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Anyone in UK self-funding a pump?

PaulinaB

Well-Known Member
Messages
594
Location
London, UK
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hey!

I'm walking around the idea of getting a pump. From what I read and heard it may suite me well, but I'm pretty sure my control with pens is "too good" and I won't qualify for it on NHS. So I'm thinking of self-funding.
Anyone around here is doing that? I'm curious how it works, if it's even worth it...
I know NHS doesn't cover supplies for self bought pumps, but can I at least get my insulin on prescription? It would just be a vial instead of a pen and only 1 type, not 2...
If anyone can share thoughts on this, would be gratefull!
 
Hey Paulina, as you say self funding is expensive. It would depend on what pump you wanted, if you wanted one to run with your Dex4 CGM, then and Animas Vibe is one pump considering, but that costs 3grand, then a box of sets, canulas,tubes etc is another £97.50, per box, 10 cartridges are £24.65 a box then you have spare battery cap £15.75 each and cartridge cap £13.00, that's with out the batteries to power it. These are the prices that Kings Hospital pay, for a Vibe. But as you say your insulin would still be free. Hope this helps.
 
The cheapest pump would be the DanaR from advanced therapeutics. Yes insulin etc is still free. The pump is prescription only though as are the supplies so you need either a GP or consultant to write to which ever pump company you choose so they can send you the pump. You can battle to get the supplies for the pump from the NHS, I did and won :)
 
Thanks a lot guys!
Yes, I was thinking about a pump to go with my dex, so Vibe was the first thought. I know that t:slim is supposed to be integrated with dex as well, but I'm not sure when it'll be available in Europe.

Thanks for the prices, that gives a good idea of the actual cost :)

I'll still talk with my team at the clinic first, just wanted to research my options!
 
The cheapest pump would be the DanaR from advanced therapeutics. Yes insulin etc is still free. The pump is prescription only though as are the supplies so you need either a GP or consultant to write to which ever pump company you choose so they can send you the pump. You can battle to get the supplies for the pump from the NHS, I did and won :)

Wow! How did you do that? :D
 
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