Living with diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t get life insurance – it just means planning.
In fact, roughly 38 million Americans have diabetes (about 11.6% of the population), so understanding how diabetes affects life insurance is important for many people and their families. Life insurance provides a cash death benefit to your loved ones if you die during the policy term.
For someone with diabetes, the key questions are: Can I qualify? and How can I keep costs manageable? This guide explains everything from policy types and underwriting to tips for getting the best rates, so you can protect your family’s future even if you or a loved one has diabetes.
We’ll cover how both type 1 and type 2 diabetes affect insurance, which companies and programs are friendliest to diabetic applicants, practical steps to improve your chances, and what to do if you get denied.
Along the way, we’ll address common concerns (gestational diabetes, seniors, insulin use, etc.) and give actionable advice. By the end, you’ll understand exactly how to get life insurance with diabetes and what to expect.
Key Takeaways
Life insurance is possible for people with diabetes, but it pays to plan. Here are the main points to remember:
You can qualify: Diabetics (type 1, type 2, or insulin users) can generally get coverage. It may cost more, but it’s not impossible.
Different options: Term life is often the best value if you can get it. Permanent policies (whole/universal) exist if you need lifelong coverage. Simplified and guaranteed issue plans are available if underwriting is a problem.
Type matters: Type 2 diabetics usually face lower rates than type 1, all else equal. Gestational diabetes can often be ignored after it resolves.
Prepare & improve: Keep your diabetes and other health factors under control. Maintain recent medical records. Don’t smoke, watch your weight, and manage blood pressure. These efforts can significantly lower your premium.
Shop around: Compare multiple insurers and consider working with a specialist agent. Companies like Nationwide, John Hancock, and State Farm are known for competitive diabetic underwriting.
Don’t skip group insurance: Employer group life insurance may be your easiest path to coverage (often guaranteed up to a limit).
Consider travel health coverage: If you travel, get a travel insurance policy that covers pre-existing conditions. Always declare your diabetes.
Can You Get Life Insurance If You Have Diabetes?
Yes – having diabetes does not automatically bar you from coverage. “Diabetes does not disqualify you from getting life insurance”, but it is considered a pre-existing condition, so expect extra scrutiny.
Insurance companies will review the specifics of your situation (type of diabetes, how well controlled it is, your age at diagnosis, medications, complications, etc.) to decide how much risk you pose.
People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can qualify, but they often pay higher premiums than those without diabetes. In general:
Type 2 diabetes (often managed by diet, exercise, and oral meds) is seen as less risky; many carriers will insure well-controlled type 2 diabetics at near-normal rates.
Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent, usually diagnosed younger age) is viewed as higher risk. Insurers often put type 1 diabetics in a table-rated class (substandard), meaning significantly higher rates. However, even type 1 diabetics can get coverage, especially if their condition is well-managed (steady A1C, no complications).
Gestational diabetes (pregnancy-related) usually disappears after childbirth and may not count as a pre-existing condition. Most experts advise waiting a few months after gestational diabetes resolves before applying, since quotes are often much more affordable once the condition is gone.
The bottom line: life insurance companies don’t automatically deny diabetics. They simply rate policies based on the additional health risk.
As Investopedia notes, a well-managed diabetic can even qualify for an insurer’s preferred or standard class (with rates comparable to non-diabetics). Your job is to demonstrate good control and compare multiple insurers, since each has different rules.
As one insurer explains, it’s wise to “shop around… to find a policy at a rate that meets your budget”.
How Diabetes Affects Your Premiums
Since diabetes can lead to complications (heart disease, kidney issues, etc.), insurers will usually charge more. Several factors influence your quote:
Type of diabetes: As noted, type 1 usually costs more. For example, a Policygenius analysis shows a 40-year-old non-smoker paying roughly $60/month for a $500K/20-year term if she has type 2 diabetes, versus about $82/month if she has type 1. At age 60, these gaps widen (about $257 vs $535 for a 60-year-old woman).
Age at diagnosis: The younger you were when diagnosed, the higher the risk (longer exposure). Diabetics diagnosed after age 50 generally get better rates than those diagnosed in childhood.
Current age and health: Older applicants always pay more than younger ones. Health metrics matter hugely: insurers will check your latest A1C (blood sugar average), BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, and any diabetes complications (eye, kidney issues, neuropathy, etc.).
