Getting a loaner pump while out of warranty?

Diabetes Technology Insulin Pumps
1

Hey,

Has anyone had success with getting a loaner pump from Animas while your pump is out of warranty?

Animas is telling me that since my pump is out of warranty and that there's nothing wrong with it, insurance won't pay for a new one (with the attendant 4 year warranty). But I'm going on a cruise in a couple of weeks and I'd like to have a backup for peace of mind.

Thanks!

2

I think there are two issues here. One is getting a loaner for a trip. From what I understand, most pump copmpanies will give you a loaner for a short term thing - like vacation coverage. In terms of getting a pump replaced when you are out of warranty, it's been my experience that that is an insurance issue: is it in their best interest to provide a replacement pump. If yours is still workiong, I don't believe it is likely that you'll get a replacement pump. But do ask for one for your vacatin and have a great time!

3

Nilesh - I tried last month when I went on a 3 week holiday (on a mini-me cruise - aka sailboat). Because I always have ended up using the holiday loaner pump - while I was under warranty - I was hoping I could obtain one (with MM you can - it costs $250 for out of warranty pumps) - but Animas does not have this option. In the end, what I did, was a month prior to holiday departure - got comfortable with MDI (had been doing it for 40+ years prior to pumping - so sort of used to it - unlike some T1D's who go directly onto a pump when they are diagnosed). I did miss my pump - aka George Michael - but did not miss having my pump fail on me during my holidays - and having to relearn how to MDI while I was on holidays. BTW, am still not reconnected to him :)

How did your cruise go? I have been crusing on floating cities for the past 15 years - soooo relaxing (my A1C's go down after a cruise believe it or not - no stress, more exercise done, yadda, yadda, yadda).

4

I had no problem getting a loaner & my pump is 2 years out of warranty. I went to England for 3 weeks & had the loaner for about 4 weeks. This was last September/October. There was no deposit or charge for the loaner.