monitoring. This is the clinical-grade device cleared for insulin-treated diabetes management. It requires a valid prescription.
Ways to reduce G7 cost without insurance:
Dexcom Cares program: Dexcom offers a patient savings program for uninsured or underinsured patients. Eligibility is income-based. Apply at dexcom.com.
GoodRx: GoodRx discount cards can reduce G7 cost at participating pharmacies. Savings vary by location and pharmacy — check goodrx.com for current pricing in your area.
FSA/HSA: The Dexcom G7 is eligible for FSA and HSA payment. If you have a healthcare spending account, you can use pre-tax dollars to cover the cost.
The Dexcom Stelo costs approximately $99/month and requires no prescription. It is the OTC version of Dexcom's CGM technology, cleared for people without insulin-treated diabetes. Two sensors per box cover a full month of continuous monitoring.
At $99/month, Stelo is 72% cheaper than the G7 at retail and is available at major pharmacies and online retailers without a doctor visit. Insurance typically does not cover Stelo as it is an OTC wellness product.
| Device | Monthly cost | Prescription | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abbott Lingo | ~$89/month | No | Cheapest OTC CGM. FreeStyle Libre sensor platform (published MARD range 8.1–10.7%, higher than Stelo's 7.3–9.1%) |
| Dexcom Stelo | ~$99/month | No | Dexcom platform, Clarity integration, 15-day sensor |
| FreeStyle Libre 3 | ~$130/month | Yes | Best prescription CGM accuracy. May be cheaper than G7 with insurance |
| Dexcom G7 | ~$350/month | Yes | Clinical gold standard. Check insurance coverage before paying retail |
If you do not have insulin-treated diabetes and want to try CGM monitoring: start with Dexcom Stelo ($99/month) or Abbott Lingo ($89/month). Both are OTC, require no prescription, and use similar sensor technology to the G7.
If you have a diabetes diagnosis and need a prescription CGM: check your insurance coverage before paying G7 retail pricing. Most major insurance plans cover Dexcom G7 for qualifying diagnoses, often bringing the out-of-pocket cost to $0–50/month.
Compare every device and subscription for 30, 90, or 365 days.
Every device and subscription — side by side for your monitoring period.
GlucoseForge CGM Cost Calculator →