Yes, you can absolutely get life insurance with diabetes. Most diabetics qualify for coverage, though your type of diabetes, blood sugar control, and overall health affect your rates and options.
Quick Facts: Life Insurance for Diabetics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Approval Rates (Type 2) | 75-88% of applicants get approved |
| Approval Rates (Type 1) | 66% of applicants get approved |
| Average Premium Increase | 50-300% higher than standard rates |
| Best A1C Level | Below 7.0% for better rates |
| Waiting Period | 1 year of stable control improves rates |
| Most Accessible Type | Guaranteed issue life insurance |
Can Diabetics Actually Get Life Insurance?
Diabetics can get life insurance—in fact, the majority of applicants with diabetes get approved.
Your diabetes diagnosis doesn’t automatically disqualify you from coverage. Insurance companies look at how well you manage your condition, not just the diagnosis itself. Recent data shows 88% of Type 2 diabetics receive approval for traditional policies.
Your approval chances depend on several factors:
- How long you’ve had diabetes
- Your current A1C and blood glucose levels
- Whether you have diabetes-related complications
- Your age when diagnosed
- How consistently you follow treatment plans
- Other health conditions you might have
Insurers want to see stability. If you’ve maintained good blood sugar control for at least a year, you’ll have access to better rates and more policy options.
Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes: What’s the Difference for Insurance?
Type 2 diabetes gets approved more easily than Type 1 because insurers view it as more manageable.
Type 2 diabetes often responds well to lifestyle changes, medication, and monitoring. Insurance companies see this controllability as lower risk. You’ll find more carriers willing to offer competitive rates if you manage Type 2 well.
Type 1 diabetes requires insulin therapy and carries more perceived risk. Some carriers won’t offer coverage for Type 1 at all, while others charge significantly higher premiums. That said, specialized policies exist specifically for Type 1 diabetics who maintain excellent control.
How Diabetes Affects Your Life Insurance Premiums
Expect to pay 50-300% more than someone without diabetes, depending on your specific situation.
Insurance companies calculate your premium based on risk factors. Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease, kidney problems, and other complications. These health risks translate directly into higher premiums.
Here’s what impacts your rates most:
Your A1C levels: Below 7.0% gets you the best rates available to diabetics. Levels between 7.0-8.0% still qualify for decent rates. Above 9.0% significantly increases premiums or limits your options.
Diabetes complications: If you’ve experienced kidney damage, vision problems, neuropathy, or cardiovascular issues, premiums jump substantially. Clean health records aside from diabetes keep costs lower.
How long you’ve had diabetes: Recently diagnosed diabetics pay more until they prove stable management. After 1-2 years of consistent control, rates improve.
Your treatment compliance: Regular doctor visits, medication adherence, and consistent monitoring demonstrate responsibility. Insurers reward this with better rates.
Types of Life Insurance Available for Diabetics
You have multiple policy options whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Your health status determines which works best.
Traditional Term Life Insurance
Term life provides affordable coverage for set periods—usually 10, 20, or 30 years.
This works if your diabetes is well-controlled and you’re relatively healthy otherwise. You’ll go through medical underwriting including blood tests, A1C checks, and health history review. Healthy 40-year-olds with controlled Type 2 diabetes might pay $60-$100 monthly for $500,000 in 20-year coverage.
Term makes sense for temporary needs like covering your mortgage or protecting your family until kids finish college.
Permanent Life Insurance (Whole Life/Universal Life)
Permanent policies last your entire life and build cash value you can borrow against.
These cost significantly more than term—often 5-10 times higher premiums. But they guarantee coverage regardless of how your diabetes progresses. Once approved, your premiums never increase even if your health declines.
The cash value component grows tax-deferred. You can access this money during your lifetime for emergencies, retirement income, or other needs.
Choose permanent coverage if you want lifelong protection and can afford the higher premiums.
Simplified Issue Life Insurance
Simplified issue policies skip the medical exam but require health questionnaires.
You answer questions about your diabetes management, complications, and overall health. No blood tests or doctor visits needed. Approval happens within days instead of weeks.
