Last Updated: November 17th, 2025
Yes, individuals with diabetes can obtain affordable life insurance. The key factors insurance companies evaluate include your A1C levels, your ability to manage your blood sugar, the type of diabetes you have, and your overall health. Companies like Mutual of Omaha, Protective, and John Hancock specialize in covering diabetics and offer competitive rates for well-managed cases.
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you might be worried that life insurance is out of reach or too expensive. Here’s the good news: having diabetes doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting coverage. Thousands of diabetics secure affordable life insurance every year by working with companies that understand diabetes management.
What matters most isn’t just your diagnosis, it’s how well you control your condition. Insurance companies consider factors such as your A1C levels, medication adherence, and overall health. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining life insurance with diabetes, from understanding how underwriters evaluate your application to identifying the best companies for your specific situation.
We’ll cover the types of policies available, what different insurance companies specialize in, and practical steps you can take to qualify for better rates. Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, there are options designed for you.
Can You Get Life Insurance with Diabetes?
Absolutely. Having diabetes doesn’t disqualify you from life insurance coverage. In fact, many insurance companies have developed specialized underwriting programs specifically for diabetics because they recognize that well-managed diabetes doesn’t carry the same risk as uncontrolled cases.
The life insurance industry has come a long way in understanding diabetes. Companies now evaluate your individual health profile rather than simply denying coverage based on a diagnosis. What they’re really looking for is evidence that you’re managing your condition responsibly and working with your healthcare provider to minimize complications.
Your approval chances and premium rates depend largely on how well you control your blood sugar, the type of diabetes you have, and whether you’ve developed any complications. Someone with Type 2 diabetes who maintains an A1C under 7.0% and takes their medication consistently can often qualify for standard or even preferred rates.
The key is being honest on your application and working with agents who specialize in high-risk life insurance cases. These professionals know which companies are most lenient with diabetic applicants and can shop your case to multiple insurers.
How Diabetes Affects Your Life Insurance Rates
Insurance companies use a detailed underwriting process to determine your rates. They’re not just looking at your diabetes diagnosis, they’re evaluating your entire health picture and how well you manage your condition.
Several factors directly impact what you’ll pay for coverage:
- Type of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is generally considered higher risk because it’s often diagnosed earlier in life and can lead to more complications. Type 2 diabetes, especially when managed with diet and oral medication, typically receives more favorable rates.
- A1C levels: Your hemoglobin A1C is the single most important factor. It shows your average blood sugar control over the past three months. Lower A1C levels translate directly to better rate classes and lower premiums.
- Age at diagnosis: If you were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes later in life, say after age 50, you’ll typically get better rates than someone diagnosed in their 20s or 30s.
- Current medications: Insurers evaluate what you’re taking to control your diabetes. Managing with diet and oral medication is viewed more favorably than requiring insulin, though insulin users can still get approved.
- Complications: Any diabetes-related complications like neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney disease, or cardiovascular issues will increase your premiums or could lead to a decline.
- Overall health factors: Your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and whether you smoke all compound with your diabetes. Keeping these in check helps your case significantly.
- Lifestyle habits: Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy BMI, and avoiding tobacco show underwriters you’re committed to managing your health.
Insurance companies calculate your risk based on this combination of factors. Two diabetics with the same A1C might get different rates if one is overweight and smokes while the other maintains a healthy weight and exercises regularly.
Note: Premium costs vary widely based on your specific health profile, the insurance company, your state, and the product you choose. The examples throughout this article are hypothetical illustrations only. Your actual rates will depend on your individual circumstances, and shopping with multiple insurers is essential to find competitive pricing.
A1C Levels and Rate Classes Explained
Your A1C level is the most critical number in your life insurance application. It tells underwriters how well you’ve been managing your blood sugar over the past three months, and it significantly influences which rate class you qualify for.
Here are general guidelines many insurers use, though specific thresholds vary by company. Each insurer has its own underwriting criteria, and they also consider factors beyond A1C like complications, duration of diabetes, medication compliance, and overall health trends.
If your A1C is under 6.5% with no complications and you were diagnosed relatively recently, you might qualify for Preferred Plus rates, the best pricing tier available. This usually requires excellent overall health, minimal or no insulin use, and stable blood sugar readings over time.
With an A1C between 6.5% and 7.0%, you may fall into the Preferred rate class range. Most insurers consider this well-controlled diabetes. You can use insulin at this level, but you’ll need to show consistent management and regular doctor visits.
