Can You Get Life Insurance With Diabetes?
Yes, some people with diabetes can qualify for life insurance. Eligibility depends on the insurer's underwriting guidelines and the applicant's individual medical history.
Insurers may consider diabetes type, age at diagnosis, A1C history, treatment, overall health, and whether complications have developed.
Some applicants may qualify for traditionally underwritten term or permanent coverage. Others may face higher premiums, postponement, or decline.
There is no single A1C number or treatment plan that guarantees approval.
What Do Life Insurance Companies Look at When You Have Diabetes?
Insurers generally evaluate the overall risk profile, not just the diagnosis.
A1C Results
Hemoglobin A1C reflects average blood glucose over approximately the preceding two to three months.
Insurers may review current and historical results rather than one reading alone.
Age at Diagnosis
The age when diabetes was diagnosed and the length of time someone has lived with the condition may influence underwriting.
Medications and Treatment
Insurers may review prescribed medications, insulin use, treatment consistency, and medical follow-up.
Complications
Kidney disease, cardiovascular conditions, neuropathy, retinopathy, and other complications can affect eligibility.
Other Health Factors
Blood pressure, cholesterol, tobacco use, weight, and other medical conditions may be considered.
Medical Follow-Up
Consistent medical care and documented health history may help insurers evaluate an application.
Life Insurance Options for People With Diabetes
Different products have different underwriting requirements, coverage amounts, and premium structures.
Term Life Insurance
Provides coverage for a selected term, commonly 10, 20, or 30 years where available by age.
It may fit applicants seeking income replacement or mortgage protection. Medical underwriting may be required.
Permanent Life Insurance
Designed for long-term or lifelong protection, subject to premiums and policy provisions.
Certain products include cash value features. Eligibility and pricing depend on underwriting.
Simplified or Guaranteed Issue
Some simplified issue products avoid a traditional medical exam but still evaluate health history.
Guaranteed issue products may be available within eligible age ranges, often with smaller coverage limits and graded death benefits.
Compare Coverage Options With Diabetes
| Feature | Traditional Coverage | Simplified Issue | Guaranteed Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical exam | May be required | Typically not required | Not required |
| Health questions | Yes, generally detailed | Usually yes | No medical underwriting |
| Diabetes history | Evaluated | May affect eligibility | Does not determine medical acceptance |
| Coverage amounts | Subject to underwriting limits | Product-specific limits | Typically smaller amounts |
| Cost | Based on underwriting and product | Varies by insurer | Often higher per dollar of coverage |
| Initial benefit restrictions | Policy-specific | Policy-specific | Often graded for non-accidental death |
Can You Get Life Insurance With Diabetes Without a Medical Exam?
Some insurers offer no-exam life insurance products to eligible applicants.
However, not requiring a traditional medical exam does not necessarily mean the insurer ignores diabetes or other health conditions.
Simplified and accelerated underwriting may still use health questions, prescription information, or other authorized records.
Learn more in our Life Insurance Without a Medical Exam guide .
Does Life Insurance Cost More if You Have Diabetes?
It may. Diabetes can affect the risk classification an insurer assigns, which can influence premiums.
However, pricing also depends on age, coverage amount, policy type, tobacco use, and other medical and underwriting factors.
Two applicants with diabetes may receive different offers because their individual health histories differ.
The best way to understand potential cost is to review your needs and explore actual insurer eligibility.
What Information May Help When Applying for Life Insurance With Diabetes?
You can prepare basic information before discussing your options with a licensed professional.
- Diabetes type: Type 1, Type 2, or another documented diagnosis.
- Diagnosis history: Approximately when the condition was diagnosed.
- A1C history: Recent results, if known, and relevant trends.
- Treatment: Current prescribed medications and insulin use.
- Complications: Any diagnosed kidney, eye, nerve, heart, or vascular conditions.
- Other health history: Blood pressure, cholesterol, and other relevant conditions.
- Medical follow-up: Information about routine appointments and specialist care.
- Coverage goal: How much protection you need and your intended budget.
Do not upload sensitive medical records through an unsecured website form. Provide medical information only through the insurer's or agency's authorized secure process.
Protecting Your Family Matters, Even With Diabetes
Life insurance can help provide financial resources for the people who depend on you.
Depending on your needs, a death benefit may help beneficiaries manage mortgage obligations, household expenses, income replacement, and future education costs.
Use our coverage calculator to estimate your family's financial protection needs.
Explore More Life Insurance Resources
Life Insurance With Health Conditions
Learn how different medical conditions can affect underwriting.
Read the GuideLife Insurance Without a Medical Exam
Understand simplified and no-exam life insurance options.
Read the GuideHow Much Life Insurance Do I Need?
Explore the DIME method for estimating coverage needs.
Read the GuideFrequently Asked Questions About Life Insurance With Diabetes
Can I get life insurance if I have diabetes?
Possibly. Many applicants with diabetes can be considered for coverage, but eligibility depends on the insurer, diabetes history, overall health, and underwriting guidelines.
Can I get life insurance with Type 1 diabetes?
Some insurers consider applicants with Type 1 diabetes. Underwriting may depend on diagnosis age, duration, A1C history, treatment, and complications.
Can I get life insurance with Type 2 diabetes?
Possibly. Insurers may review A1C trends, medications, age at diagnosis, overall health, and any complications before making a decision.
What A1C level is required for life insurance?
There is no universal A1C cutoff. Different insurers apply different guidelines, and A1C is only one part of the underwriting evaluation.
Does taking insulin disqualify me from life insurance?
Not automatically. Insulin use can affect underwriting, but eligibility depends on the complete medical history and the product's requirements.
Can I get life insurance without a medical exam if I have diabetes?
Some products do not require a traditional medical exam, but they may still ask health questions or review authorized medical and prescription information.
Does diabetes make life insurance more expensive?
It can. Premiums depend on risk classification, age, coverage amount, policy type, and other underwriting factors.
Can I get term life insurance with diabetes?
Some applicants may qualify for term life insurance, subject to underwriting. The available coverage amount, term length, and premiums vary.
Can I get whole life insurance with diabetes?
Possibly. Certain traditionally underwritten, simplified issue, or guaranteed issue whole life products may be available, depending on eligibility.
What if I have diabetes complications?
Complications involving the kidneys, heart, eyes, nerves, or vascular system may significantly affect underwriting. Available options depend on the insurer and medical history.
Will my existing life insurance be canceled if I develop diabetes?
A diagnosis after a valid policy was issued does not ordinarily cancel active coverage by itself. Policy terms, premium obligations, and applicable provisions still apply.
What if traditional life insurance companies decline me?
You may be able to explore other insurers, simplified issue products, or guaranteed issue coverage where eligible. Such products may have smaller coverage limits, higher costs, or graded death benefits.
Having Diabetes Doesn't Mean You Should Stop Exploring Life Insurance.
Your medical history is unique. Understanding the coverage options available for your situation can help you make an informed decision about protecting your family.