Management and medications: A steady, low A1C over the past year can move you into better classes. Policygenius notes that if a type 2 diabetic is following their doctor’s plan with an A1C below ~7.5%, they “may be able to qualify for average rates”. Type 1 diabetics taking modest insulin doses and maintaining an A1C below ~8% can also do relatively well. Smoking, obesity, or unmanaged hypertension (common in diabetics) will drive up costs.
In short, being healthy aside from diabetes will help. Insurers often offer risk classes (preferred, standard, table ratings, etc.) based on your overall profile. For example, Nationwide’s guidelines allow well-managed diabetics into a “Standard Plus” class (lower premiums than standard). Even Preferred Plus is possible in rare cases (e.g., older type 2, excellent health).
On the other hand, uncontrolled diabetes or other risks will place you in lower classes (substandard tables) with much higher rates.
Types of Life Insurance for Diabetics
Diabetics can choose from most of the same policy types as anyone else. Common options include:
1. Term Life Insurance
Provides coverage for a fixed period (10, 20, or 30 years). It only pays out if you die during that term. Term policies are usually the most affordable way to get substantial coverage, even for diabetics.
If you are relatively young and healthy (good diabetes control), you may qualify for a traditional term policy at decent rates.
2. Whole Life Insurance
A permanent policy covering you for life, with fixed premiums and a cash-value savings component. Premiums are higher but guaranteed for life.
Some diabetics choose smaller whole-life policies (sometimes called final expense insurance) to cover funeral costs or estate taxes. These often have simplified underwriting or no-exam options.
3. Universal Life Insurance
Another permanent policy with a flexible death benefit and the ability to adjust premiums (within limits). Like whole life, it builds cash value. Universal policies are more complex; diabetics with good health might qualify, but they tend to cost more.
4. Final Expense (Burial) Insurance
A type of whole-life policy intended to pay funeral and related expenses. Coverage is smaller (often $5–50k) and premiums are guaranteed never to rise. Crucially, final expense plans often do not require a medical exam.
Even applicants with serious health issues (including diabetes) can qualify through simplified or guaranteed underwriting. (For example, Nationwide’s final expense policy offers up to $50k coverage for applicants up to age 80)
5. Simplified-Issue Life Insurance
No medical exam is required – you just answer a health questionnaire. Approval rates are high, and you can often get quick coverage.
However, coverage limits are usually lower, and premiums are higher per dollar of benefit. This is an option for diabetics who can’t qualify for a fully underwritten policy but still want better rates than guaranteed issue.
6. Guaranteed-Issue Life Insurance
No exam or health questions – acceptance is guaranteed. These policies cannot be denied, but they have strict limitations: low maximum coverage, waiting periods (often 2–3 years before full benefits), and very high premiums (on a per-dollar basis). Guaranteed issue is a last-resort option if other coverage is impossible.
Policy comparison
Term life is generally the best value for most, especially if your diabetes is under control. Whole and universal life costs much more but covers you for life. Simplified and guaranteed plans trade certainty for a higher cost. As one expert notes, “even a small amount of life insurance is better than none”, so it may be wise to secure some coverage of whatever type you can qualify for.
How to Improve Your Insurance Approval and Rates
Finding the best life insurance when you have diabetes often comes down to preparation and strategy. Here are practical tips and steps to follow:
1. Manage Your Diabetes & Health
The single biggest factor is how well you control your condition. Keep your blood sugar (A1C), blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight in healthy ranges.
Regularly exercise, follow your diet plan, take medications as prescribed, and keep recent medical checkups. Insurers note that showing a history of good control – stable A1C over time, no organ damage – can qualify you for better health classes and thus lower premiums.
For example, Progressive explains that keeping your A1C and other readings stable for a year can yield “more coverage options and lower prices”. In short, healthy lifestyle habits pay off.
2. Prepare Your Medical Records
Before applying, gather documentation: your latest A1C and blood sugar logs, summary of diabetes-related doctor visits, list of medications (especially insulin dose history), and any other health test results. Having up-to-date records can speed up underwriting and make your case stronger. It shows insurers you’re proactive.
3. Avoid Tobacco and Limit Alcohol
If you smoke, quit. Smoking makes diabetes risk worse, and smokers pay substantially higher rates. Similarly, heavy alcohol use or illegal drugs will raise rates or cause denial.
