Global Insurance Coverage for CGM & Health Wearables (2025 Update)

2025 Insurance Coverage of CGM & Health Wearables: Country-by-Country Overview

Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and advanced health wearables (e.g. biometric sensors, remote monitoring devices) are increasingly vital in chronic disease management and preventive health. But as of 2025, insurance reimbursement and regulatory support vary widely by country. This article explores the latest status of coverage for CGMs and health wearables across major markets, the challenges insurers face, and key trends in adoption.

1. Background: Why CGM & Wearables Matter in Insurance

CGMs provide real-time glucose readings, enabling finer glycemic control and reducing complications for people with diabetes. (IDF: Continuous Glucose Monitoring) Wearables more broadly (e.g. heart monitors, activity trackers, biosensors) support preventive health, chronic disease monitoring, and remote patient monitoring (RPM). A 2025 survey of insurance coverage of wearables notes that reimbursement frameworks remain underdeveloped globally. (Emmanuel et al. 2025)

2. CGM Insurance Coverage: Select Country Examples

United States

In the U.S., Medicare and many private insurers cover CGMs for insulin-dependent patients. A 2025 report highlights ongoing challenges in prior authorization, restrictions on device choice, and coverage consistency. (ADA CGM Coverage Report 2025)

However, state Medicaid programs vary: some states fully reimburse CGMs, others limit eligibility or require prior authorization. Private insurers may require proof of frequent hypoglycemia or insulin therapy. (Levels: CGM Coverage Overview)

Canada

In Canada, CGM reimbursement is handled provincially. Many provinces cover CGM for people on intensive insulin therapy under public drug or assistive-device programs. Medtronic, for example, lists provincial program coverage across multiple provinces. (Medtronic – Canada CGM Coverage)

Sweden & Europe

In Sweden, as of May 2025, the Medical Technologies Product Council expanded CGM recommendations so that devices equivalent to FreeStyle Libre are more broadly eligible for reimbursement for type 2 diabetes under conditions. (MTR Consult: Sweden CGM Update 2025)

In Europe more broadly, reimbursement for CGMs tends to be more generous in Western European health systems (Germany, France, UK) for type 1 diabetics; for type 2 patients, coverage is more constrained and often evaluated case by case. (Graham et al. “Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Global Reimbursement”)

Other Regions / Emerging Markets

In many middle- and low-income countries, CGM coverage is rare and usually limited to private pay or special programs. The high sensor costs, limited regulatory clearance, and lack of reimbursement infrastructure are major barriers. (Sequenex: CGM Market Trends 2025)

3. Health Wearables (Beyond CGM): Insurance & Reimbursement Trends

Wearables used for remote monitoring, cardiac rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and other metrics face more uneven coverage. The 2025 review article on insurance and wearables describes how some health insurers offer reimbursement through remote patient monitoring (RPM) codes, pilot programs, or wellness incentives. (Emmanuel et al. 2025)

Insurers tend to favor “clinical-grade” wearables (those that meet medical device standards) over consumer-grade fitness trackers. They often require evidence of clinical benefit, outcome improvements, and cost-effectiveness. (Rocket Digital Health – Reimbursement for Digital Health)

4. Key Differences & Barriers in 2025

• Evidence & clinical validation: Insurers require robust clinical trial data showing improved outcomes to justify reimbursement. (Emmanuel et al. 2025)
• Regulatory classification & approval: Whether wearable is classified as medical device or wellness device affects insurance eligibility. (Kelshiker et al. 2025 – Regulatory Divide in Wearables)
• Cost & reimbursement models: High sensor or device cost deters insurers; many use partial reimbursement or cost-sharing.
• Fragmented insurance systems: Different public/private payers, regions, and policies complicate nationwide adoption.
• Privacy and data security: Wearables collect sensitive health data; insurers must navigate data protection regulations and patient consent. (Kelshiker et al. 2025)
• Adoption inertia: Providers and payers may delay coverage until cost-savings are proven over longer periods. (Velasquez et al. 2024 – Economic Evaluation of Wearables)

5. Outlook & Trends by Mid-2020s

By 2025, the CGM market is growing strongly, but insurance coverage lags in many areas. (Sequenex: CGM Market Trends 2025) Innovations in non-invasive glucose sensing, lower-cost sensors, and improved data integration may accelerate coverage decisions. (Afridi et al. 2025 – Advances in CGM)

For wearables, reimbursement may expand via remote patient monitoring (RPM) billing codes, inclusion in chronic disease management plans, and insurer wellness incentives. Yet, bridging regulatory, clinical, and economic evidence gaps remains critical.

Conclusion

As of 2025, insurance coverage of continuous glucose monitors and health wearables is uneven across the globe. While advanced health systems in the U.S., Canada, and parts of Europe provide CGM reimbursement under some conditions, many countries still restrict coverage to narrow patient populations or rely on out-of-pocket purchase. Wearable devices beyond glucose monitoring face an even more challenging path, requiring strong clinical validation, regulatory alignment, and insurer confidence in cost-effectiveness. For patients, device makers, and policymakers, the path forward involves collaboration: generating real-world evidence, engaging regulators and payers, and designing sustainable reimbursement pathways that balance innovation and fiscal responsibility.

References & Credible Sources

• Emmanuel et al., “Insurance Coverage and Reimbursement for Wearables” (2025)
• Graham et al., “Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Global Reimbursement”
• ADA CGM Coverage Report 2025
• Medtronic – Canada CGM costs & reimbursement
• Sweden CGM policy update, MTP Council (2025)
• Rocket Digital Health – digital health reimbursement
• Velasquez et al., economic evaluation of wearables
• Afridi et al., advances in CGM 2025
• Kelshiker et al., regulatory divide in wearable health tech (2025)
• Sequenex, State of the Global CGM Market 2025