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.
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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 | 8.7% |
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 | ~$49/month | No | Cheapest OTC CGM. Better published accuracy than Stelo (7.8% vs 8.7%) |
| 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 ($49/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.
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