Premiums cost slightly more than fully underwritten policies, but the convenience and faster approval make this attractive for diabetics in decent health.
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
Guaranteed issue policies accept everyone regardless of health—no questions asked.
You can’t be denied coverage. This works if you’ve been declined elsewhere or have poorly controlled diabetes with complications. The trade-off? Much higher premiums and lower coverage limits (usually $25,000-$50,000 maximum).
Most guaranteed issue policies have 2-3 year waiting periods. If you die within this time from natural causes, beneficiaries receive only premium refunds plus interest. After the waiting period, full death benefits pay out.
Final Expense/Burial Insurance
Final expense policies cover funeral costs and end-of-life expenses, typically $5,000-$25,000 in coverage.
These whole life policies are easier to qualify for than traditional coverage. They’re designed for people over 50 or those with health issues. Premiums stay level, and coverage lasts your lifetime.
This option makes sense if you primarily want to prevent burdening family with funeral costs.
Best Life Insurance Companies for Diabetics
| Company | Best For | Key Features | Type 1 or Type 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Hancock | Well-managed diabetes | Vitality rewards program, up to 25% savings | Both types |
| Prudential | Type 2 with complications | Flexible underwriting, higher coverage limits | Primarily Type 2 |
| AIG | Type 1 diabetes | Specialized underwriting for insulin users | Both types |
| Mutual of Omaha | Guaranteed issue needs | No medical exam options | Both types |
| Transamerica | Competitive rates | Good rates for controlled diabetes | Both types |
How to Qualify for Better Rates With Diabetes
You can significantly reduce your premiums by improving your diabetes management before applying.
Get Your A1C Below 7.0%
This single factor impacts your rates more than anything else. Work with your doctor to optimize your treatment plan. Wait to apply until you’ve maintained good levels for at least 6-12 months.
Document Your Management
Keep records showing:
- Regular doctor appointments
- Consistent medication adherence
- Daily blood glucose monitoring logs
- No recent emergency room visits or hospitalizations
- Stable weight and blood pressure
Insurers want proof of responsible management. Documentation strengthens your application.
Improve Related Health Markers
Control other risk factors:
- Maintain healthy blood pressure (below 140/90)
- Keep cholesterol levels in check
- Reach and maintain healthy weight
- Stop smoking (this alone can save 50% on premiums)
- Exercise regularly
Apply When Your Health is Stable
Don’t apply immediately after diagnosis or during periods of poor control. Wait until you’ve demonstrated 6-12 months of stability. This patience pays off with better rates.
Consider Guaranteed Insurability Riders
Some policies let you increase coverage later without new medical exams. This protects your ability to add coverage even if your diabetes worsens.
The Application Process for Diabetics
Understanding what to expect makes the process smoother and less stressful.
Initial Application
You’ll complete detailed health questionnaires covering:
- When you were diagnosed with diabetes
- Type of diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, or gestational)
- Current A1C and average blood glucose readings
- Medications and dosages
- Diabetes-related complications
- Other health conditions
- Family medical history
Be completely honest. Lying or omitting information can void your policy later.
Medical Examination
Most traditional policies require exams including:
- Height, weight, and BMI calculation
- Blood pressure and pulse readings
- Urine sample (checking for protein/glucose)
- Blood tests (A1C, cholesterol, liver/kidney function)
- Complete medical history review
The exam happens at your home or office at no cost. Results take 2-4 weeks to process.
Underwriting Review
Underwriters analyze your application and medical results. They may request:
- Additional medical records from your doctor
- Prescription history from your pharmacy
- Previous hospital or emergency room records
- Letters from your physician explaining treatment
This process takes 2-8 weeks depending on complexity.
Approval and Rate Classification
You’ll receive a classification determining your premium:
- Preferred Plus: Excellent health with well-controlled diabetes—best rates
- Preferred: Good health with stable management—competitive rates
- Standard: Acceptable health with managed diabetes—average rates
- Table Rated (1-16): Health concerns requiring higher premiums
- Declined: Too high risk for coverage
Common Mistakes Diabetics Make When Buying Insurance
Avoid these errors to get the best coverage at the best price.
