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CGM subsidy in Australia — who is eligible?
Which patients can access NDSS-subsidised continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and which can't — by diabetes type, age, concession status, and DVA. Product options, referral pathway, and what has and hasn't changed. Sourced from official NDSS and Dexcom Australia references (2026).
Existing G6 users can switch to G7 anytime. New starts default to G7.
Dexcom ONE+
No
Available retail only (any diabetes type)
TGA-approved for T1D, T2D, gestational. Not on NDSS — full retail from Dexcom online shop. 10-day sensor.
CareSens Air
No
Adults 18+ with T1D or T2D (retail only)
Launched Feb 2026 by Pharmaco Diabetes Australia. Not on NDSS. 15-day sensor, ~$45–$55/sensor via pharmacodiabetes.com.au + pharmacies. Lower entry price than Dexcom ONE+.
FreeStyle Libre 2
Delisted 1 Jul 2026
Existing users auto-upgraded to Libre 2 Plus
No action needed — NDSS transitions automatically.
FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus
Yes
Type 1 diabetes only
Flash / real-time hybrid. Replaces Libre 2 from 1 July 2026.
FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus
Restricted
T1D users on mylife YpsoPump + CamAPS FX only
Only for the specific automated insulin delivery loop. Not a standalone option.
Guardian 4 (Medtronic)
Yes
Type 1 diabetes only, Medtronic pump users
Integrated with Medtronic 780G pump.
All NDSS CGM eligibility categories require confirmed type 1 diabetes (or a rare condition requiring insulin similar to T1D). Type 2 diabetes is not on the NDSS CGM subsidy at any age or under any card. DVA is the only alternative pathway (see below).
Referral pathway — what GPs can and can't certify
GPs cannot self-certify CGM eligibility. The NDSS access form must be completed and certified by an authorised health professional — an endocrinologist, credentialled diabetes educator (CDE), a physician specialising in diabetes, or a paediatrician specialising in diabetes.
Practical GP pathway:
T1D patient asking about CGM: refer to endocrinologist or CDE for the NDSS application. Any established diabetes team member with CDE credentialling can certify.
T2D patient asking about CGM: there is no NDSS pathway. If the patient wants CGM, they pay retail — CareSens Air (adults 18+, ~$45–$55/sensor from Pharmaco Diabetes Australia), Dexcom ONE+ (Dexcom online shop), or off-scheme FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus. Cost is the barrier — set expectations accordingly.
DVA veteran with T2D: if diabetes is an accepted DVA condition, the patient can access subsidised CGM via a DVA contracted supplier (Aidacare, Allianz Global Assistance, The Country Care Group, BrightSky). Refer through DVA's Rehabilitation Appliances Program or the veteran's normal supplier route.
Application form: processed online via the NDSS Health Professional Portal — near-real-time approval when the form is complete.
Note on costs: NDSS co-payments are indexed on 1 January each year. Non-concessional T1D adults currently pay a monthly co-pay per one-month supply; concessional cardholders, T1D children under 21, and T1D pregnancy planning / pregnant / post-pregnancy patients receive fully subsidised CGM (no co-pay). Verify the current co-pay amount at ndss.com.au before quoting figures to patients.
What has and hasn't changed
What's current (2026)
T2D remains outside the NDSS CGM subsidy. No expansion announced in the January 2026 or July 2026 NDSS update rounds.
FreeStyle Libre 2 delisted 1 July 2026 — existing users automatically transition to FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus with no action required.
NDSS co-payments were indexed on 1 January 2026 (annual indexation of Commonwealth co-payments).
What advocacy is pushing for
Dexcom Australia and Diabetes Australia are running awareness campaigns for T2D CGM subsidy expansion. As of mid-2026, no policy change is locked in. Set patient expectations accordingly — this is not imminent.
General information only. This page describes the Australian Government's NDSS CGM subsidy eligibility and does not constitute medical advice, financial advice, or a clinical recommendation for or against CGM. Decisions about starting, changing, or ceasing CGM are between the patient and their diabetes healthcare team. Verify current NDSS product lists and eligibility criteria at ndss.com.au before certifying access — subsidy rules and product listings change.