To start on an insulin pump at The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) you need to speak with your endocrinologist at your next diabetes clinic appointment. After some discussion, your doctor can then make a referral to change from insulin injection to the
insulin pump.
Insulin pump learning and appointments
Online learning module to learn about how the pump works
This module covers important information to consider when starting insulin pump therapy. It includes frequently asked questions and how the pump works, covering important benefits and challenges to consider before continuing through the process.
There are some questions for you to answer along the way to help you with your decision of changing to continuous therapy as well as the pump company links.
We will send you a letter after the doctor completes a referral in clinic for insulin pump commencement.
This letter includes a link to the online module. If you prefer a telehealth or face to face appointment there are instructions on the letter to contact us to organise this as an appointment (which then replaces completing the module however
the carbohydrate quiz and food diary still needs to be completed at home).
Week prior to insulin pump start
Phone call with diabetes nurse educator (DNE) to prepare for pump start.
Week of insulin pump start
Start on insulin pump: Tuesday education 9am - 2pm (4-6 hours), return on Wednesday 9am - 12pm, return on Friday 9am - 12pm.
One week after insulin pump start
Thursday telehealth review with DNE (one hour).
Six weeks after insulin pump start
Wednesday afternoon telehealth appointment.
Eligibility criteria to start on an insulin pump
- Home computer access
- Wearing CGM and regularly accessing reports
- Flexible bolusing - if you are not already flexible bolusing discuss this at your next clinic appointment and refer to flexible bolusing page
- Self adjusting your insulin doses
- Confident with carbohydrate counting
Insulin pumps supported at the RCH
We currently support patient with the:
Accessing diabetes technologies with external providers
Considerable support is required following a pump start. Please note that if you choose to access an insulin pump from another team (not public RCH), ongoing care and support must come from that team for at least the initial six months. Consistency in
diabetes management is one of the biggest predictors of success. Switching between care teams can lead to confusion and poor diabetes outcomes. If you have gone to another centre but decide to return to RCH, a new referral as well as updated information
from your interim diabetes provider will be needed.
Pump costs
The costs of pumps vary, but are approximately $8574,00.
Families can access pump therapy using either:
Private Health Insurance
Most private health insurance policies cover the cost of the pump but for most, there is a minimum level of hospital cover required. Confirm with your health fund before considering insulin pump therapy. Getting your private health insurance company to
confirm in writing that it is covered is a good idea. For the private health insurance company to cover the cost of an insulin pump, the membership is required for a minimum of one year.
About loan to own as a pump funding option
For some patients there can be a delay in starting Insulin Pump therapy due to a Private Health Insurance waiting period. These patients may be able to access a Pump earlier by using one of the ‘loan to own’ programs offered by 3 Pump Companies accessible
at the RCH. Please note however that not all Private Health Insurance companies allow you to access these programs and it is essential that you check with your private health insurance provider. At present we are aware of three companies who do not
allow access: Qantas, NIB and Mildura Health.
‘Loan to own’ means that the company will let your child start on their chosen insulin pump before the private health Insurance waiting period has ended. This process works a little differently at each company and we recommend that you investigate each
companies’ information at the links below:
- mylife Ypso insulin pump Gap Program – there is no specific information on their website, but you can call their customer service number on: 1800 447 042. To access their program, you will need to sign a separate agreement outlining the details of
the arrangement.
Important points to be aware of:
- You may be required to provide credit card details to access a ‘Loan to Own’ Program.
- The warranty period for your Pump will be extended by the loan to own period. This means that the end of the warranty and your new private health insurance waiting period will match so you won’t be stuck with an out of warranty pump.
- You will be responsible for any loss or damage to the pump that is not covered by the standard warranty.
We are offering access to these programs on the following basis:
- Your child has a current referral to commence Insulin Pump therapy and you have completed the Pump Information module or group session.
- Your child will remain on the loan to own pump at the end of your private health insurance (PHI) waiting period.
- You will need to have at least 3 months remaining of the PHI waiting period.
- This is your first time accessing an insulin pump.
If you choose to access a ‘loan to own’ program this will mean:
- We will update the pump waitlist to reflect that you will be accessing a pump using a ‘loan to own’ program.
- Your referral will no longer be held up waiting for the Private Health Insurance deadline to expire.
- Your referral will now be progressed based only on your referral date and you will be contacted again once you are next in line for a pre-pump session. From there it is usually around six weeks until the pump start.
- When you attend your Pre-Pump session we will complete the paperwork to access the relevant ‘loan to own’ program.
Breakthrough T1D Insulin Pump Program
Breakthrough T1D provide funding for families who meet a certain a criteria.
Let the diabetes team know what the outcome of your application to the Insulin Pump Program. This application does not mean you are on the RCH pump waitlist, you still require a referral from your endocrinologist to start on a pump and have a pump information session.
Also consider the on-going costs with pump consumables. These include the line/cannula and insulin reservoirs as well as ketone strips.
Insulin pump consumables (lines and cannulas)
Pump consumables are covered by NDSS; follow this link to find out about the costs through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS).
Insulin pump preparation
Below are all the elements you need to complete to start on an insulin pump. Before you complete the final insulin pump checklist, ensure you have:
- your funding for the insulin pump including required documentation.
- evidence of your completed the insulin pump online module (link below) and have the PDF saved to upload to this checklist. If you are unable to complete the online module please provide evidence that you have completed an in person pump information
session.
- evidence you have completed the carbohydrate worksheet linked below.
1. Insulin pump module
Insulin pump online module.
2. Carbohydrate worksheet
Online carbohydrate worksheet.
You can also print a paper version of this form.
3. Insulin pump checklist
Online insulin pump checklist.
You can also print a paper version of this form.
Where should I direct any additional questions?
If you have any further questions speak with your endocrinologist at your next diabetes appointment or contact the office on 9345 6661 or diabetes@rch.org.au.
Page updated August 2025