Insulin Pump Coverage in Alberta

Alberta’s Insulin Pump Therapy Program (IPTP) is designed to help residents with Type 1 (and some Type 3c) diabetes access insulin pump therapy and the supplies needed to use it. By reducing the high costs of pumps and consumables, the program makes advanced diabetes management more affordable and sustainable.

To learn more about which insulin pumps are available across Canada, check out Our guide to insulin pumps in Canada.

Insulin Pumps

• Under IPTP, participants are eligible for one new insulin pump every five benefit years.
  
• Pumps must come from approved manufacturers and be obtained through direct-bill arrangements to be covered.
  
• Covered pump brands include: Insulet (Omnipod Dash / Omnipod), Medtronic (MiniMed systems), Tandem (t:slim X2), and Ypsomed (YpsoPump).
  
• If a pump is defective within warranty, participants must contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement. If a manufacturer won’t provide that, Alberta Blue Cross may authorize a replacement at its discretion.

Pump Supplies

• Eligible supplies include infusion sets, reservoirs or cartridges, pods (for tubeless pumps), and inserters.
  
• Coverage limits apply—for example, up to 100 infusion sets and 100 cartridges/reservoirs/pods per 100 days, plus 1 inserter per year.
  
• Supplies must be obtained from a licensed pharmacy or approved pump manufacturer, with claims handled through direct billing (out-of-pocket reimbursement is not available).
  

Because there are supply limits, participants in IPTP may still need to cover costs if their usage exceeds what the program allows.

Replacements and Exceptions

• A replacement pump is generally eligible only after five benefit years from the delivery date of the previous pump.
  
• If a pump is out of warranty or irreparable and the manufacturer refuses repair, exceptional coverage may be granted.
  

Some supply needs beyond standard limits may be approved on a case-by-case exception basis if there is documented medical necessity.

Eligibility in Alberta’s IPTP depends on both residency and clinical criteria. To qualify, you must:

• Be a resident of Alberta and eligible under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
  
• Have a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes (or, in some cases, Type 3c diabetes) and be under the care of a physician or nurse practitioner.
  
• Complete required education and assessments such as a pre-pump information session, IPT education plan, clinic assessment, and submit enrollment forms (e.g. Patient Responsibility Form, Eligibility Notification).
  
• Meet clinical criteria set by Alberta Health Services, which include glycemic control, hypoglycemia history, glucose variability, and demonstrated ability to self-manage with training.
  
• Participate in ongoing reviews: adults must complete annual reviews, while pediatric participants require semiannual reviews.
  

If eligibility or clinical criteria are no longer met, coverage can be discontinued.

IPTP restricts coverage to specific pump models and suppliers to ensure safety, reliability, and warranty support. Approved pumps include:

• Omnipod / Omnipod Dash by Insulet
  
• Medtronic MiniMed (630G, 670G, 770G, 780G, etc.)
  
• Tandem t:slim X2 (Basal-IQ, Control-IQ models)
  
• YpsoPump by Ypsomed
  

Your clinic and Alberta Blue Cross will confirm which specific model is eligible in your approval letter.

👉 Approved pump list and supplier details: Alberta Blue Cross IPTP Reference Guide

If you already own a pump not originally covered by IPTP, you may still apply under certain “clinical exception” pathways, but you must meet all other eligibility and clinical requirements.

Applying for IPTP coverage involves working with your care team and Alberta Blue Cross. Here’s what the process usually looks like:

1. Pre-pump education & information session: Attend an educational session about pump therapy (offered through clinics or online modules).
   
2. Clinic Assessment: Visit an Alberta Health Services–approved diabetes pump clinic for eligibility and clinical assessment.
   
3. Forms & Enrollment: Complete the Patient Responsibility Form, Eligibility Notification Form, and other required documents. Once approved, Alberta Blue Cross issues a Confirmation Letter.
   
4. Pump & Supplies: Obtain your approved pump and supplies through eligible vendors or pharmacies, billed directly to the program.
   
5. Ongoing Review: Continue with annual (or semiannual for minors) reviews to maintain eligibility.
   
6. Replacement Application: After five benefit years (or under special circumstances), you may reapply for a replacement pump through your clinic and Alberta Blue Cross.
   

👉 Forms and details: Alberta IPTP Eligibility Criteria

This structured process ensures that participants are supported at the start of therapy and monitored for safe, ongoing use.

IPTP ensures the cost of pumps and many supplies is covered, but many people still face challenges with the day-to-day details of diabetes care. That is where additional support can make a real difference.

• Clinician access when you need it: The Endor Health app allows ongoing communication with your care team, so questions about therapy or adjustments do not have to wait for the next appointment.
  
• Reliable supply delivery: The Endor Health app makes it easy and free to get home delivery of insulin, prescription items and pump supplies, reducing the risk of missed refills or last-minute pharmacy visits.‍