How Much Does a Tubeless Insulin Pump Cost in Australia?

12 May, 2023

What should I know before choosing an Insulin Pump?

Accessing an insulin pump can be an important decision for many, and there are several factors to consider before making a decision with your healthcare team. In this blog, we will examine some of things to keep in mind when selecting a tubeless insulin pump. As always, discuss with your healthcare team when considering changes to your diabetes management.

What is an insulin pump?

An insulin pump is a small electronic device that delivers insulin through a cannula which is inserted under the skin (subcutaneously). The pump works by delivering small doses of rapid-acting insulin continuously (the basal, or background, rate). The device also is used to deliver variable amounts of insulin when a meal is eaten (bolus). Pumps range in size and design with many requiring tubing to be attached to the user, however in the case of the Omnipod DASH® System, it uses a tubeless Pod to provide up to 3 days (up to 72 hours) of continuous insulin delivery.

What are some reasons people choose an Insulin Pump

In a 2011 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare survey, 88% of respondents stated that it was to improve their diabetes management. The second most mentioned reason was for lifestyle purposes, with 67% of respondents citing the desire for flexibility in meal timing, food intake, or sleep patterns as the main factor. With the main benefits of using a pump being lifestyle and better control at 86% and 83% respectively¹.

How much does a tubeless insulin pump cost in Australia?

Accessing an insulin pump in Australia has traditionally been achieved through private health insurance with people being able to access a new pump every 4/5 years depending on their insurer. With the recent Omnipod subsidy, those eligible can pay $168.27/month to Insulet with no lock in period. This provides the opportunity for people to;

Experience and understand if the therapy is the right fit for their lifestyle before committing to a four year period through their private health insurance.
OR
Continue paying their monthly amount with no lock in and use Omnipod as they choose, alongside healthcare team guidance.

Under the Omnipod NDSS Subsidy, eligible persons can access the Omnipod DASH® System from $168.27/month without private health insurance (PHI) or for around $30/month if accessing through PHI.

Continue paying their monthly amount with no lock in and use Omnipod as they choose, alongside healthcare team guidance.

This comes down to your individual needs and the importance of discussing options with your healthcare team. There are various types of insulin pumps available, some with tubing and some without. The Omnipod DASH® System is a tubeless insulin pump, which is held in place by adhesive. This can be a benefit for people who prefer not to have tubing, as it allows for greater freedom of movement and reduces the risk of accidentally snagging or pulling on the tubing. Omnipod user Heath states, "Since moving on to the Omnipod DASH® System my life has been truly simplified."

What features and functionality are available with Omnipod?

As above, this too comes down to your individual needs and discussing options with your healthcare team. While doing so some of the features and functionalities that may be considered;

1. Design:

The Omnipod DASH has a tubeless, waterproof* design allowing the delivery of insulin without tubing throughout the day whether at the beach or in the shower. The pump also has built-in Bluetooth® technology, which allows you to use the bolus calculator on the personal diabetes manager (PDM) and remotely deliver the bolus through the Pod.

2. Where can I wear it and how do I put it on?

Where you place your pump can be important to consider as you will often wear delivery device for up to 3 days. With the Omnipod DASH® System you can wear the device almost anywhere you would give yourself an insulin injection.

The Omnipod DASH® System has an automatic insertion system, which uses a spring-loaded mechanism to insert the cannula under the skin without the need for an exposed needle.

How will I be supported?

It can be helpful to know how you will be supported with the device you and your healthcare team align on. If you have any late night product questions or issues it can be useful to know you’ve got support readily available to answer questions.

Users of the Omnipod insulin pump, gain access to a comprehensive support program, including technical support, training, and troubleshooting assistance. We also offer a 24/7 customer care line, as well as a online customer portal that can be helpful for users.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
* The Pod has a waterproof IP28 rating for up to 7.6 metres for 60 minutes. The PDM is not waterproof.
¹Insulin pump use in Australia (full publication; 8 Aug 2012 edition) (AIHW)