New to insulin pumps?
If you haven’t had a funded insulin pump before, you may now qualify.
On this page
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 are funded
From 1 October 2024, the following are funded:
- Tandem t:slim x2(external link) with Basal-IQ or Control-IQ algorithm and consumables
- mylife YpsoPump(external link)with CamAPS FX algorithm and consumables
How do I get an insulin pump?
You will need to talk to your diabetes specialist team. They will explain the process for getting approval. .
At the end of the process, you will get a prescription for the insulin pump to take to your pharmacy.
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.
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.
Supplier information about each insulin pump:
Tandem t:slim X2 with Control or Basal IQ | Dexcom(external link)
mylife YpsoPump with CamAPS Fx | Pharmaco(external link)
Software updates
You will not have to pay to keep 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)