The Australian Government is committed to helping people with diabetes and their families live well. Through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS), the Australian Government ensures that people can access the supplies and services they need to manage their diabetes, at subsidised prices. Available products Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) Wearable devices that track your glucose levels in real time Blood glucose monitoring strips For finger prick blood glucose checks with a meter Insulin pump consumables Disposable items used with insulin pumps, such as infusion sets, reservoirs and pod pumps Syringes and pen needles For injecting insulin Medicines, including insulin, are not available through the NDSS. Your need a prescription from your doctor to get these from a pharmacy. Product costs Most products require a small co-payment. Needles and syringes are free if you are registered with the NDSS. Your co-payment may be lower if you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person or have one of these cards: Health Care Card Pensioner Concession Card Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Safety Net Card Department of Veterans’ Affairs Concession Card. You may be eligible for a free blood glucose meter. Find out which meters are available and how to get one. How to access products You must register with the NDSS to access subsidised products. You do not need a prescription. Then: Visit an NDSS Access Point, usually your local pharmacy. Show your NDSS number or Medicare card. Ask for the products you need. If the product is not in stock the pharmacy will need to order it. Products usually arrive in 24–48 hours. It may take longer in regional and remote areas. How many products you can get In a 180-day period, you can get up to: 900 strips and/or 1,200 syringes or pen needles and/or 90 insulin pump cannulas and/or 90 insulin pump reservoirs/cartridges. CGM products have set limits based on the device company’s instructions. Only order what you need as all products have an expiry date. NDSS products are for personal use only. You may not sell or distribute them. If you need more products, call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 or email [email protected]. If you are overseas You can only access NDSS subsidised products while you are in Australia. Before you travel, work out what products you will need. You can order up to 6 months’ supply to take with you. More information and support Call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 or email [email protected] to learn more about the NDSS Find a pharmacy near you by visiting the Healthdirect website Enrol in free NDSS support programs, online learnings, or events. Last updated: July 2026
