Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Finasteride (Propecia/Proscar) Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Finasteride 1mg Tablet (hair loss) | $4 – $15 | $4 – $15 |
| Finasteride 5mg Tablet (BPH) | $4 – $12 | $0 – $5 |
What Affects the Cost
- Brand-name vs. generic availability
- Insurance formulary tier placement
- Pharmacy choice (retail vs. mail-order vs. Costco)
- Manufacturer savings cards and coupons
- Dosage and quantity prescribed
- Geographic location
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Tier 1 generic — covered for BPH (5mg); hair loss (1mg) typically not covered by insurance
Most insurance plans use a tiered formulary: Tier 1 (generic) $0-$15 copay, Tier 2 (preferred brand) $25-$75, Tier 3 (non-preferred brand) $50-$150, Tier 4 (specialty) $100-$500+. Prior authorization may be required for certain medications. Step therapy may require trying cheaper alternatives first.
How to Save Money
- Always ask for generic when available — saves 50-90%
- Use GoodRx, RxSaver, or similar discount cards
- Costco pharmacy is open to non-members and often has lowest prices
- Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs offers transparent low pricing
- Manufacturer patient assistance programs provide free medication to qualifying patients
- HSA/FSA funds can cover medication costs tax-free
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Generic finasteride costs $4 to $20 for a 30-day supply. The 1mg hair loss dose and 5mg BPH dose are similarly priced.
Most insurance plans do not cover finasteride 1mg for hair loss (considered cosmetic). The 5mg dose for BPH (enlarged prostate) is typically covered.
Results for hair loss typically take 3 to 6 months to become noticeable. Continued use is necessary to maintain benefits — hair loss resumes if you stop.