Thought it would be useful to start a topic looking at the pricing of the various CGM and GM options out there. Feel free to add others as they come up. This is solely for stand alone systems. Those with the Animas Vibe or Medtronic pumps, for example, can add their own posts with the TCO detailed.
So, what are the costs?
Dexcom G4 (available direct from Dexcom):
Sensor Pack (4 sensors): £205
Replacement Transmitter: £260
Receiver Kit: £350
Lifetime of sensor: Est. 4 weeks
Lifetime of Transmitter: Est 12-14 months
First year cost assuming 1 sensor lasts for a month: £1170
Second year cost (including replacement transmitter): £875
Total Two Year cost: £2045
Dexcom G5 (available direct from Dexcom):
Sensor Pack (4 sensors): £205
Replacement Transmitter: £200
Receiver Kit: £275
Lifetime of sensor: Est. 4 weeks
Lifetime of Transmitter: 3 months
First year cost assuming 1 sensor lasts for a month: £1690
Second year cost (including replacement transmitters): £1415
Total Two Year cost: £3105
Abbott Freestyle Libre:
Start up kit: £138
Sensors: £48 per sensor
Replacement reader (if you lose/break the original): £48
Lifetime of Sensor: 14 days
First year cost: £1290
Second year cost: £1248
Total Two year cost: £2538
Abbott Freestyle Navigator CGM:
System Kit (includes transmitter, receiver, skins and cables): £950
Sensors (6 sensors): £288 - if purchased in bulk, 18 per time, 10% discount applies
Replacement Transmitter: £400
Lifetime of transmitter: 1 year
Lifetime of sensor: 5 days
First year cost (assuming sensors bought on monthly basis): £4694
First year cost if able to afford bulk buying: £4060
Second year cost: £3856
Second year cost if able to afford bulk buying: £3510
Total Two year cost (assuming no bulk discounts
Cost of Dexcom G5 here in Germany appears to be completely covered by the national medical insurance company AOK, leaving only a very small sum to be found from my own pocket. It took a lot of persuasion to get the AOK to accept covering the costs, but Dexcom have given excellent service and even provided replacement sensors and applicators when „faulty“ applicators prevented their use.
The free 0800 technical service followed transfers my calls automatically to the Edinburgh Dexcom office where all my calls have been handled with courtesy and technical accuracy. Well done Dexcom.
Having used my G5 system for just 4 months, I find it both accurate and convenient. If only the sensor did not need changing every week, it would be perfect. My diabetologist makes out a prescription for an estimated 6 months supply, which is delivered to my door by DHL from the warehouse in Holland within 24 hours.
Why n earth is there so much hassle in the UK about the supply of CGM devices?
Welcome your comments.