How Much Does An Insulin Pump Cost?

The cost of an insulin pump ranges from $4000-$10,000. The cost varies depending on the type and brand of pump. It also varies depending on where it is purchased from. There are three different types of insulin pumps – with tube, tubeless and implanted. The average cost of an insulin pump with a tube is around $4000-$5000. The average tubeless pump costs around $6000-$7000. The average cost of an insulin pump that is implanted is around $10,000. On top of the original expense of the pump, patients will spend about $100 a month on insulin and other supplies for with tube and tubeless insulin pumps. Implanted insulin pumps cost more for monthly insulin supplies than with tube or tubeless insulin pumps.  Implanted insulin pumps cost around $120 a month for insulin and supplies. Most insurance plans will cover at least some of the cost of an insulin pump; the average insurance plan covers about 50% of the cost. However, most insurance plans will only allow patients to get the least expensive type, the with tube variety.

Insulin Pump Cost Comparison

Insulin pumps are expensive and no matter the style or brand will cost at least several thousand dollars. With tube insulin pumps cost less than tubeless or implanted pumps. With tube insulin pumps cost around $4000-$5000 each, while tubeless pumps cost around $6000-$7000 each. Patients can save $2000-$3000 on the cost of an insulin pump if they buy the with tube variety instead of the tubeless variety. Omnipod is one of the most popular brands of tubeless insulin pumps; Omnipod tubeless insulin pumps cost around $7000. Animas and Medtronic are two of the most commonly used brands of with tube pumps; they cost around $4000-$5000 each. Implanted insulin pumps cost more than with tube or tubeless pumps. They cost around $10,000 each.

How Do Insulin Pumps Work?

An insulin pump is used to administer insulin to people with diabetes mellitus. The use of an insulin pump is called “continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy”. An insulin pump usually comes with the pump, a disposable insulin reservoir, a cannula and a tubing system. People with diabetes mellitus that have to do several insulin injections daily often use an insulin pump instead of an insulin pen or syringe. An insulin pump is easier and more convenient to use than an insulin pen or insulin syringe. Insulin pumps are worn around either the stomach or arm. The pump is connected to a tube that ends in a needle that is implanted under the person’s skin. Insulin pumps work 24 hours a day; they inject insulin into the person as needed. The insulin tube can be disconnected by the patient for bathing and swimming. Tubeless insulin pumps work similar to a with tube insulin pump; however, the needle is on the pump instead of a tube. Tubeless insulin pumps are smaller and more discrete than with tube equivalents; however, they cost several thousand dollars more.

Types Of Insulin Pumps

There are three different types of insulin pumps – with tube, tubeless and implantable. The most commonly used is the type with a hose. The with tube insulin pump costs less than the tubeless or the implantable insulin pump. With tube insulin pumps cost around $4000-$5000. With tube pumps with a glucose meter cost $4000-$7000 each. The tubeless insulin pump is smaller and more discrete than pumps with tubes; however, tubeless pumps cost more than those with a tube cost. Tubeless insulin pumps cost around $6000-$7000 each. There are also Bluetooth insulin pumps which are relatively new to the market. They allow the user to have full control over the pump and how much insulin is injected. Bluetooth insulin pumps cost around $6000 each. There are also implantable insulin pumps; however, implantable pumps have not received FDA approval yet and are generally only used for research. Implantable insulin pumps cost around $10,000 and are more expensive to maintain than with tube or tubeless equivalents.