New to insulin pumps?
If you haven’t had a funded insulin pump before, you may now qualify.
On this page
We are working with a variety of different groups to get more information about CGMs and insulin pumps. This includes comparison tables, FAQs, how to use the devices, and information for health care practitioners.
Keep an eye on these pages for updates or sign up to our mailing list so we can update you(external link).
Who can get an insulin pump?
If you have:
- type 1 diabetes
- permanent neonatal diabetes (diabetes since you were born)
- some types of “monogenic diabetes” with insulin deficiency
- type 3c diabetes (includes insulin deficiency caused by pancreatectomy, insulin cystic fibrosis or pancreatitis)
- some atypical inherited forms of diabetes
and your diabetes specialist team think:
- an insulin pump is right for you and
- you will benefit from an automated insulin delivery (AID) system.
You no longer need certain HbA1c levels to qualify.
Two types of insulin pump will be funded
From 1 October 2024, the following will be funded:
- Tandem t:slim x2 with Basal-IQ or Control-IQ algorithm and consumables
- mylife YpsoPump with CamAPS FX algorithm and consumables
Compatible continuous glucose monitors
Both pumps are compatible with at least two types of continuous glucose monitor (CGM). If you qualify for a funded insulin pump, you can also get funded CGMs.
The Tandem t:slim X2 works with:
The Tandem t:slim X2 will also work with the Freestyle Libre 3 Plus by July 2025.
The mylife YpsoPump works with:
- Dexcom G6(external link)
- Freestyle Libre 3 Plus (website to come)
Your diabetes specialist team can help you compare the products and decide which is best for you.
How many CGMs do I get?
The maximum number of devices varies by product because they work in different ways.
Freestyle Libre 3 Plus
- Up to 28 devices will be funded each year.
- Up to 6 devices on each prescription.
Dexcom G6
- Up to 5 packs will be funded each year.
- Up to 1 pack on each prescription.
- Each pack contains 1 transmitter and 9 sensors
Dexcom G7
- Up to 40 devices will be funded each year.
- Up to 9 devices on each prescription.
You’ll need a prescription for consumables
Your usual GP can write these prescriptions for you as well as people in your diabetes specialist team. You will need a new prescription every three months.
You may need to pay a co-payment (usually $5) at the pharmacy, if you do not qualify for free prescriptions.
You should be able to pick up three months’ supply of consumables from your pharmacy.
Do I need a phone?
We appreciate that a phone might not be the practical for everyone. Talk to your diabetes specialist team about the options available with each pump.
Learning to use your pump and automated insulin delivery system
Your diabetes specialist team will offer you the training and support you need to get the most from an insulin pump and CGM.
We are working with suppliers to make information available on the different pumps.
Sign up to our mailing list for email updates(external link)
Software updates
You will not have to pay for keeping your insulin pump software or its phone application up to date.
The training will cover how to do this for your device.
What if the funded brands aren’t right for me?
Our clinical advisors have told us that the funded pumps may not work for everyone. If it turns out that they do not work for you, talk to your doctor or your diabetes specialist team.
Who to contact
The suppliers are offering phone support
- Tandem t:slim x2 (supplier: NZMS): 0508 634 103
- mylife YpsoPump (supplier: Pharmaco): 0800 458 267
Stay informed, sign up for email updates from Pharmac(external link)