What will be funded?
These standalone CGMs are funded by Pharmac. You can choose your device:
The Dexcom One+
The FreeStyle Libre 2 (funded until 1 May 2026)
The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus (funded from 1 May 2025)
Abbott and NZMS supply standalone reader devices free of charge, to people who do not have a smartphone or smart device compatible with their respective CGMs.
If you qualify for a funded insulin pump (and its associated consumables) you can get a funded CGM that is compatible with your pump.
Tandem T slim works with:
Dexcom G6
Dexcom G7
FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus (since July 2025)
The mylife Ypso Pump will work with:
Dexcom G6
FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus
Can I get funding for devices other than these brands?
The Alternative Brand Allowance (ABA) provides a pathway to receive funding for a device that Pharmac does not currently fund. This is an acknowledgement that the currently funded CGMs and insulin pumps for those eligible to receive funding, may not be clinically suitable in every case.
Your health care provider (e.g. diabetes nurse specialist, GP or other prescribing clinician) completes the paperwork - called an exceptional circumstances application - for ABA, and evidence of genuine clinical need beyond personal preference is essential.
You can find out more about this on the Pharmac website under their information on Named Patient Pharmaceutical Assessments.
How many CGMs do I get?
The maximum number of devices varies by product because they work in different ways.
The following maximum funded sensors per patient per year applies:
FreeStyle Libre 2 (funded until 1 May 2026)
up to 29 devices will be funded each year
Up to 7 devices on each prescription.
FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus
up to 28 devices will be funded each year
Up to 6 devices on each prescription.
Dexcom One Plus
up to 40 devices will be funded each year
Up to 9 devices on each prescription.
FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus
Up to 28 devices will be funded each year.
Up to 7 devices on each prescription.
Dexcom G6
Up to 5 packs will be funded each year.
Up to 1 pack on each prescription.
Each pack contains 1 transmitter and 9 sensors
Dexcom G7
Up to 40 devices will be funded each year.
Up to 9 devices on each prescription.
Note: funding will not include the cost of GP visits and you will pay a co-payment (usually $5) at the pharmacy if you do not qualify for free prescriptions.
Please ensure that if your device fails, you contact your supplier to report the issue and seek a replacement so that you do not reach the maximum device limit. Failures include, not initiating a session, connection failing before the total days for the device, not sticking - despite correct application.
How long will I receive funding for?
From 1 December 2025, the need to renew Special Authority for CGMs, insulin pumps and insulin pump consumables was removed by Pharmac. Now, once your initial approval is given (the initial application) for your diabetes device/s, that approval is valid without further renewals unless notified.
What accessories are funded?
Adhesive over-patches will be supplied with all of the Dexcom devices. Adhesive patches are not needed for the FreeStyle Libre devices.
The suppliers will provide a standalone reader device to people who do not have a compatible smartphone that they can operate the relevant application on.