If you're self financing and living in the UK then think about the SD Codefree. This is because they currently have the cheapest test strips - thus reducing your ongoing costs.
I bought my SDCodefree from Amazon ,you may be offered a free meter but they will sting you when you buy new test strips,self testing is the key to good control and good health
The SD C odefree is available from Home Health for £13 you get a meter a few test strips and about five lancets, they all come in a compact zip case. The test strips cost around £6/6.99 for 50....lancets are about £5 for 50
If you buy in multiples it's cheaper...for 5 packs £25 ish = 250 strips using code 264086
Delivery is within a few days and be sure to fill the box marked 'are you Diabetic' and you will not be charged VAT
Same here, free meter from the doctor, need a mortgage to buy strips. SD Codefree is a far more economical option. There is a 20% tolerance that the manufacturer has to achieve so no matter which one you buy, the best you can hope for is to monitor trends, you'll never get a reading that could be guaranteed accurate.