If you fit the creteria set out by the NICE guidelines then you get funding, there shouldn't be any cost to you at all...
The only exception to this is concerning the Accu-Chek Combo pump, as all it's wizards are on a handset that acts as a BG meter as well, Some clinics are providing the handset as part of the package (cost cutting) and making patients pay the ?120 themselves for it, in this case choose another pump, that has all the wizards programed onto the actual pump!
The carb counting course isn't essentrail, but helpful, and if courses are very limited then it's possiable to learn and prove your carb counting abilities with diatitian and diabetic nusre or even learn it yourself!
The NICE creteria, you only have to fit aspects of it not all of it, and the consultant or PCT can't choose which aspects they are willing to fund.
As to time span, well some clinics are very good and will get you a pump and necessary training within weeks, but other clinics will try every stall tactic they can to prolong supplying the pump itself, tactics such as no money in this year kitty, or waiting lists, only xx amount of pumps are funded per year or you have to attend carb training course etc are all ilegal practices, if the clinical decission has been made then funding is automatic and should be done ASAP..
If you have any problems, concerns or clinic is being stalling then do contact Lesley Jordon or John Davis on the INPUT site, there are very good indeed they will help with information, advice on how to build your case and if necessary if you wish act on your behave with the PCT(two people who should be on the Queens honours list for services to diabetic people)
As you really want to have been using the pump for around 6 months before trying for a baby, this will give you the chance not get everything settled and your head around a new method of delivering your insulin...
Good luck, and problems give a shout and we see how we can help you