4. Watch Your Weight
Diabetes and being overweight often go hand-in-hand. Losing excess pounds can help reduce insulin needs and improve other numbers. Insurers calculate premiums partly on BMI; a lower weight can move you into a better bracket.
5. Be Honest on Applications
Always answer truthfully. Hiding your diabetes diagnosis or treatment can be considered insurance fraud and void your policy later. Instead, be transparent. If questions are confusing, explain in notes. Honesty also ensures the rates you quoted remain valid; if you conceal data, a company can rescind or cancel the policy.
6. Apply Early (if possible)
Timing can help. If you can secure life insurance before you develop diabetes or early in the disease, you’ll lock in lower rates.
Conversely, if you develop gestational diabetes, delaying your application until after pregnancy clears can yield better options. Generally, the younger and healthier you are when you apply, the better the premium.
7. Compare Quotes & Insurers
Each insurance company underwrites diabetes differently. Some are more lenient or have special programs. Don’t settle for the first quote. Compare policies from multiple carriers or use a broker.
For diabetics, it’s often worth shopping around or working with an independent agent who knows which insurers are more “diabetes-friendly”. As Aflac advises, searching multiple insurers can help you find a rate within your budget.
8. Leverage Special Programs
Certain insurers offer wellness perks or diabetes management programs. For example, John Hancock’s Aspire program rewards healthy habits (diet, exercise) with potential premium discounts. If your insurer has such a program, use it to improve health and possibly earn rate breaks.
9. Get Professional Help
If the process seems confusing, consider working with an experienced life insurance agent or broker (sometimes called a “financial professional”). They can guide you to insurers likely to accept diabetics and help fill out applications correctly. Life insurance experts point out that agents who specialize in high-risk cases can make a big difference in finding coverage.
Prepare to answer questions: When you apply, be ready to answer or provide:
Details of your diabetes history: type, age at diagnosis, recent A1C, daily medications/doses, any complications or related conditions (like kidney function, neuropathy, heart issues).
Other health factors: doctors will ask about blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, and family medical history.
Treatment adherence: have notes on how you manage your condition, frequency of doctor visits, etc.
The more organized and candid you are, the smoother the process will be – and you’ll inspire more confidence that you’ll stick around to pay premiums.
Choosing the Best Life Insurance for Diabetics
Some insurers stand out for serving diabetic clients. Recent industry analyses cite companies with strong underwriting for diabetes:
Nationwide: Ranked as the “Best Overall” insurer for diabetics. Nationwide will consider well-controlled diabetics for its Standard Plus class (sometimes even Preferred), offering very competitive rates. It also has one of the most robust final expense policies (up to $50K) for older applicants, and includes extra living benefit riders at no extra cost.
John Hancock: Known for its comprehensive diabetes management program (Aspire), which provides discounts on healthy food, virtual coaching, and fitness rewards. John Hancock will often underwrite diabetics at a Standard Plus level if they are diligent about health. Its management program can directly translate to lower premiums.
State Farm: Offers competitive underwriting and strong financial ratings. It may not have as aggressive diabetes programs as John Hancock, but it generally treats well-managed diabetics favorably.
Other well-rated carriers: Many insurers will cover diabetics in some capacity. Mutual of Omaha and Protective Life, for example, are often mentioned by experts as having reasonable policies for diabetics. The best choice often varies by individual case.
No single company is best for everyone, so comparing is key. Some insurers explicitly publish “diabetic tables” indicating how they classify different diabetes cases. If you find one insurer denying you, another might approve you. (As LifeHappens notes, “every insurer has different criteria” – it’s smart to try multiple companies)
For older people or those with serious diabetes: Final-expense (burial) insurance is widely available (even up to age 80) and may be the only route. These no-exam guaranteed plans have lower limits but ensure coverage for funeral costs.
Coexisting Conditions (High Blood Pressure, Obesity, etc.)
Diabetes often occurs with other conditions, especially high blood pressure and obesity, which insurers consider. High blood pressure (hypertension) is widespread in diabetics. The good news is that you can qualify with high blood pressure – insurers won’t usually deny you solely for hypertension.
