Insulin Pump Coverage in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia’s Insulin Pump Program (NSIPP) helps residents with Type 1 diabetes access insulin pumps and supplies, with cost support scaled by family income and size. Recent expansions have removed the previous age cap, so more people can benefit from coverage.

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

Insulin Pumps and Supplies

• The program covers one insulin pump every 5 years. Covered makes include Tandem, Medtronic, and Insulet (Omnipod).
  
• Pump supplies such as insertion sets, cartridges, reservoirs, tape, and skin prep are eligible.
  
• If you obtain the pump through NSIPP, it comes with a 5 year warranty.
  
• Items not covered by NSIPP include diabetes medications, oral drugs, test strips, meters, and continuous glucose monitors unless covered by a separate program.
  

Copayment and Income Test

• NSIPP has a copayment based on household income and size. Lower income families pay less.
  
• You must use any private insurance first. NSIPP covers what insurance does not.

To apply for NSIPP, you must satisfy several residency and clinical criteria:

• Be a Nova Scotia resident with a valid Health Card.
  
• Have a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes.
  
• Meet clinical eligibility standards:
   • Diagnosed at least 4 months ago
   • At least one A1C in the last 12 months
   • No more than one DKA or hyperosmolar crisis in the past 12 months, excluding diagnosis
   • Assessed by a diabetes team knowledgeable about pumps at least once in the last 12 months
   • Self monitor glucose 4 or more times per day, or use CGM with at least 70 percent active time
   • Understand how to safely operate a pump
   • Complete the Insulin Pump Therapy Participant Responsibility Agreement at initial enrollment
  

Because the age cap has been removed in recent reforms, coverage is now open beyond the prior under 26 limit.

NSIPP specifies which pump brands and models are acceptable. Currently supported devices include Tandem, Medtronic, and Insulet (Omnipod).
When applying, the diabetes health centre handles the clinical eligibility form.

👉 For pump and vendor details: NSIPP Program Page

If you already have a pump, you may remain under the program (if it meets the approved device list), provided you continue to satisfy clinical criteria.

Here’s how NSIPP works in practice:

1. Contact NSIPP or Diabetes Health Centre: Review eligibility and connect with an approved centre to complete a Clinical Eligibility Form.
   
2. Submit Application: You fill out the application and submit required documents such as Health Card and income assessments.
   
3. Review and Approval: NSIPP evaluates your clinical and financial eligibility. This typically takes 1 to 2 weeks.
   
4. Pump Acquisition: Approved patients obtain an insulin pump and supplies through the program. Warranty is included.
   
5. Annual Renewal: You must renew coverage each year between January 1 and March 31. Report changes to income, address, or household info.
   
6. Program Changes and Expansions: Ongoing reforms are expanding support, such as adding sensors and widening eligibility.
   

👉 Forms and details: Apply for NSIPP Funding

NSIPP covers much of the device and supply cost, but many people still face challenges managing the everyday realities 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.