An A1C of 7.0% to 8.0% typically puts you in Standard Plus territory with many carriers. Your diabetes is managed but not optimal. You’ll pay higher premiums than preferred rates but can still get good coverage. This is where many diabetics fall initially before improving their control.
If your A1C sits between 8.0% and 9.0%, you’re looking at Standard rates with most insurers. Insurance companies see this as requiring closer monitoring. You’ll get approved, but premiums will be noticeably higher. This is your signal to work with your doctor on better control strategies.
An A1C over 9.0% or the presence of complications moves you into substandard or table-rated categories with most companies. Some insurers may decline coverage at this level, while others will offer policies with significantly higher premiums. The good news is you can reapply once you improve your numbers.
Remember, these are general guidelines based on industry trends, not guaranteed standards. Different insurance companies use different breakpoints and weigh other health factors differently. Working with an experienced agent helps you find insurers whose specific underwriting criteria match your health profile.
Types of Life Insurance for Diabetics
Your diabetes diagnosis doesn’t limit you to one type of policy. You have the same options as anyone else, though your premiums and approval chances vary by policy type.
- Term Life Insurance: This is the most popular and affordable option for diabetics. You get coverage for a specific period, typically 10, 20, or 30 years. If you’re in reasonably good health with controlled diabetes, term life offers substantial death benefits at manageable premiums. It’s ideal if you need coverage while your kids are young or until you pay off your mortgage.
- Whole Life Insurance: This permanent policy covers you for your entire life and builds cash value you can borrow against. Premiums are higher than term, but they never increase. Whole life works well for diabetics with stable, long-term needs like estate planning or leaving an inheritance.
- Universal Life Insurance: Similar to whole life but with flexible premiums and death benefits. You can adjust your coverage as your needs change. Some universal life policies offer no-lapse guarantees, meaning your coverage won’t expire as long as you pay minimum premiums.
- Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance: These policies require no medical exam and accept all applicants regardless of health. They’re the easiest to get approved for with diabetes, but they come with much higher premiums and lower coverage limits, typically ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. There’s usually a two-year waiting period before full death benefits kick in for natural causes.
- Simplified Issue Life Insurance: This middle ground requires answering health questions but no medical exam. Approval is faster than traditional policies. Coverage limits can range from $50,000 to $400,000 or more, depending on the insurer and your health profile. Your diabetes needs to be reasonably controlled to qualify.
Each policy type has its place. If you’re young with well-controlled diabetes, term life gives you the most coverage for your money. If you have complications or trouble qualifying for traditional policies, simplified or guaranteed issue options ensure you have some protection while you work on improving your health.
Best Life Insurance Companies for Diabetics
Not all insurance companies treat diabetic applicants the same way. After 30 years in this industry, I’ve found that these seven companies consistently demonstrate strong reputations for working with diabetic applicants, though your specific approval and rates will depend on your individual health profile.
| Company | Best For | Key Advantage | Coverage Options | Underwriting Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual of Omaha | Type 1 Diabetics | Distinguishes Type 1 from Type 2 | Term, Whole, Universal | Well-controlled cases |
| Protective | Type 2 Diabetics | Flexible underwriting | Term, Universal | Considers improvement |
| John Hancock | Health-Conscious | Vitality rewards program | Term, Universal | Rewards healthy habits |
| Foresters | No Medical Exam | Simplified issue options | Term, Whole | Minimal exam requirements |
| Prudential | Complex Health | Comprehensive evaluation | Term, Whole, Universal | Case-by-case review |
| AIG | Term Life Options | Flexible term solutions | Term options | Well-managed cases |
| American National | Standard Cases | Competitive pricing | Term, Whole, Universal | Straightforward process |
Mutual of Omaha is among the few insurers that distinguish between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in their underwriting guidelines. They’re known for offering competitive options for well-controlled Type 1 diabetics, making them worth considering if you have insulin-dependent diabetes. They also offer simplified issue products for faster approval.
Protective Life has built a reputation for flexible underwriting with diabetic applicants. In some cases, they allow policyholders to request rate reconsideration after improving their health metrics like A1C or weight. This can be valuable if you’re working on better diabetes management.
John Hancock’s Aspire with Vitality program is unique in the industry. It rewards healthy behaviors with premium discounts. When you track your exercise, get preventive checkups, and manage your diabetes well, you can earn premium discounts up to 25%. It’s an excellent choice if you’re motivated to improve your health and want that effort recognized financially.
Foresters offers simplified issue life insurance options that require minimal underwriting. You can often get coverage by answering health questions without a full medical exam. This makes the application process faster and less invasive, though coverage amounts and pricing vary based on your specific case.
