Last Updated: November 17th, 2025
Yes, people with Type 1 diabetes can get life insurance, but expect table ratings that typically increase premiums substantially compared to standard rates. The exact increase varies widely by carrier and your individual health profile. The key approval factors are your A1c level (ideally below 7%), age at diagnosis, daily insulin requirements, and whether you have any diabetes-related complications.
If you have Type 1 diabetes, you’ve probably wondered whether you can even get life insurance. The short answer is yes, but it’s going to be more challenging and expensive than it would be for someone without diabetes. That doesn’t mean you should give up on protecting your family’s financial future.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that requires lifelong insulin management. Insurance companies view it as a higher risk than Type 2 diabetes because it typically develops earlier in life, requires insulin from day one, and carries a more prolonged exposure to potential complications. That’s why you’ll face more scrutiny during the underwriting process and likely receive a table rating, which will increase your premiums.
This guide explains exactly what factors insurance companies evaluate for Type 1 diabetics, what table ratings you can expect, real premium examples, and how to improve your chances of approval. We’ll also cover which companies offer the most competitive rates for individuals with Type 1 diabetes and what alternatives exist if you’re declined for traditional coverage.
The information in this guide is based on general underwriting practices and broker experience with Type 1 diabetes cases. Every insurance company has its own proprietary underwriting guidelines, which are subject to change. The premium estimates, table ratings, and approval factors discussed here should be considered illustrative rather than guaranteed outcomes. Your actual results will depend on your complete health profile and the specific carriers you apply to.
How Type 1 Diabetes Affects Life Insurance Eligibility
Insurance companies use medical underwriting to assess risk, and Type 1 diabetes presents several factors they consider carefully. Unlike life insurance for diabetics with Type 2, which often develops later in life and can sometimes be managed through diet and oral medications, Type 1 is an autoimmune disease that destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
This means you’ll be insulin-dependent for life. From an insurance company’s perspective, that creates a longer timeline of risk exposure. If you were diagnosed at age 10, that’s potentially 50+ years of managing a complex condition, compared to someone diagnosed with Type 2 at age 55 who might only face 20-30 years of management.
The insurance company also considers that Type 1 diabetes requires more intensive daily management. You’re checking blood sugar multiple times daily, calculating insulin doses, adjusting for meals and activity, and trying to avoid both high blood sugar (which causes long-term damage) and low blood sugar (which can cause immediate emergencies). This complexity means there’s more that can go wrong.
That said, modern diabetes management has improved dramatically. Continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and better understanding of the condition mean many Type 1 diabetics live long, healthy lives. Insurance companies recognize this, which is why approval is possible, you’ll just face higher premiums through table ratings.
6 Key Factors Insurance Companies Evaluate
When you apply for high-risk life insurance with Type 1 diabetes, underwriters will dig deep into your medical history and current management. Here are the six most important factors they’ll consider:
1. Age at Diagnosis
The age when you were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes significantly impacts your approval odds and rating. If you were diagnosed at a later age, insurance companies typically view this more favorably. You’ve lived more of your life without the condition, which means less cumulative exposure to potential complications.
Childhood or teenage diagnosis is more challenging from an underwriting perspective. A diagnosis at age 8 means decades of insulin management by the time you apply for insurance at age 35. The insurance company has to account for that longer exposure period when calculating risk. This doesn’t mean you can’t get coverage, it just means you’ll likely face a higher table rating.
2. Current A1c Levels
Your A1c (hemoglobin A1c) test measures your average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months. For Type 1 diabetics, this is one of the most critical numbers insurance companies examine. An A1c below 7% is considered well-controlled for Type 1 diabetes. This range significantly improves your approval chances and can help you qualify for lower table ratings.
If your A1c is between 7-8%, you can still get approved, but expect a higher rating. The insurance company sees this as acceptable but not optimal control. An A1c above 8% makes approval more challenging with many carriers. Some companies will decline coverage, while others may still offer coverage at higher table ratings. Each carrier has different thresholds and guidelines.
