I would ask your doctor and if they so no ask your hospital team to recommend. You may have to explain why this meter is better for you so get to know all the features throughly. Also find the Nice guidelines on here so you know your rights as a Type 1.
I buy very carefully from ebay and I have never had a problem. Have been testing for 6 years now with a freestyle lite, contour xt and now the next one. I have a continous search set up on ebay and never pay more than £10 for 50. Often can buy multiple packs cheaper.