Can I Get Life Insurance With Diabetes?
If you have diabetes, you may wonder whether you can qualify for life insurance. The good news is that having diabetes does not automatically mean you cannot get life insurance.
Many people with diabetes are able to obtain life insurance coverage. However, the type of diabetes you have, how well it is managed, your overall health, and other factors can affect your eligibility, coverage options, and premium.
Every insurance company evaluates applicants differently, so having diabetes doesn't necessarily mean you'll receive the same outcome with every insurer.
Can People With Diabetes Get Life Insurance?
Yes. People with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes may be eligible for life insurance.
Insurance companies generally look at the overall picture rather than simply checking whether an applicant has diabetes.
During the underwriting process, an insurer may consider factors such as:
Type of diabetes
Age when diagnosed
How the condition is managed
Blood sugar control
Medications being used
A1C levels
Diabetes-related complications
Blood pressure
Cholesterol
Kidney function
Heart health
Tobacco or nicotine use
Overall medical history
Age and lifestyle
The insurer uses this information to evaluate the applicant's overall risk.
Does Type of Diabetes Matter?
Yes. The type of diabetes you have can be an important factor in underwriting.
Type 1 diabetes generally requires insulin management and may involve more detailed medical underwriting.
Type 2 diabetes can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals manage it through lifestyle changes, while others may use oral medications or insulin.
The fact that two people have the same type of diabetes doesn't mean they'll receive the same life insurance offer. Their age, health history, treatment, and level of control can all be different.
Does Diabetes Affect Life Insurance Rates?
It can.
Life insurance premiums are based on the insurance company's assessment of risk. Because diabetes can be associated with certain long-term health complications, an applicant with diabetes may receive a higher premium than an otherwise similar applicant without diabetes.
However, the difference can vary considerably.
Someone who has well-controlled diabetes, follows their treatment plan, regularly sees their healthcare providers, and has no significant complications may receive a much more favorable underwriting decision than someone whose diabetes is poorly controlled or has resulted in serious complications.
This is why simply saying "I have diabetes" doesn't provide enough information to determine what life insurance will cost.
What Is A1C and Why Does It Matter?
A1C is a blood test that provides an estimate of average blood sugar levels over approximately the previous two to three months.
Life insurance companies may consider A1C results when evaluating an applicant with diabetes.
Generally, better-controlled blood sugar can be viewed more favorably during underwriting, while significantly elevated or inconsistent results may lead to additional questions or a less favorable offer.
However, there isn't one A1C number that automatically determines whether you qualify for life insurance. Insurers consider the broader medical picture.
What About Diabetes Complications?
Insurance companies may pay particular attention to whether diabetes has resulted in complications.
Examples can include problems involving the:
Kidneys
Eyes
Nerves
Heart
Blood vessels
The presence, severity, and management of complications can influence an insurer's assessment.
This doesn't necessarily mean someone with complications cannot obtain coverage. It simply means the insurer may need more information to understand the applicant's overall health and risk.
What Information Might the Insurance Company Request?
Depending on the policy and underwriting process, an insurance company may request information about your diabetes and general health.
This can include:
Medical history
Current medications
A1C results
Blood pressure readings
Laboratory results
Physician information
Treatment history
Hospitalizations
Other medical conditions
Some policies may use simplified or accelerated underwriting, while others may involve a more traditional medical underwriting process.
Being prepared with accurate medical information can help make the application process smoother.
What If My Diabetes Isn't Well Controlled?
You may still have options.
If your diabetes is not currently well controlled, an insurer may offer coverage at a higher premium, request additional medical information, postpone a decision, or determine that a particular policy isn't currently available.
However, underwriting guidelines differ among insurance companies.
This is one reason shopping around can be especially important for applicants with medical conditions. An insurance company that is more conservative with diabetes may not produce the same result as another insurer.
Can I Get Life Insurance Without a Medical Exam?
Possibly.
Some life insurance policies use simplified or accelerated underwriting and may not require a traditional medical exam.
However, "no medical exam" does not necessarily mean "no health questions."
Depending on the policy, the insurer may still ask about diabetes, medications, medical history, and other health conditions.
Some policies may also have lower coverage limits or different pricing structures than fully underwritten policies.
If you have diabetes, it's important to compare the overall policy—not just whether a medical exam is required.
Should I Disclose My Diabetes?
Yes. Always provide accurate information on a life insurance application.
Attempting to hide a medical condition can create serious problems later.
Life insurance applications are legal documents, and insurers may verify medical information through records and other sources. Providing incomplete or inaccurate information can potentially affect the policy or a future claim.
Being honest about your diabetes allows the insurance company to evaluate you based on your actual circumstances.
Can I Get Life Insurance Through My Employer?
Employer-sponsored group life insurance may be another option.
Some employer plans have simplified enrollment requirements and may not use the same type of individual underwriting as a personally purchased policy.
However, employer coverage may have limits and may be connected to your employment.
For people who need significant long-term protection, individually owned life insurance may provide additional options.
Does Diabetes Make Life Insurance Impossible?
No.
Diabetes is a medical condition that insurers take seriously, but it does not automatically prevent someone from obtaining life insurance.
The outcome depends on the individual and the insurer's underwriting guidelines.
Two people with diabetes could receive completely different life insurance offers based on their health histories, treatment, age, and other risk factors.
That's why it can be helpful to work with an insurance professional who can compare multiple carriers rather than assuming you won't qualify.
How Can I Improve My Chances of Getting Coverage?
If you're considering life insurance and have diabetes, maintaining good overall health may help from an underwriting perspective.
Following your healthcare provider's treatment recommendations, taking medications as prescribed, attending regular appointments, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, and keeping track of relevant medical information can all be beneficial for your health and may provide useful documentation during the application process.
However, you should never change medications or treatment solely to try to qualify for life insurance. Your health should always come first.
The Bottom Line
Yes, you may be able to get life insurance if you have diabetes.
Having diabetes doesn't automatically disqualify you from coverage. Insurance companies generally consider the type of diabetes, how well it is managed, your medical history, potential complications, and your overall health.
Your premiums may be higher depending on your individual circumstances, but different insurers can evaluate diabetes differently.
If you have diabetes and need life insurance, don't assume you won't qualify or that coverage will automatically be unaffordable. Comparing multiple insurance companies and understanding your available options can help you find coverage that fits your circumstances and financial goals.
Most importantly, focus on finding a policy that provides meaningful protection for the people who depend on you—and that you can realistically maintain over time.