A diabetes diagnosis can influence how insurers assess your health, but it doesn’t prevent you from getting life insurance. Coverage options range from traditional term policies to simplified plans with fewer medical requirements. Because insurers focus on how well diabetes is managed - not just the diagnosis - understanding the underwriting process can help you choose coverage with confidence and avoid unnecessary costs.
Can People With Diabetes Get Life Insurance?
Short answer: yes. People with diabetes can and do qualify for life insurance every day. The longer answer depends on how the condition shows up in your medical records and how it fits into an insurer’s underwriting process.1
Diabetes is considered a preexisting condition, which means insurance companies take a closer look at your health profile before approving coverage. That closer look doesn’t automatically mean denial. It means more questions, more context, and sometimes higher insurance premiums.
How Diabetes Affects Underwriting
Life insurance underwriting is the process insurance companies use to assess risk and determine eligibility and pricing across different insurance policies. For applicants with diabetes, underwriting typically includes:
- A health questionnaire
- A review of medical records and prescription history
- A medical examination, in many cases
Lab work often involves glucose measurement, including A1C testing, to show how well blood sugar has been managed over time and whether elevated chronic levels are present.
While diabetes is a long-term condition, underwriters focus more on overall stability than the diagnosis itself. Applicants with well-controlled blood sugar, consistent treatment, and limited complications often receive more favorable outcomes when applying for diabetic life insurance.
Type 1 Diabetes vs. Type 2 Diabetes & Insurability
Life insurance providers do not evaluate all forms of diabetes the same way. The distinction between type 1 diabetics and type 2 diabetics plays a meaningful role in underwriting decisions and premium pricing.
Type 1 diabetes2
- Caused by an autoimmune reaction that prevents the body from producing insulin
- Requires lifelong insulin use
- Often grouped by insurance companies with higher-risk chronic illnesses
- May result in higher premiums or fewer policy options
- Coverage is available, but policy selection matters
Type 2 diabetes3
- More common in adults
- Often managed with medication, lifestyle changes, or non-insulin treatments
- Type 2 diabetics with stable A1C levels and consistent medical care may qualify for a wider range of insurance policies, including traditional term life with competitive rates
Gestational diabetes4
This is managed differently from chronic diabetes. If blood sugar levels return to normal after pregnancy and there’s no ongoing diagnosis, insurers may not rate the applicant as diabetic - though follow-up questions are common.
What Insurers Look For in Diabetic Applicants
Underwriting guidelines vary by insurance provider, but most follow similar patterns when evaluating diabetic life insurance applications.
A1C Levels, Glucose Control & Risk
A1C levels provide a snapshot of average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. Insurers rely heavily on this metric. General risk tiers often look like this:
- Well-controlled: Lower A1C levels, stable blood glucose, no complications
- Moderately controlled: Slightly elevated A1C, manageable risk factor
- Poorly controlled: High A1C levels, fluctuating blood sugar levels, complications
Lower A1C levels typically lead to better life insurance rates. Higher levels may increase premium costs or limit coverage options.
Other Health Factors Insurers Consider
Diabetes rarely exists in isolation. Underwriters also review:
- Age at diagnosis
- Duration of diabetes
- Insulin dependent status
- Use of insulin pump or injections
- Presence of complications (neuropathy, kidney disease, retinopathy)
- Blood pressure and cholesterol
- Body weight and BMI
- Smoking history
- Family medical history
Insurers may also evaluate whether diabetes has contributed to related conditions, such as heart disease, which can influence underwriting decisions. Medical bills tied to diabetes complications can signal elevated risk. On the flip side, strong preventive care habits often improve how insurers view your health profile.
Types of Life Insurance Available to Diabetics
Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period -- often 10, 20, or 30 years. It’s typically the most affordable option for people seeking higher death benefit amounts. For diabetics, term life insurance works best when:
- Blood glucose is well managed
- A1C levels are stable
- No major diabetes-related complications exist
Type 2 diabetics often qualify for term life with standard or moderately rated premiums. Type 1 diabetics may still qualify, though rates are usually higher and policy selection matters more.
