Insulin pumps and consumables

New model MiniMed 770G insulin pump will be funded from 1 October 2021.

People new to insulin pumps

From 1 October 2021, when first prescribed an insulin pump, a person can chose between the MiniMed 770G or the Tandem t:slim X2 pump. The Minimed 640G will be funded until 1 January 2022. 

Existing patients on insulin pumps

Existing patients can chose between the new MiniMed 770G or the currently funded Tandem t:slim X2 pump when their current insulin pump's warranty expires.

The consumables for the Minimed 640G and 770G are the same. 

Read more about the pumps

Pharmac funds these two insulin pumps for people who meet the funding criteria:

Note: Pharmac only funds one pump per person every 4 years. 

Who’s eligible for a funded insulin pump?

A specialist or nurse practitioner must apply for approval to prescribe a funded insulin pump. There are a range of funding criteria people need to meet. The criteria are listed in the Special Authority form. Your health care professional will know best if you meet the criteria for a funded insulin pump. 

Check the insulin pump listing in the Schedule for the Special Authority form(external link)

Insulin pump consumables

If someone is eligible for a funded insulin pump, they are also eligible for funded consumables. Pharmac funds up to 13 sets of consumables each year (one set every 4 weeks).

If there are exceptional clinical circumstances that mean a patient requires more than 13 sets, a prescriber can request a Special Authority waiver.

Read more about applying for Special Authority waivers

Who to contact

If you have diabetes, talk to your health care professional about what this means for you.

If you have any questions about funding for insulin pumps, email us at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz