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Home vs Specialist Pump Insurance
Complete comparison of adding insulin pump coverage to your home insurance versus using specialist diabetes device insurance providers.
December 2024•8 min read
The Verdict
Specialist device insurance is better for insulin pumps. While you can add pumps to home insurance, specialist providers offer faster claims, better coverage, and lower premiums specifically designed for diabetes devices.
Specialist wins: £8-10/month vs home add-on £15-25/month, 24-hour replacement, better device knowledge
Home Insurance Add-On vs Specialist Coverage
Most UK homeowners can add insulin pump coverage to their home or contents insurance. But should you? This guide compares both options so you can choose the right insulin pump insurance coverage for your needs.
Option 1: Home Insurance Add-On
Adding insulin pump coverage to your existing contents insurance (often called a "personal possessions" or "specified items" rider).
Advantages
- ✓ Single policy: Everything in one place with your existing insurer
- ✓ Convenience: No need to manage multiple policies
- ✓ Known provider: Your current home insurance company
- ✓ Bundle discount: May qualify for slight discount with existing insurer
Disadvantages
- ✗ Higher cost: £15-25/month (2-3x specialist rates)
- ✗ Slower claims: General insurers, not diabetes specialists—may take 5-10 days
- ✗ Medical knowledge gap: Claims handlers unfamiliar with insulin pumps
- ✗ Coverage gaps: May not cover specific pump models or CGM devices
- ✗ Worldwide limitation: Often only covers 30-60 days travel vs 90 days specialist
- ✗ Excess limits: Higher excesses (£100-150) vs specialist (£0-50)
Option 2: Specialist Device Insurance
Using a dedicated insurance provider that specializes in diabetes device coverage (insulin pumps, CGM, meters, etc.).
Advantages
- ✓ Lower cost: £6.95-10/month (best value available)
- ✓ Fast claims: 24-hour claims line and replacement—specialists understand urgency
- ✓ Medical expertise: Claims handlers trained on insulin pumps, CGM devices, models
- ✓ Better coverage: All major pump brands covered (Medtronic, Omnipod, Tandem)
- ✓ Worldwide travel: 90 days/year international coverage as standard
- ✓ CGM bundle: Add Dexcom/Libre protection easily
- ✓ No claims history impact: Claims don't affect your home insurance premiums
Disadvantages
- ✗ Separate policy: Need to manage alongside home insurance
- ✗ No bundle discount: Separate from home insurance
- ✗ New provider relationship: Different company from home insurance
Direct Comparison Table
| Factor | Home Insurance | Specialist |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | £15-25/month | £6.95-10/month |
| Annual Savings | - | £75-180/year |
| Claims Timeline | 5-10 days | 24 hours |
| Claims Handler | General insurance staff | Diabetes device experts |
| Device Knowledge | Limited | Specialized training |
| Excess/Deductible | £100-150 | £0-50 |
| Travel Coverage | 30-60 days | 90 days/year |
| CGM Coverage | Additional cost | Bundle available |
| Claims Impact on Home Insurance | Affects premiums | No impact |
Real-World Scenario: What Happens When You Make a Claim?
Scenario: Your pump is damaged by spilled coffee
With Home Insurance Add-On:
- 1. Call your home insurance claims line
- 2. Explain you have an insulin pump (claims handler may not know what that is)
- 3. Submit paperwork and photos
- 4. Wait 5-10 days for assessment
- 5. Claims handler researches insulin pump replacement cost
- 6. Claim approved, check sent by post (more days)
- 7. You arrange replacement yourself with NHS or private provider
- 8. Without your pump for 1-2 weeks, you experience glucose monitoring gaps
With Specialist Device Insurance:
- 1. Call specialist insurer's 24-hour claims line
- 2. Explain damage (claims handler familiar with pumps—asks specific questions)
- 3. Claim approved during call based on pump model and damage description
- 4. Insurer arranges courier delivery or pickup within 24 hours
- 5. You receive replacement pump next business day
- 6. Minimal interruption to diabetes management
When Home Insurance Might Make Sense
- •Already high home insurance cost: If you've exhausted discounts and specialist insurance isn't available to you for some reason
- •Low-cost home insurance: If your home insurance provider offers very cheap add-ons (rare)
- •Insist on single provider: If you prefer one point of contact for all insurance (convenience over cost/speed)
When Specialist Insurance is Better
- ✓You want 24-hour replacement: Only specialists guarantee next-day delivery
- ✓You travel internationally: Need 90 days/year coverage (home insurance only 30-60)
- ✓You use a CGM: Specialists bundle pump + CGM at better rates than home insurance add-ons
- ✓You want fastest claims: Specialist handlers understand diabetes technology urgency
- ✓You want better value: Specialist insurance is 50% cheaper than home insurance add-ons
- ✓You don't want claim history impact: Claims with home insurer can affect future premiums
The Financial Case
Over 3 years:
Home Insurance Add-On:
£20/month × 36 months = £720
Specialist Insurance:
£8/month × 36 months = £288
Savings with specialist: £432 over 3 years—plus faster claims, better coverage, and zero impact on your home insurance.
Recommendation
Choose specialist device insurance. It's cheaper, faster, more comprehensive, and specifically designed for insulin pumps and CGM devices. Your claims won't affect your home insurance premiums, and you'll get 24-hour replacement instead of waiting 5-10 days.
Home insurance add-ons are convenient if you already have home insurance, but they don't compare to specialist coverage for diabetes devices. For consumer protection guidance, visit the Financial Conduct Authority. Save money, get better coverage, and get faster claims—choose specialist insulin pump insurance UK every time.
Choose Specialist Insurance
Better coverage, faster claims, and 50% cheaper than home insurance add-ons.
Get Specialist Coverage