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getting pump in the US if you

7K views 13 replies 3 participants last post by  mucosolvana 
#1 ·
hi there...

I've been diabetics for 12 years now-living mainly in Poland and for the last year in ROI. At this stage I'm in desperate need of insulin pump and i've been wondering lately (taking into consideration my limited financials and currency exchange rate at the same time;) if it is possible to buy an insulin pump on the US market somehow:confused:-either over the internet or with help of other people who are there.
Can anyone of you advise? That would be a huge help and I would be very grateful as I can't find any reliable info on the net.
Thanks in advance for your replies!
Have a good day!:cool:

Ula
 
#3 ·
hi again,

but what's the problem you have there? They can't buy it? or they can't afford it?

I heard insulin pumps market has been developed the most there (i could be wrong though)

My situation is I can afford it as dollar exchange rate is quite low now but I can't go to America (visas etc). so basically what i need to know is whether i can buy it over the internet from US or someone else can buy it for me and have it posted or anything like that (??)

Thanks!
 
#4 ·
hi again,

but what's the problem you have there? They can't buy it? or they can't afford it?

I heard insulin pumps market has been developed the most there (i could be wrong though)

My situation is I can afford it as dollar exchange rate is quite low now but I can't go to America (visas etc). so basically what i need to know is whether i can buy it over the internet from US or someone else can buy it for me and have it posted or anything like that (??)
Thanks!
The pumps are made in the US(actually some are made in China for US company's). I am in Canada. The Diabetics who have pumps in North America can either afford them or their employers pay for them, like my Husband's would for me or they get them free from the Government like in my country soon, also in France, etc. None of us would be able to buy them for someone else in another country or sell ours to anyone else unless we just gave it to someone else(far as I know).
 
#5 ·
oh sorry, I misunderstood you then. So it seems there is a way...(?), maybe I will manage to find someone either through this forum or in other way who will sell me their used pump or have a spare one. That just dreams for now but who knows ;)
Good luck with your diabetes and pump!!!
 
#7 ·
No, the companies forbid a Diabetic to sell their used pump to anyone but back to the company for a rebate on a new pump. They'd have to give it to you.

I am doing pretty Good with my Diabetes and I haven't decided if I want a pump yet. The one I would want isn't in Canada yet, that I know of. Of course, I haven't asked recently. Thank you. Good Luck to you. :)
 
#6 ·
There are also a couple of agencies that give refurbished pumps and other supplies to People who really need them but can't afford them in the US, I believe I heard and read. I thought they were out of pumps at the time I read it though, about 4 weeks ago.

There are probably agencies that give refurbished pumps to really poorPeople in other countries(who are sponsored, I think)on compassionate grounds.
 
#10 ·
to be honest, in Poland I can buy them but they are far too expensive for me there- they are regarded as exclusive there not as necessity. BTW. what's the average price of a pump in the US/Canada if not given for free through healthcare? I concluded they might be cheaper 'cause electronics and all that are extremely cheap comparing to European prices but I may be wrong actually :confused:
 
#11 · (Edited)
Sorry, I had to leave for a while.

Mmmm...Many People don't consider Insulin Pumps cheap here. Most electronics are cheap but not Insulin pumps since they take a lot of maintance, I guess, plus there is still not enough competition. If the pump malfunctions then the company has to send the pumper another one. And sometimes another one if the next one malfunctions. It all depends. Some have no problems. Anyways, you could buy half of a new, cheap car in North America, for the price of an Insulin pump. $5,500.-$7,000. ;)
 
#13 · (Edited)
G'Morning Ula: :)

There's an old saying, "Reality sux!!". But we all have to live in it. I'm sorry that the price is too high for you. I'll tell you it doesn't cost near squat to make the pumps. The originals yes. Amazing the dough that companies make off the backs of the ill. It was Nice talking to you anyways Ula. Good Luck!
 
#14 ·
Uli 84, check the online stores for diabetes supplies and you might find your desired pump cheaper there. I guess they would sell you a new pump after you mail them a prescription for a pump from your doctor. But moving to a pump is not easy and requires lots of training in teh beginning, so you need to find somebody in Poland on the same pump to teach you how to use it.
 
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