Insulin Pump Coverage in Prince Edward Island

PEI’s Insulin Pump Program helps eligible people living with Type 1 diabetes with the cost of approved insulin pumps and supplies. As of September 1, 2024, the program is available to medically eligible Islanders of all ages.

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 provides funding toward one insulin pump every five years with approved vendors.
  
• Eligible pump supplies include infusion sets (maximum 140 per year), reservoirs (maximum 140 per year), site inserts (one replacement device per year), skin adhesive wipes (maximum 150 per year), and transparent dressings (maximum 200 per year).
  
• Only devices and supplies on the program’s approved vendor list qualify for funding.
  
• The program does not cover extra blood glucose test strips beyond amounts required for therapy, lancets, or pump batteries.
  
• The amount of coverage depends on household income, the portion covered by private insurance, and device cost.
  

Because of varying cost shares, many participants will have some out of pocket costs for pumps or supplies.

To join the PEI Insulin Pump Program, applicants must:

• Be a PEI resident with a valid PEI Health Card.
  
• Have a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes, established by a medical practitioner more than one year ago (exceptions may apply).
  
• Attend at least three appointments with a PEI Provincial Diabetes Program care team in the past year (or have equivalents approved by the medical director).
  
• Be assessed by the Provincial Diabetes Program (or have out of province care approved by PEI’s medical director) to confirm medical eligibility
  
• Demonstrate ability to manage pump therapy safely, including training, frequent glucose monitoring, and avoiding hospital DKA episodes.
  
• Agree to three or more follow up visits per year with a pump specialist diabetes care team.
  
• Complete and follow the provincial pump education program, including competency in carbohydrate counting, dose adjustment, and sick day management.
  

Failure to meet or maintain these requirements may lead to discontinuation of program support.

PEI’s program only covers pumps and supplies purchased through approved vendors. Devices must be included in the province’s official listing to qualify for funding.

Currently, the following manufacturers and vendors are supported:

• Medtronic
• Tandem Diabetes Care
• Insulet (Omnipod)
  

👉 For full vendor and coverage details: PEI Insulin Pump Program Eligibility

Here is how to apply and maintain coverage under PEI’s Insulin Pump Program:

1. Contact the Program Administrator or Diabetes Care Team to request an application.
   
2. Complete the “Are You Ready to Pump” self assessment and gather the necessary medical documentation.
   
3. Medical Eligibility Assessment: The Provincial Diabetes Program or Medical Director reviews your application and clinical criteria.
   
4. Approval and Registration: If approved, you will be enrolled and receive notification to proceed with pump ordering.
   
5. Pump and Supplies Ordering: You obtain devices and supplies through approved vendors as indicated in your registration.
   

Renewal: Benefits expire on June 30 each year. You must renew between April 1 and June 30, providing updated income, insurance, and medical information.

The Insulin Pump Program helps reduce the financial burden of device and supply costs, but many challenges remain in everyday diabetes management. 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.