Prudential has experience handling applicants with complex health profiles. If you have diabetes alongside other conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of heart issues, Prudential’s underwriters take a comprehensive approach to your application rather than focusing on any single condition.
AIG offers term life insurance solutions with flexibility for diabetic applicants. They work with well-managed cases and provide various term length options. Their underwriting process is thorough, and they have experience with diabetic applicants across different health profiles.
American National provides straightforward underwriting and competitive pricing for diabetics who manage their condition reasonably well. They offer multiple policy types and have a reputation for fair evaluation of diabetic applicants who qualify for standard or better rate classes.
Keep in mind that approval and rates vary significantly based on your individual health profile, state, and the specific product you apply for. Working with an independent agent who can shop your case to multiple insurers helps ensure you find the best match for your situation.
How to Qualify for Better Rates with Diabetes
Getting approved is one thing, but qualifying for the best possible rates requires strategic preparation. Here’s what you can do to improve your chances of lower premiums.
- Keep your A1C under 7.0%: This is the single most impactful action you can take. Work closely with your doctor to optimize your medication, monitor your blood sugar regularly, and make necessary lifestyle adjustments. Most preferred rate classes require A1C below 7.0%.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Your BMI directly affects your rate class. Losing even 10-15 pounds can move you from a standard rate to a preferred rate if your other metrics are good. Insurance companies see weight management as a sign you’re taking your health seriously.
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol: Diabetes combined with high blood pressure or high cholesterol compounds your risk profile. Getting these numbers into normal ranges through medication and lifestyle changes can significantly lower your premiums.
- Avoid tobacco completely: Smoking while diabetic is a double penalty. You’ll pay smoker rates on top of diabetic rates, which can double or triple your premiums. If you quit, you can reapply for non-smoker rates after being tobacco-free for 12-24 months, depending on the company.
- Document your management: Keep detailed records of your doctor visits, A1C tests, and medication compliance. When underwriters see consistent medical care and stable results over time, they’re more confident approving you at better rates.
- Work with specialized agents: Agents who regularly handle high-risk cases know which companies are most lenient with diabetics. They can shop your case to multiple insurers simultaneously and present your application in the best light.
- Consider timing carefully: Don’t apply right after a high A1C reading or during a period of poor control. Wait until you’ve stabilized your numbers for at least three to six months. First impressions matter in underwriting.
The preparation you put in before applying can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your policy. It’s worth taking a few months to optimize your health metrics before submitting an application.
Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes: What Underwriters Look For
Insurance companies evaluate Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes differently because they present different risk profiles and management challenges.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood and requires insulin for life. Underwriters view it as higher risk because of the longer disease duration and greater potential for complications over time.
What they want to see is excellent A1C control, ideally under 7.0%, with no episodes of severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis in recent years. Regular endocrinologist visits and continuous glucose monitoring demonstrate you’re taking your management seriously. They’ll also check for any early signs of complications like retinopathy or kidney problems.
Coverage limits for Type 1 diabetics are often lower than for Type 2. While some companies cap term coverage at $100,000 to $250,000, companies like Mutual of Omaha will offer competitive options for well-controlled cases. The key is finding insurers with specialized Type 1 underwriting programs.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed later in life and can often be managed with oral medications, diet, and exercise. Some people even reverse their Type 2 diabetes diagnosis through significant lifestyle changes.
Underwriters focus on how you’re controlling your diabetes. Managing with metformin alone is viewed more favorably than requiring multiple medications or insulin. They want to see stable A1C levels, ideally under 8.0% for standard rates and under 7.0% for preferred rates.
The age at diagnosis matters significantly. If you were diagnosed after age 50, you’ll generally get better rates than someone diagnosed in their 30s. Underwriters see later diagnosis as lower lifetime risk.
Type 2 diabetics typically have access to higher coverage limits and more policy options. If you’ve lost weight, improved your A1C, and reduced your medications, you can often qualify for rate reconsideration to lower your premiums.
No Medical Exam Life Insurance for Diabetics
If you’re concerned about passing a medical exam or want faster coverage, no medical exam life insurance offers an alternative path to getting covered quickly.
Simplified issue and guaranteed issue policies skip the paramedical exam and blood work. You’ll answer health questions on the application, and the insurer makes a decision based on your answers and sometimes a check of your prescription drug history. The approval process typically takes just a few days instead of several weeks.
The trade-off is higher premiums and lower coverage limits. No-exam policies typically cost 50% to 3 times more than fully underwritten policies, depending on the insurer, your age, health status, and coverage amount. Where a fully underwritten term policy might offer $500,000 in coverage at one price point, a simplified issue policy could provide $200,000 at a notably higher premium. The exact cost difference varies significantly by case.
