Finding the Right Can Diabetics Get Life Insurance for Your Situation

For a complete overview, see understanding term life insurance.

When I started my career in financial services over two decades ago, I quickly learned that people with diabetes often felt like they were automatically disqualified from getting life insurance. Having worked with thousands of applicants over the years, including hundreds of diabetics, I can tell you that’s simply not true.

The reality is that diabetics can and do get life insurance coverage. The key is understanding what carriers look for, how they evaluate diabetic conditions, and matching you with the right company for your specific situation.

Understanding How Insurance Companies View Diabetes

Insurance companies don’t automatically decline diabetics. Instead, they evaluate your diabetes management, overall health picture, and risk factors to determine your eligibility and rates.

During my years in a high-volume life insurance call center, I learned more about underwriting diabetes than any textbook could teach. I saw which carriers were lenient on certain conditions and which ones weren’t - knowledge that only comes from experience.

Here’s what underwriters typically consider when evaluating diabetic applicants:

• Type of diabetes: Type 2 is generally easier to insure than Type 1
• A1C levels: This is often the most critical factor
• Diabetes onset age: Later onset typically receives better rates
• Management and control: How well you manage your condition
• Complications: Any diabetes-related health issues
• Overall health: Your complete health picture beyond diabetes

The surprising truth is that well-controlled diabetes, especially Type 2, often doesn’t prevent you from getting good rates. I’ve placed hundreds of policies for diabetics who were told by other agents they couldn’t get coverage.

A1C Levels and Life Insurance Approval

Your A1C level is the single most important factor in determining your life insurance rates as a diabetic. This three-month average of your blood sugar tells underwriters how well you’re managing your condition.

Based on my experience working with diabetic clients, here’s generally how carriers view different A1C ranges:

• A1C under 7.0: Often eligible for Standard or even Standard Plus rates
• A1C 7.0-8.5: Usually Standard rates, sometimes with mild rating
• A1C 8.5-10.0: Typically receives table ratings (higher premiums)
• A1C over 10.0: May be declined or receive significant table ratings

I’ve worked with clients whose A1Cs were initially too high to get approved. Instead of giving up, I worked with them - sometimes for months - encouraging them to work with their doctors, improve their diet, and get their numbers down. When they did, we reapplied and got them approved. That’s the kind of patience other agents don’t always have.

Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes: What’s the Difference for Coverage?

The type of diabetes you have significantly impacts your coverage options and rates:

Type 2 Diabetes:

• Generally more favorable rates due to later onset and often better management options
• Multiple medication options that underwriters view positively
• Potential for improvement through lifestyle changes
• Standard rates possible with good A1C control

Type 1 Diabetes:

• More challenging to insure but still possible
• Requires insulin management which adds complexity
• Earlier onset typically means higher risk classification
• Usually starts at table ratings but coverage is available

The key with either type is demonstrating good control and working with your healthcare team. I’ve helped clients with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes find coverage, though Type 2 typically offers more favorable options.

Factors Beyond A1C That Impact Your Rates

While A1C is crucial, underwriters look at your complete health picture when evaluating diabetic applicants. Your overall health management can significantly impact your rates.

Positive factors that help your case:

• Regular doctor visits and following treatment plans
• Healthy weight management or weight loss efforts
• Exercise routine and active lifestyle
• Non-smoker status (smoking dramatically worsens rates for diabetics)
• Controlled blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• No diabetes complications like neuropathy or retinopathy

Factors that may hurt your rates:

• Poor medication compliance or missed doctor appointments
• Significant overweight or obesity
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Uncontrolled blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Diabetes complications or related health issues
• Frequent emergency room visits related to diabetes

What surprises many people is that their blood pressure medicine won’t ruin their rates. If you’re at a healthy height and weight with one blood pressure medication, you can still get Preferred ratings with many carriers.

Which Life Insurance Companies Are Best for Diabetics

Not all insurance companies view diabetes the same way. Some carriers are much more lenient with diabetic conditions than others. This is where working with an experienced independent agent makes a huge difference.

Carriers that are typically more favorable to diabetics:

• Mutual of Omaha: Often competitive for well-controlled Type 2 diabetes
• Protective Life: Good options for diabetics with reasonable A1C levels
• Principal Financial: Sometimes offers favorable rates for controlled diabetes
• AIG (Corebridge): Can be competitive depending on overall health picture

What to avoid:

• Captive agents who only represent one company
• Agents who quote rates without understanding your full health picture
• Online quotes that don’t account for your specific diabetic condition

I’ve helped hundreds of people who were told “no” by other agents or carriers find the coverage they needed. The key is knowing which carriers to approach and how to present your application properly.

