I am very upset to learn that Animas is now charging 50 dollars for a backup pump when i go on vacation. This was a major selling point for my selecting the ping I still have another two years left on my warranty and the least they could have done is wait until my current warrantee is over. I called Animas to lodge a complaint and was told a number of people have already complained. Hopefully if enough people complain they will reverse their decision. I know if they don't thhis will be my last Animas pump. Not because I am unhappy with the pump. Far from it, it is great. I just feel this is a bad business practice and if this is reprensentative of the way they now do business I'd rather go elsewhere.
I don't like when companies change a policy that factored into my decision to go with their product. I understand your frustration.
In all the years I've been pumping, I've never requested a vacation loaner. Luckily, I've never needed one while on vacation. In your situation, I would probably establish a "plan B" using a long acting insulin. Keep in mind when you get your next pump, your old pump will make a great vacation back-up.