These policies make sense in specific situations. If your A1C is currently high but you’re working on improving it, a no-exam policy gets you some coverage immediately while you prepare to apply for a fully underwritten policy later. If you have white-coat syndrome and your blood pressure spikes during medical exams, avoiding the paramedical visit could actually help your approval chances.
Companies like Foresters, Mutual of Omaha, and AIG offer competitive simplified issue products for diabetics. Coverage limits and pricing vary based on your individual situation and the insurer’s specific underwriting guidelines.
Guaranteed issue policies require no health questions at all. Everyone is accepted regardless of diabetes complications or A1C levels. However, these policies are expensive, typically range from $10,000 to $25,000 in coverage, and include a two-year waiting period where your beneficiaries only receive premium refunds if you die from illness during that time. They’re best used as a last resort when you can’t qualify for other coverage options.
Life Insurance for Gestational Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes
Not all diabetes diagnoses carry the same weight in life insurance underwriting. Gestational diabetes and pre-diabetes are treated very differently from Type 1 or Type 2.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and typically resolves after delivery. If you had gestational diabetes but no longer have elevated blood sugar, most insurance companies won’t penalize you significantly.
The key is timing. If you’re currently pregnant with gestational diabetes, insurers may postpone your application until after delivery and your blood sugar normalizes. Once you’ve had normal A1C readings for six months or more postpartum, depending on the insurer, you can usually qualify for standard rates with no diabetes loading.
However, having had gestational diabetes does increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later. Some underwriters may ask additional questions about your current diet, exercise habits, and follow-up testing, but it shouldn’t prevent you from getting good rates if you’re currently healthy.
Pre-Diabetes
Pre-diabetes means your blood sugar is elevated but hasn’t reached diabetic levels yet. Your A1C is typically between 5.7% and 6.4%. This is a warning sign, but it’s also reversible with lifestyle changes.
Insurance companies handle pre-diabetes case by case. If your A1C is 5.7% or 5.8% and you’re actively working to lower it through diet and exercise, many insurers will offer standard rates with minimal or no premium increase. If you’re at 6.3% or 6.4% and trending upward, you might face a small table rating that adds to your premiums.
The good news is that pre-diabetes responds well to lifestyle changes. Losing weight, exercising regularly, and improving your diet can bring your A1C back to normal ranges. If you reverse your pre-diabetes diagnosis and maintain normal blood sugar for 12 to 24 months, you can apply for rate reconsideration or a new policy without the pre-diabetic loading.
What to Expect During the Application Process
Understanding what happens after you submit your application helps you prepare and reduces anxiety about the process.
The application starts with a detailed questionnaire about your medical history. For diabetics, expect specific questions about your diagnosis date, current medications, most recent A1C results, whether you’ve had any complications, and how often you see your doctor. Be thorough and honest. Underwriters will verify your answers through medical records and prescription databases.
Next comes the paramedical exam if you’re applying for a fully underwritten policy. A nurse or technician visits your home or office to collect blood and urine samples, check your blood pressure, measure your height and weight, and ask additional health questions. Schedule this early in the morning when your blood sugar is typically most stable. Make sure you’ve taken your medications as prescribed and avoid eating beforehand if they request a fasting glucose test.
The insurance company orders your medical records from your primary care doctor and endocrinologist. This includes your full history of A1C tests, medication changes, and any complications. The process takes one to three weeks depending on how quickly your doctors’ offices respond.
Some companies also pull an attending physician statement for diabetic applicants. This is a detailed form your doctor fills out about your diabetes management, prognosis, and current health status. Your cooperation in getting your doctor to complete this quickly speeds up the process.
The underwriter reviews everything and assigns you a risk class. They might come back with questions or request additional information, especially if they find inconsistencies or concerning results. This back-and-forth can add another week or two.
Finally, you receive an offer with your rate class and premium. You have the right to accept it, negotiate if you believe the rating is unfair, or decline and try another company. The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from application to policy issue for diabetics, though simplified issue policies can be approved in just days.
Common Mistakes Diabetics Make When Applying
After helping hundreds of diabetic clients over the years, I’ve seen patterns in what causes applications to fail or result in worse rates than necessary. Avoid these common mistakes.
- Applying when A1C is high: Don’t submit your application right after a 9.5% A1C reading. Wait until you’ve worked with your doctor to lower it. A few months of better control can save you thousands in premiums or make the difference between approval and denial.