The Application Process for Diabetics

When you apply for life insurance as a diabetic, honesty is absolutely critical. Lying or minimizing your condition leads to declines. Honesty leads to the right carrier match and better outcomes.

Here’s what to expect during the application process:

Medical questions you’ll face:

• Diabetes type and diagnosis date
• Current and recent A1C levels
• Medications you’re taking
• Doctor visits and treatment compliance
• Any diabetes complications
• Overall health and other conditions

Medical exam requirements:

• Blood work to verify A1C and overall health
• Urine sample to check for protein and other markers
• Basic measurements like height, weight, and blood pressure
• Medical records from your treating physicians

Documentation you may need:

• Recent A1C results (within past 6 months)
• Medication list with dosages
• Doctor’s notes about your diabetes management
• Lab results showing diabetes control over time

My job is to advise you based on your actual situation. The right recommendation depends on the full picture, not just what sounds good in a quote.

Alternative Options: Simplified Issue and Guaranteed Issue

If your diabetes makes it challenging to qualify for traditional life insurance, you have other options. These alternatives can provide coverage when fully underwritten policies aren’t available.

Simplified Issue Life Insurance:

• No medical exam required - just health questions
• Faster approval process - often decided within days
• Limited coverage amounts - typically up to $250,000-$500,000
• Slightly higher rates than fully underwritten policies
• Good option for mild diabetes with decent control

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance:

• No health questions or medical requirements
• Guaranteed acceptance regardless of health conditions
• Lower coverage amounts - usually $25,000-$50,000 maximum
• Graded death benefit - limited payouts in first 2-3 years
• Higher premiums but provides some protection

Group Life Insurance:

• Available through employers with limited or no health questions
• Often includes basic coverage with option to purchase additional
• May allow conversion to individual policy if you leave job
• Good supplement to individual coverage

The key is finding the right balance between coverage amount, premiums, and qualification requirements for your specific situation.

Improving Your Chances of Approval

If your diabetes isn’t well-controlled right now, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of getting better rates. I’ve worked with clients for months, coaching them to get healthier before applying.

Steps to improve your insurability:

• Work with your doctor to optimize your diabetes management
• Focus on A1C improvement through diet, exercise, and medication compliance
• Maintain regular medical care and keep detailed records
• Address other health issues like high blood pressure or cholesterol
• Lose weight if needed as this significantly impacts rates
• Quit smoking if you’re a tobacco user

Timing your application:

• Wait for stable A1C readings over several months
• Apply after demonstrating improvement in your diabetes control
• Don’t rush the process - better control leads to better rates
• Consider working with a diabetes educator or nutritionist

Sometimes patience pays off significantly in terms of the rates and coverage you can obtain. That investment in your health can save you thousands in premium costs over the life of your policy.

Real Talk: What This Means for You

Having had thousands of life insurance conversations over my career, I’ve learned that when you’ve talked to that many people, you start to recognize patterns. Here’s what I wish every diabetic knew about life insurance:

The good news:

• Most diabetics can get coverage with the right approach
• Type 2 diabetes is much more insurable than people think
• Good control can lead to surprisingly reasonable rates
• Multiple options exist even if traditional coverage isn’t available

The reality check:

• You’ll pay more than someone without diabetes
• Your A1C matters more than almost any other factor
• Honesty is essential - hiding information backfires
• Shopping carriers matters - rates vary significantly between companies

What you can control:

• Your diabetes management and A1C levels
• Your overall health through diet and exercise
• Which agent you work with and their experience with diabetic cases
• When you apply based on your health improvements

The biggest mistake I see diabetics make is assuming they can’t get coverage or accepting the first quote they receive without shopping around properly.

Related Reading

• 10 Year Term Life Insurance: The Complete Guide
• 30 Year Term Life Insurance: The Complete Guide
• Life Insurance for Parents: The Complete Guide
• Life Insurance for High Risk Individuals: The Complete Guide

Ready to explore your life insurance options as a diabetic? Get your personalized quote comparison and let me show you which carriers offer the best rates for your specific situation.