However, they will likely charge higher rates for the added cardiovascular risk. Importantly, insurers look at how well your blood pressure is managed: Stage 1 (mild) hypertension costs less than Stage 2. Controlling your blood pressure through medication and lifestyle can improve your rate.
Also note that having both diabetes and high blood pressure can compound costs. As one expert points out, a history of “other conditions like diabetes or heart disease may increase premiums”. In practice, if you have both, expect to be rated more conservatively.
Obesity is another factor. Carrying excess weight raises your mortality risk independent of diabetes. Some insurers calculate a “height-to-weight ratio” and adjust premiums accordingly. If you can safely lose weight, it will help with the life insurance application.
Other common conditions (e.g., high cholesterol, minor heart issues) are each evaluated in underwriting. The key is that insurers look at the whole picture. Mitigating any manageable risk factor – lowering blood pressure, controlling weight, not smoking – demonstrates to underwriters that you’re reducing your overall risk. It can make a real difference in your rates.
Travel Insurance for Diabetics
(While this guide focuses on life insurance, it’s worth a brief note on travel insurance for diabetics, since many search queries address it.) If you have diabetes and plan to travel (especially abroad), you’ll need medical travel insurance that covers your condition. Not all travel plans automatically cover diabetes, so always declare your diabetes when buying travel insurance.
Specialized plans for diabetics exist – they offer coverage even with pre-existing conditions, though at a higher cost. For example, travel insurers often include an “acute onset” clause, covering sudden diabetic emergencies that happen abroad.
As one UK travel-insurance advisor notes, “you can still get affordable travel insurance that works for you… just be sure to declare and cover diabetes”.
In practice: look for plans labeled “pre-existing medical condition cover” or “chronic condition cover”. These may require a medical questionnaire, but some (like U.S. visitor-insurance plans) will cover acute diabetic events up to certain limits. Premiums will be higher than for a healthy traveler, but coverage means you can travel with peace of mind.
(Tip: Have a letter from your doctor confirming your diagnosis and treatment history when applying for travel coverage.)
What If You’re Denied or Can’t Qualify?
Not every diabetic will immediately qualify for a standard policy. If one insurer denies you, don’t give up:
Try multiple insurers: Each company has its own underwriting guidelines. One company’s rejection might be another’s modest risk. Agents often recommend applying to carriers known for accepting diabetics. “Try applying with a different insurer before giving up hope,” advises LifeHappens.
Employer (Group) Life Insurance: If you work for a company that offers life insurance, that can be a great option. Group plans often require no medical exam and cover most employees regardless of health status. The coverage limit might be low or tied to your salary, but it’s “something better than nothing,”. Check if your employer offers group life or if a spouse’s employer does.
Improve Health & Reapply Later: Sometimes the best move is to wait. Use any waiting period to improve your health – get your diabetes, blood pressure, and weight under better control, quit smoking, etc. Insurers are more likely to approve you after positive changes.
Simplified Issue Policies: These require no exam and only basic health questions. They have high approval rates. Coverage limits are lower, but if you just need a few thousand or tens of thousands in benefits, this might suffice. Premiums are higher, but better than no coverage.
Guaranteed Issue Policies: These guarantee coverage for anyone (no health questions). They have strict limits (often $25k or less), very high premiums, and often a waiting period before the full benefit is payable. Use this only if you absolutely cannot qualify elsewhere.
Working with a knowledgeable broker or agent can open doors; they can find niche insurers or special products you might not find on your own.
Action Steps
Assess your health: Check your latest A1C, blood pressure, and weight. If they’re high, work with your doctor to improve them.
Gather documentation: Compile your medical history summary (A1C results, medication list, doctor’s notes).
Get quotes: Use online tools or contact an independent broker. Provide full and honest information to get accurate quotes.
Compare policies: Look at at least 3–5 insurers. Don’t forget to examine any diabetes-specific programs or riders they offer (e.g., accelerated death benefits if needed).
Buy when ready: Once you find an acceptable rate, apply sooner rather than later. Any delay means premiums could rise, especially as you age.
Securing life insurance provides peace of mind. It ensures your loved ones (spouse, children, dependents) are financially protected even if you pass away unexpectedly.
As LifeHappens emphasizes, talk to a professional who can “walk you through the entire process and help pinpoint options”. Don’t let diabetes stop you from planning for the future – with the right preparation, you can find a policy that fits your needs.