Your most recent A1c matters most, but underwriters also want to see consistency. Three years of A1c results between 6.8-7.2% looks better than wild swings between 6.0% and 9.0%, even if your current number is good.
3. Daily Insulin Requirements
Insurance companies consider your daily insulin requirements as one factor among many. Lower insulin needs may be viewed more favorably, though specific thresholds vary by carrier. If you’re taking higher amounts of insulin daily, some companies become more cautious, but you can still get approved with the right carrier.
Whether you use an insulin pump or multiple daily injections doesn’t typically matter much to underwriters. What matters is that your insulin regimen is working, your blood sugars are controlled, and you’re not experiencing frequent episodes of very high or very low blood sugar.
4. Time Since Diagnosis
Insurance companies like to see stability. If you were just diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes six months ago, most carriers won’t even consider you for traditional coverage. They want to see at least 1-2 years of consistent management before they’ll underwrite a policy.
The reason is simple: the first year after diagnosis is often the most volatile. You’re learning how to count carbs, dose insulin, recognize symptoms, and manage your new reality. Your A1c results during this period don’t tell the full story because you’re still figuring everything out.
After 2-3 years of stable management with consistent A1c results, no major complications, and no hospitalizations for diabetic emergencies, you become a much more attractive candidate for coverage.
5. Complications History
This is where things get serious. If your Type 1 diabetes has caused complications, your approval odds drop significantly. Insurance companies screen carefully for:
- Retinopathy or vision problems – damage to the blood vessels in your eyes
- Nephropathy or kidney disease – declining kidney function or protein in your urine
- Neuropathy – nerve damage that causes numbness, tingling, or pain
- Cardiovascular complications – heart disease, stroke, or circulation problems
- Hospitalizations for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) – a dangerous condition that requires emergency care
Even minor complications can bump you to a higher table rating. Major complications like advanced kidney disease or a history of stroke may result in a decline from most traditional life insurance companies. That’s when you’d need to explore guaranteed issue or graded benefit policies instead.
6. Overall Health Management
Insurance companies want to see that you’re taking your condition seriously. Regular visits to an endocrinologist or diabetes specialist work in your favor. So does using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which shows you’re invested in tight control.
They’ll also look at whether you’re managing other health factors that affect diabetes outcomes. Do you maintain a healthy weight? Is your blood pressure controlled? Do you exercise regularly? These lifestyle factors can help offset some of the risk that Type 1 diabetes presents.
No recent hospitalizations for diabetic emergencies is crucial. If you’ve been hospitalized for DKA or severe hypoglycemia in the past 12 months, most companies will either decline you or postpone your application until you’ve demonstrated better stability.
Expected Table Ratings and What They Mean
Almost no one with Type 1 diabetes qualifies for standard or preferred rates. Instead, you’ll receive a table rating, which is how insurance companies price policies for higher-risk applicants. Table ratings typically range from Table 2 (also called Table B) through Table 16 (Table P), though most Type 1 diabetics fall somewhere in the mid-range.
Each table adds 25% to the standard premium. So Table 4 means you’re paying 100% more than standard rates (4 tables × 25% = 100% increase). Table 6 means 150% more. Table 8 means 200% more.
It’s important to understand that table rating systems vary significantly between insurance companies. What one carrier calls Table 4, another might classify as Table 6 or use an entirely different rating structure. These ratings are also highly individualized based on your complete health profile, not just your diabetes management.
A well-managed Type 1 diabetic with an A1c consistently below 7%, no complications, and stable control for several years may receive more favorable table ratings from some carriers. However, the exact rating depends on the specific insurance company, your complete health profile, and many other underwriting factors beyond just diabetes management.
Some companies will also consider a flat extra premium on top of the table rating for particularly complex cases. This adds a fixed dollar amount per thousand dollars of coverage for a certain number of years.
