Insulin pump consumables

People who live with type 1 diabetes and use an insulin pump can access subsidised insulin pump consumables through the NDSS.

Insulin pumps themselves are not subsidised.

People living with ‘other’ diabetes and ‘hard to manage’ type 2 diabetes may request special consideration for access.

How to access insulin pump consumables

Step 1: See an authorised diabetes health professional

They will check if you are eligible and discuss options with you. 

Authorised health professionals include:

• endocrinologists (diabetes specialist doctors)
• credentialled diabetes educators
• nurse practitioners

General practitioners and practice nurses cannot certify insulin pump consumable access forms.

Step 2: Complete and submit an access form

Your authorised health professional may submit your form online through the NDSS Health Professional Portal. Access is usually confirmed within minutes. 

You can also: 

• download and complete an insulin pump consumable access form
• ask your authorised health professional to certify the form 
• submit the form by: 
  • email to [email protected] 
  • post to GPO Box 9824 in your capital city 
  • fax to 1300 536 953 

Once your access is confirmed, you can order your products at an NDSS Access Point, usually your local pharmacy.

Applying for special consideration

To apply, you will need to send us:

• your name, address and contact number
• a letter from a diabetes health professional outlining your medical condition and why you need access insulin pump consumables.

Send this information by:

• email to [email protected] or
• post to NDSS Administration, GPO Box 3156, Canberra, ACT 2601.

How to access an insulin pump

See your endocrinologist, credentialled diabetes educator, or nurse practitioner to discuss if an insulin pump is right for you. They can also help you choose the pump that best suits your needs.

Insulin pumps are not subsidised by the NDSS. Private health insurance may cover the cost but check your policy to make sure.

Your health professional can help you purchase your pump through private health insurance.

When starting or stopping insulin pump therapy (including Omnipod), see your diabetes health professional. These changes can affect your glucose levels.

How to access an Omnipod system

Omnipod systems deliver insulin through a tubeless, wearable insulin pump called a Pod. Pods are replaced every few days.

Omnipod^® 5 and Omnipod DASH^® Pods are partially subsidised through the NDSS. This means the cost of using Omnipod is similar to other insulin pumps.

To be eligible, you must:

• be living with type 1 diabetes
• lodge a certified insulin pump consumable access form with Omnipod as your insulin pump

or

• be already approved for an NDSS subsidy for insulin pump consumables. In this case, you do not need to submit a new form for Omnipod.

Omnipod costs

You must pay a subscription to access the full Omnipod 5 or Omnipod DASH system. The NDSS partially subsidises this subscription.

The remaining cost depends on whether you have private health insurance.

Can I trial Omnipod before applying for an NDSS subsidy?

Yes. You can trial Omnipod by buying a no-lock in subscription from Insulet.

If you decide you would like to continue with Omnipod, you can then apply for the NDSS subsidy, with or without private health insurance.

If you decide not to continue, you can cancel your subscription.

How to order Omnipod Pods

You can order Omnipod Pods from your pharmacy. Plan ahead so you always have enough supply.

If you are paying for your subscription with no private health insurance, make sure your payments are up to date before ordering.

To order:

1. Tell your pharmacist that you wish to place an NDSS order
2. Give them the NDSS code for your Omnipod product:
   • Omnipod 5 for Dexcom G7 is 693
   • Omnipod 5 for FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus is 692
   • Omnipod 5 for Dexcom G6 is 691
   • Omnipod DASH is 690. 
3. Collect your Pods and make your NDSS co-payment. Double check you have received the correct product before leaving the pharmacy.

You can order a maximum of 13 boxes of Omnipod 5 and Omnipod DASH Pods within a 12-month period.