What is an insulin pump?
Insulin pumps are devices that connect an external pump to a tube and fine needle or cannula that is inserted just below the skin. The pumps are programmed to inject fast-acting insulin into type 1 diabetics to mimic the function of a healthy pancreas.
Diabetes Australia advises that insulin pumps are not suited to everyone. Anyone considering an insulin pump will need to speak to their doctor about their diabetes treatment options.
Insulin pumps: can your hospital cover help?
Insulin pumps are a clinical category available on RBHS’s Gold hospital cover.
Things you need to know before we start
- Waiting periods
The waiting period listed for insulin pumps is two months, however, pre-existing conditions have a 12-month waiting period, which is standard across all health funds. The good thing is that if you switch to RBHS within 60 days of having a hospital cover where you have served your 12-month waiting period on a cover with insulin pumps included, you do not need to re-serve it after you switch.
- Out-of-pocket expenses
You may need to pay out-of-pocket fees to your specialist/s for the fitting of your insulin pump. We have a Going to Hospital Guide which shows you how to reduce (or remove) your out-of-pocket costs by using Access Gap. Read the guide for all the key information.
Before you proceed, make sure you:
- Ask your doctor if an insulin pump is right for you
- Check with us that you are covered for insulin pumps and that you have served your waiting period
RBHS insulin pump benefits
RBHS can pay:
- the cost of the insulin pump
- any hospital accommodation and theatre fees (if applicable)
- specialist medical fees up to 25% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule fee per item or more if your specialist chooses to use Access Gap (Medicare covers 75% of the MBS fee per item)
If your specialists charge more than the Medicare Scheduled Fee, you will have what’s called an ‘out-of-pocket cost’. Your specialists should tell you what that cost will be before you go to hospital. It is called Informed Financial Consent and you can download the form here.
| RBHS hospital cover | Insulin pumps |
|---|---|
| Gold $0 excess | Included meaning private hospital accommodation, theatre fees and medical devices or human tissue products are 100% covered |
Did you know?
We’ve got health programs to help you manage your diabetes.