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How to Get a Free Blood Glucometer (Glucose Meter)

Ronilee Shye, PharmD, BCGP, BCACP, CDE
Updated on April 13, 2022

Key takeaways:

  • It is possible to get a free glucometer from many popular manufacturers.

  • A glucose meter delivers blood glucose levels within a few minutes.

  • Some manufacturers also offer additional discounts on diabetes test kits and other products.

Hand holding a glucometer on a yellow background.
Seemanta Dutta/iStock via Getty Images

Were you recently diagnosed with diabetes? Or maybe you’ve had diabetes for years and are in need of a meter upgrade? Look no further. Most manufacturers give away blood glucose testing meters for free with the hope that you’ll continue to buy their brand of test strips. Many of them also have discounts or assistance programs to help you save on additional products.

What is a glucometer?

A glucometer, also known as a blood glucose meter, is a small device used to measure the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. These devices work by sampling a blood droplet on a test strip that is then analyzed within a minute or two.

Being that blood sugar levels can go up or down depending on what you eat and drink, the handheld device lets you easily monitor and track levels throughout your day. 

Manufacturers for glucometers and diabetes test kits

Listed below are popular manufacturers of diabetes supplies and what they can offer you for free or at a low cost.

OneTouch

  • The free meter: The current promotional offer is for the OneTouch Verio Flex. Check to see if you qualify here.

  • Which test strips can I use? Both the OneTouch Verio test strips and OneTouch Ultra test strips work with this meter.

  • Are OneTouch supplies covered by my insurance? Find out here.

  • What if I don’t have insurance? If you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover the OneTouch test strips, check your eligibility for their Automatic Savings Program here. You may be able to get 100 test strips for $45.

  • Can I speak to a person? You can call 1-800-227-8862 for more information on any OneTouch program.

  • Are there other ways to save? Anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase a 100-count package of OneTouch Ultra test strips at an exclusive cash price of $90. And with quarterly subscriptions, OneTouch helps you save on test strip prescriptions and offers free shipping.

Accu-Chek

  • The free meter: You can get a free Accu-Chek Guide Me or Accu-Chek Guide here.

  • Which test strips can I use? The Accu-Chek Guide test strips work with both the Accu-Chek Guide and Accu-Chek Guide Me meters.

  • Are there other ways to save? If you’re eligible, the Accu-Chek Pharmacy Discount Program helps you save on Accu-Chek Guide test strip prescriptions and offers free shipping.

  • Can I speak to a person? You can call 1-800-858-8072 for more information on any Accu-Chek program.

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Two women running on a fall day on a park path. They are both wearing pink and black running gear and smiling.
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FreeStyle

  • The free meter: Get any FreeStyle meter and test strips free when you register for the FreeStyle Promise Program.

  • What if I don’t have insurance? The FreeStyle Precision Neo meter and test strips are available over the counter with no prescription. Learn more about pricing and options here.

  • Which test strips can I use? FreeStyle Lite, FreeStyle Insulinx, and FreeStyle Neo all must be used with the meter of the same name.

  • Can I speak to a person? You can call 1-888-522-5226 for more information on any FreeStyle program.

Contour Next

  • The free meter: If you are privately insured, you can apply to get a free Contour Next One or Contour Next EZ glucose meter.

  • What if I don’t have insurance or I’m covered by Medicare? This free glucose meter is only available to people who are privately insured. If you’re covered by Medicare, check your coverage and savings options here

  • Which test strips can I use? You can use Contour Next strips on both of these meters.

  • Are there other ways to save? Whether you have insurance or not, you can get the Contour Choice Card here and can save up to $105 per month on test strips.

  • Can I speak to a person? You can call 1-800-348-8100 for more information on the Contour Next free glucose meter program.

The bottom line

With several choices for a free meter, you’ll want to compare the cost and effectiveness of the test strips over time to be sure you get the best option for you. If you don’t qualify for a discount on test strips with your meter, be sure to shop around. Try buying online as you may save a lot over buying off the shelf at a brick and mortar pharmacy.

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Why trust our experts?

Ronilee Shye, PharmD, BCGP, BCACP, CDE
Roni is an expert in clinical pharmacy and patient care. She received her doctorate in pharmacy from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; is board-certified in geriatrics and ambulatory care pharmacy; and is licensed to practice pharmacy in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
Mandy Armitage, MD
Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined her interests in clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.

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