Costco is widely recognized for its bulk goods and value-driven pricing, but its offerings extend far beyond the main warehouse aisles. For members and non-members alike, the retailer provides a range of health, wellness, and automotive services that include valuable freebies and significant savings opportunities. This guide details the free health screenings, pharmacy promotions, tire center benefits, and other lesser-known perks available through Costco, focusing exclusively on information verified from official sources and reliable reports.
Free Health Screenings and Wellness Clinics
One of the most valuable yet underpublicized benefits at Costco is the availability of free health screenings. These events are designed to help members monitor their health and catch potential issues early without incurring additional costs.
According to multiple sources, Costco periodically offers free health screenings for members at its locations. These screenings are not heavily advertised and may vary by store and schedule. The types of health checks available include blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screenings. In addition to these basic metrics, some reports indicate that Costco’s health care clinics provide screenings for conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and lung disease.
To find out when and where these free health screenings will occur, members can visit the Costco website. The schedule is posted on the Costco.com pharmacy page under the section labeled "Health and Wellness Clinics." This allows consumers to plan ahead and take advantage of these complimentary services when they become available in their area.
Costco Pharmacy Promotions and Savings
Costco’s pharmacy department is a hub for both prescription medications and over-the-counter health products. The retailer frequently runs promotions that provide substantial discounts on pharmacy items, and in some cases, these savings can be accessed without a membership.
Pharmacy Discounts for Members
Costco members can take advantage of special promotions that offer discounts when purchasing multiple qualifying pharmacy items. For example, one verified promotion offered $30 off the purchase of five or more qualifying pharmacy items. This type of deal is typically available online, with free shipping included on qualifying orders. The discount is usually applied automatically at checkout once the required number of items is added to the cart.
It is important for shoppers to verify that the discount is applied before completing their purchase, as terms and conditions may apply. These promotions often have expiration dates and may be limited to a certain number of discounts per membership. For instance, a past promotion was valid for a specific week in April 2022 and allowed up to two discounts per membership.
Weight-Loss Medication Pricing
In a significant move for members seeking weight-loss solutions, Costco has begun offering popular prescription weight-loss drugs at a lower price point. The retailer sells medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy for $499, which is less than half the price at other retail locations. This pricing is offered through a partnership with the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk.
While this price is available to all customers at Costco pharmacies, some members may be eligible for additional discounts. It is important to note the distinct medical uses for these medications: Wegovy is often prescribed for patients with heart disease and obesity, while Ozempic is primarily for individuals with Type 2 diabetes.
Pharmacy Access for Non-Members
A key detail for consumers to know is that a Costco membership is not required to use the pharmacy. While non-members will not have access to member-exclusive discounts, they can still purchase prescriptions and other pharmacy items at Costco’s highly competitive baseline prices. This policy makes Costco’s pharmacy services accessible to a wider range of consumers looking for value on their healthcare needs.
The Costco Tire Center: Free Services and Warranties
For those in need of new tires, the Costco Tire Center offers more than just competitive pricing on the tires themselves. The value extends well beyond the initial purchase through a suite of included services and warranties.
When customers purchase and install tires at a Costco Tire Center, they receive several free services for the entire lifespan of the tires. These complimentary services include: - Tire rotation - Tire balancing - Inflation pressure checks - Flat repairs
These services add considerable long-term value and provide peace of mind, as external tire service providers typically charge for these individually. According to a 2024 report, Costco’s tire center often ranks high for customer satisfaction and overall value.
In addition to the free services, all tires purchased at Costco are protected by a five-year Costco Road Hazard Warranty. This warranty means that Costco will repair or replace any tires that are damaged during standard vehicle operation for up to five years after the initial purchase, offering significant protection for the consumer’s investment.
Additional Costco Perks and Savings Opportunities
Beyond the pharmacy and tire center, Costco provides a variety of other programs and opportunities for savings that consumers may not be aware of.
Auto Program Savings
Costco offers an Auto Program that connects members with pre-negotiated, discounted pricing on new and used vehicles from participating dealerships. This program is designed to eliminate the complexities and stress of haggling over price, providing a straightforward and transparent way for members to save thousands of dollars on a major vehicle purchase.
Pet Insurance Discounts
For pet owners, the costs of veterinary care can be a significant concern. Costco has partnered with pet insurance provider Figo to offer its members an exclusive discount on Figo insurance plans. The monthly premiums for these plans are based on factors such as the pet’s age, breed, and location, as well as the specific plan chosen. The benefit of this coverage is that Figo may reimburse up to 100% of vet bills, covering costs that range from emergency vet visits to pet prescriptions.
Deals on Returned Items
Shoppers looking for deep discounts can find them in a specific section of Costco’s warehouses. The retailer devotes a few shelves to items that have been returned but are still in saleable condition. Rather than sending these items back to the vendor or a liquidator, Costco offers them at dramatic markdowns. These returned items are typically located near the automotive, household, or sporting goods sections of the store.
Bulk Flowers Through Costco’s Supplier
For consumers planning a wedding or other large event that requires a significant quantity of flowers, Costco offers a valuable option. Members can get good deals on bulk flower purchases directly through Costco. Furthermore, it has been reported that consumers can achieve even better prices by purchasing directly from Costco’s floral supplier, Kendal Floral Supply, and arranging to pick up the order at a Costco location.
Travel Offerings
Costco Travel provides members with deals on a wide range of travel services, including cruises, rental cars, and vacation packages. These offerings can result in substantial savings compared to booking directly through other providers. For example, one report noted a savings of more than $200 on a week-long rental car in Maui when booked through Costco’s travel site.
Conclusion
Costco provides a diverse array of freebies and savings opportunities that extend well beyond its reputation for bulk groceries. From free health screenings that help members monitor their well-being to exclusive discounts on pharmacy items, pet insurance, and travel, the retailer offers significant value. Key takeaways for consumers include the availability of free health screenings (which can be scheduled via the Costco.com pharmacy page), special promotions on pharmacy items for members, and competitive pricing on prescriptions like weight-loss drugs that is also available to non-members. The tire center adds long-term value with its included services and robust road hazard warranty. By exploring these lesser-known perks, members and non-members alike can maximize their savings and take advantage of the comprehensive services offered by Costco.