- Not disclosing full medical history: Some applicants think leaving out a past hospitalization or complication will help their case. Underwriters always find out through medical records, and dishonesty can void your policy. Full disclosure with proper context from an experienced agent gives you better outcomes.
- Choosing the wrong company for your diabetes type: Not all insurers treat Type 1 and Type 2 the same. Applying to a company that specializes in Type 2 when you have Type 1 wastes time and creates unnecessary declines on your record.
- Accepting the first quote without shopping: Different companies can quote 50-100% different premiums for the same diabetic applicant. Getting quotes from multiple insurers through a broker ensures you’re getting the best rate.
- Giving up after one decline: A decline from one company doesn’t mean you’re uninsurable. It means that particular company’s underwriting guidelines don’t fit your profile. Work with an agent who can shop your case to companies with more flexible diabetes underwriting.
Taking time to prepare your application and working with professionals who understand diabetic underwriting makes all the difference in your outcome and premium costs.
FAQs: Life Insurance for Diabetics
Can diabetics get life insurance?
Yes, diabetics can absolutely get life insurance. The key factors are how well you manage your diabetes, your A1C levels, and your overall health. Many insurance companies have programs specifically designed for diabetic applicants. Even with complications, you can usually find coverage, though premiums will be higher.
How much does life insurance cost with diabetes?
The cost varies widely based on your diabetes type, A1C levels, age, and other health factors. As a hypothetical example, a 40-year-old with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes and an A1C under 7.0% might pay $60-80 per month for $500,000 in 20-year term coverage. The same person with an A1C over 9.0% could pay $150-200 per month. Simplified issue policies cost more, typically 50% to 3 times the price of fully underwritten policies. These are illustrative examples only, and your actual rates will depend on your specific circumstances.
What A1C level do I need for the best rates?
For preferred or preferred plus rates, you typically need an A1C under 6.5-7.0% with no complications. Standard rates usually require an A1C under 8.0%. Above 9.0%, you’ll face substandard ratings or potential declines with some companies. However, different insurers have different thresholds, so shopping around matters.
Can I get life insurance if my diabetes is uncontrolled?
Yes, but your options are more limited and expensive. With an A1C over 9.0% or complications, you’ll likely need to look at guaranteed issue or simplified issue policies. These don’t require medical exams but come with higher premiums and lower coverage limits. The better strategy is to work on improving your control before applying if possible.
Does Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes get better rates?
Type 2 diabetes typically gets better rates because it’s often diagnosed later in life and can sometimes be managed without insulin. Type 1 requires lifelong insulin and is usually diagnosed younger, which insurers see as higher lifetime risk. However, a well-managed Type 1 diabetic can still get good rates with the right company.
Will my premiums go down if I improve my A1C?
Some companies like Protective offer rate reconsideration programs where you can request a premium reduction if you improve your health metrics. Otherwise, you’d need to apply for a new policy once you’ve maintained better control for 12-24 months. The new policy would replace your old one at the better rate.
Can I get coverage without a medical exam?
Yes, simplified issue and guaranteed issue policies don’t require medical exams. You’ll answer health questions or, in the case of guaranteed issue, just apply and get automatically approved. These policies cost more and have lower coverage limits, but they’re good options if you have complications or very high A1C levels.
What happens if I develop complications after getting coverage?
Once your policy is in force and past any contestability period, your premiums and coverage are locked in. Developing complications later doesn’t affect your existing policy. This is why getting coverage early, even at higher rates, protects you from becoming uninsurable if your health declines.
Key Takeaways
- Diabetics can get affordable life insurance: Your diagnosis doesn’t disqualify you. What matters is how well you manage your condition.
- A1C control is critical: Keeping your A1C under 7.0% qualifies you for the best rates. Even getting it under 8.0% opens up good options.
- Type 1 and Type 2 are underwritten differently: Type 2 typically gets better rates and higher coverage limits, but specialized companies like Mutual of Omaha offer strong options for Type 1 diabetics.
- Multiple policy types are available: From fully underwritten term life to simplified issue to guaranteed issue, you have options regardless of your diabetes control level.
- Company selection matters hugely: Different insurers can quote premiums that vary by 50-100% for the same applicant. Shop around or work with an agent who specializes in diabetic cases.
- Timing your application strategically: Apply when your A1C and other health metrics are at their best. A few months of preparation can save thousands in premiums.
- Pre-diabetes and gestational diabetes have minimal impact: These conditions are treated much more leniently than Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
Ready to find the right coverage for your situation? Our specialists understand diabetes and work with companies that offer competitive rates for diabetics. Call us at 800-712-8519 for a free consultation and personalized quote.