Applying Too Soon After Diagnosis
Wait at least 6-12 months after diagnosis to establish management patterns. Applying immediately usually results in higher premiums or denials.
Not Shopping Multiple Companies
Each insurer underwrites diabetes differently. One company might decline you while another offers standard rates. Get quotes from at least 3-5 carriers.
Hiding Health Information
Insurers verify everything through medical records and prescription databases. Omissions or lies can result in claim denials years later.
Focusing Only on Price
The cheapest policy isn’t always best. Consider financial strength ratings, customer service, claims payment history, and policy features alongside price.
Letting Existing Coverage Lapse
Never cancel current coverage before new coverage is approved and in force. Your health could change during the application process, leaving you uninsured.
Special Considerations for Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes usually disappears after pregnancy and has minimal impact on life insurance.
Most insurers don’t consider resolved gestational diabetes a significant risk factor. If you had gestational diabetes but no longer show diabetic symptoms, you should qualify for standard rates.
Wait 3-6 months after delivery to apply. This allows time for blood sugar to normalize and gives you a clean bill of health to present to insurers.
If gestational diabetes persists and develops into Type 2 diabetes, you’ll be underwritten as a Type 2 diabetic.
Life Insurance Riders Worth Considering
These optional add-ons customize your policy for specific diabetic needs.
Waiver of Premium Rider
This waives your premiums if you become disabled and can’t work. Diabetics face higher disability risks from complications. This rider keeps your policy active without payments during disability.
Accelerated Death Benefit Rider
Access a portion of your death benefit if diagnosed with a terminal illness. This helps cover medical expenses and end-of-life care without depleting family savings.
Long-Term Care Rider
Use your death benefit to pay for long-term care if needed. Given diabetes-related complication risks, this rider provides valuable flexibility.
Guaranteed Insurability Rider
Buy additional coverage at specified ages or life events without medical underwriting. This locks in your ability to increase coverage regardless of health changes.
How to Find the Best Agent for Diabetic Life Insurance
Working with an experienced agent dramatically improves your chances of approval and competitive rates.
Look for independent agents who work with multiple carriers. They know which companies treat diabetic applicants most favorably. Captive agents (who represent only one company) can’t shop your case across multiple insurers.
Ask potential agents:
- How many diabetic clients have you helped?
- Which carriers have you placed diabetic policies with?
- What’s your approval rate for diabetic clients?
- Can you get informal quotes before formal applications?
Good agents will “shop” your case—getting informal quotes from several carriers before formal applications. This avoids multiple denials on your record.
FAQs
Can I get life insurance if my diabetes is not well controlled?
Yes, but your options are limited to guaranteed issue or graded benefit policies. These accept anyone regardless of health but cost significantly more and provide lower coverage amounts. Focus on improving your diabetes management first, then reapply for better rates after 6-12 months of stability.
Will my premiums increase if my diabetes gets worse?
No, premiums are locked in at approval for term and permanent policies. If your diabetes worsens after approval, your rates won’t change. This is why getting coverage while you’re healthy is so important—it locks in lower rates even if your health declines later.
How long do I need to wait to apply after being diagnosed with diabetes?
Most experts recommend waiting 6-12 months after diagnosis to establish stable management patterns. This waiting period allows you to demonstrate consistent A1C levels, medication compliance, and overall control. Immediate applications typically result in higher premiums or denials.
Do I need to disclose prediabetes on my life insurance application?
Yes, you must disclose prediabetes if asked directly on the application. However, well-managed prediabetes usually doesn’t significantly impact rates. Some insurers may not even ask about prediabetes specifically, but be honest if questioned about blood sugar levels or diabetes risk.
Can I convert term life insurance to permanent if my diabetes worsens?
Yes, if your policy includes a conversion feature. This lets you convert to permanent coverage without new medical exams or underwriting. The conversion feature is extremely valuable for diabetics—it guarantees your ability to extend coverage regardless of health deterioration. Always look for policies with strong conversion options.