Whole & Permanent Coverage Options
Whole life insurance and universal life insurance fall under permanent coverage. These policies last for life and include a potential cash value component. Permanent policies may appeal to diabetics who:
- Want lifelong coverage
- Need help covering final expenses
- Prefer predictable premiums
- Have been declined for traditional term life
Universal life insurance offers flexibility in premium payments and death benefit structure, though underwriting still applies. Whole life insurance tends to be more conservative, with fixed premiums and guaranteed coverage if approved.
No-Exam or Simplified Issue Policies
For applicants concerned about medical exams, simplified issue life insurance and no-exam policies can be appealing. These policies are commonly marketed to applicants over age 50 and are often used when traditional underwriting isn’t an option. These policies typically feature:
- No medical exam
- Short medical questionnaire
- Faster approval
- Lower coverage limits
- Higher premium costs
Final expense insurance and burial insurance often fall into this category. While more expensive per dollar of coverage, they can be practical for diabetics with advanced medical conditions or multiple chronic illnesses.
How to Improve Your Chances & Lower Premiums
Diabetic life insurance isn’t just about the diagnosis — preparation matters.
Steps to Improve Your Health Before Applying
Even small health improvements can influence underwriting outcomes for people with diabetes:
- Consistently manage blood glucose levels
- Work with your healthcare provider to lower A1C levels under medical supervision
- Follow prescribed medication plans closely
- Keep medical records thorough and up to date
- Address related conditions, such as high blood pressure
- Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise routine
Taking these steps can help improve how insurers assess your overall risk, which may lead to more favorable premium rates.
Shopping Around & Comparing Quotes
Insurance companies have varying underwriting guidelines, which means that a rejection from one insurer doesn’t necessarily mean the same outcome with another. Partnering with independent agent knowledgeable in diabetic life insurance can be advantageous. They can:
- Compare life insurance quotes from multiple carriers
- Identify insurers with more lenient underwriting for diabetes
- Align coverage options with your specific health situation
- Help you bypass unnecessary medical examinations
This strategy often ensures you don’t end up overpaying or compromising with limited coverage options. By leveraging their expertise, you can find a plan that better suits your needs and circumstances.
Costs, Premiums & What to Expect
Life insurance premiums for people with diabetes can vary widely, as there’s no single set price. While exact costs aren’t always easy to pin down, general estimates can still offer helpful guidance. Several factors influence premium pricing, including:
- Type of diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
- How long the condition has been diagnosed
- A1C levels and overall blood glucose control
- Treatment and management methods
- The type of life insurance policy chosen
- The amount of coverage needed
- The policy’s term length
Individuals with well-managed Type 2 diabetes often pay moderately higher premiums than non-diabetics, but rates are generally reasonable. Those with Type 1 diabetes may face higher premiums, yet meaningful coverage is still available. Options such as simplified issue or final expense insurance typically cost more due to limited underwriting.
It’s also worth noting that consistent healthcare management can support a stronger life insurance application. Regular medical visits, following prescribed treatment plans, and maintaining clear health records can all improve how insurers evaluate risk when applying for coverage with diabetes.
Conclusion
Life insurance for people with diabetes is more accessible today than in the past. While diabetes is still a risk factor, insurers now focus more on how well the condition is managed. With preparation, realistic expectations, and careful comparison shopping, many diabetics can secure coverage that supports their families and long-term financial goals.
Use your younger age and health status for optimal life insurance options. Request a Free Life Insurance Quote
Sources
- Life Insurance for Diabetics. https://www.usnews.com/insurance/life-insurance/diabetic-life-insurance.
- Understanding Type 1 Diabetes. https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/type-1.
- Understanding Type 2 Diabetes. https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/type-2.
- Gestational Diabetes. https://diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/pregnancy/gestational-diabetes.