Real-World Rate Examples for Type 1 Diabetics
The following rate examples are for illustrative purposes only and are based on general market rates for well-managed Type 1 diabetics. Your actual premiums will vary based on your specific health profile, the insurance company you choose, current market conditions, and many other underwriting factors.
| Age/Gender | Coverage Amount | Term Length | Rating | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35-year-old male | $250,000 | 20-year term | Table 4 | $85 |
| 45-year-old female | $500,000 | 20-year term | Table 6 | $165 |
| 55-year-old female | $250,000 | 15-year term | Table 4 | $128 |
| 40-year-old male | $1,000,000 | 30-year term | Table 6 | $285 |
Different insurance companies have different underwriting guidelines and pricing structures for Type 1 diabetes. That’s why working with an experienced broker who knows which carriers offer the best rates for your situation is so important. One company might rate you at Table 6 while another offers Table 4 for the same health profile.
Best Life Insurance Companies for Type 1 Diabetics
Not all insurance companies are equally willing to insure Type 1 diabetics, and those that do often have very different underwriting standards. Some companies specialize in high-risk cases and have more flexible guidelines for diabetes, while others are extremely conservative and will decline most Type 1 applicants.
According to insurance brokers who specialize in diabetes cases, certain carriers have developed reputations for being more willing to work with Type 1 diabetics. However, underwriting guidelines are proprietary and change frequently, so what works for one applicant may not work for another.
Companies that brokers often mention as possibilities for Type 1 cases include Corebridge Financial (formerly American General), Prudential, and Lincoln Financial. But this doesn’t mean they’re always the best option for your specific situation. Other carriers may offer better rates depending on your exact health profile, age, and circumstances.
The key is not to apply directly to one company on your own. Each insurance company evaluates Type 1 diabetes differently, and what one carrier declines, another might approve at reasonable rates. Working with a broker who specializes in high-risk cases means they can informally assess which carriers are most likely to approve you at the best rating before you formally apply. This prevents declined applications from appearing on your record, which can make it harder to get coverage elsewhere.
Tips for Getting Approved with Type 1 Diabetes
Getting approved for life insurance with Type 1 diabetes requires preparation and strategy. Here’s what you need to do to maximize your chances:
1. Get your medical records organized before applying. Request complete records from your endocrinologist for the past 2-3 years. Make sure these include all your A1c test results, any complications screening tests (eye exams, kidney function tests), and notes about your overall diabetes management. Having these ready to provide to the insurance company speeds up the process and ensures they have accurate information.
2. Work with your endocrinologist to get a letter of support. A brief letter from your doctor explaining that your diabetes is well-controlled, you’re compliant with treatment, and you have no significant complications can help your case. Some insurance companies give weight to physician input, especially if there’s something unusual about your case that needs explanation.
3. Demonstrate stability with at least 2-3 years of good control. If your recent A1c results have been all over the place, consider waiting a few months to establish more consistent control before applying. Two years of A1c results between 6.8-7.5% looks much better than switching between 6.0% and 9.5%, even if your current result is good.
4. Time your application when your A1c is at its best. If you know you have an endocrinologist appointment coming up and you’re expecting a good A1c result, wait until after that appointment to apply. The insurance company will request your most recent labs, so you want those to reflect your best control.
5. Shop your application through multiple carriers, don’t apply directly. This is critical. If you apply directly to one insurance company and get declined, that decline gets reported. Other companies see it and become more cautious about approving you. A broker can informally shop your case to multiple companies, get pre-quotes, and only formally apply to the carrier most likely to approve you.
6. Be completely honest on your application about your condition. Never downplay your insulin requirements, forget to mention complications, or misrepresent your A1c levels. Insurance companies will get your medical records, and any misrepresentation can void your policy. If you die during the first two years (the contestability period), the company can deny the claim if they find you were dishonest on the application.
7. Consider graded benefit policies if traditional coverage isn’t available. If you have complications or poorly controlled diabetes that makes traditional life insurance too expensive or results in declines, a graded benefit policy might be an option. These policies don’t require medical underwriting, but they have a waiting period (usually 2-3 years) before the full death benefit pays out. They’re more expensive per dollar of coverage, but they guarantee approval.
Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes: Insurance Differences
If you’re wondering why Type 1 diabetes faces stricter underwriting than Type 2, it comes down to several key differences. Type 1 is an autoimmune disease that typically develops earlier in life, requires insulin from diagnosis, and represents a longer period of risk for the insurance company to manage.
Life insurance for Type 2 diabetics, while serious, usually involves cases that develop later in life and can often be managed initially with lifestyle changes and oral medications. Many Type 2 diabetics never need insulin. Insurance companies see this as less risky because the condition often has a shorter duration and can sometimes be reversed or put into remission with significant weight loss and lifestyle changes.
Type 2 diabetics with good A1c control and no complications might qualify for more favorable ratings in some cases, while Type 1 diabetics with similar control may receive different treatment. The earlier diagnosis age and guaranteed insulin dependence of Type 1 makes underwriters more conservative.
That said, a well-managed Type 1 diabetic can absolutely get better rates than a poorly controlled Type 2 diabetic. Your individual management and health outcomes matter more than the diabetes type alone.
Alternative Options If Traditional Coverage Is Declined
If you apply for traditional term life insurance and get declined, or if the table rating you’re offered makes premiums unaffordable, you still have options to get some coverage for your family.
Guaranteed issue life insurance doesn’t require any medical underwriting. You can’t be declined regardless of your health conditions. The tradeoff is that these policies have lower coverage amounts (usually $25,000 or less), much higher premiums per dollar of coverage, and a waiting period before the full death benefit pays out. If you die in the first 2-3 years, the policy typically only returns premiums plus interest rather than the full death benefit.
Graded benefit policies are similar but offer higher coverage amounts (up to $50,000 in some cases). They still have the 2-3 year waiting period, but they can provide meaningful coverage if you need it and can’t qualify elsewhere.
Group life insurance through your employer is another option worth exploring. Many employers offer basic life insurance (often 1-2 times your salary) with no medical questions asked. You can usually purchase additional coverage during open enrollment with simplified underwriting that’s less strict than individual policies. The downside is that this coverage ends when you leave the job.
No medical exam life insurance is another alternative that uses simplified underwriting based on health questions rather than full medical exams. While you’ll still need to disclose your Type 1 diabetes, these policies can sometimes offer faster approval with less invasive underwriting for certain health profiles.
You might also consider revisiting traditional coverage in the future. If your health improves, complications stabilize, or you achieve several more years of excellent diabetes control, you could apply again and potentially qualify for better ratings. Insurance underwriting isn’t a one-time opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get life insurance if I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a child?
Yes, but you’ll likely face higher table ratings than someone diagnosed later in life. Insurance companies view childhood diagnosis as higher risk because it means decades of insulin dependence and longer exposure to potential complications. Your current health management matters most. If you’ve maintained excellent control for many years with no complications, you can still get approved, though your specific rating will depend on the carrier and your complete health profile.
Will using an insulin pump affect my life insurance rates?
Using an insulin pump typically doesn’t hurt your application and may actually help. Insurance companies see pump use as a sign that you’re invested in good diabetes management. What matters is your outcomes—your A1c levels, whether you have complications, and how stable your control is. The method you use to deliver insulin (pump, pens, or syringes) is less important than the results you’re achieving.
How long after diagnosis should I wait to apply for life insurance?
Most insurance companies want to see at least 1-2 years of stable diabetes management before they’ll consider your application. The first year after diagnosis is usually too volatile—you’re still learning how to manage the condition and your A1c results may fluctuate. After 2-3 years with consistent control and no major complications, you’re a much better candidate for approval.
What A1c level do I need to qualify for life insurance?
Most insurance companies look for an A1c below 8% to consider approval, and ideally below 7% for better rates. An A1c consistently around 6.5-7% over the past 2-3 years gives you the best chance at more favorable table ratings. Above 8%, some companies will decline you while others will offer higher table ratings. Each carrier has different thresholds and guidelines. Consistency matters too—steady A1c results in the 7-7.5% range look better than wild swings between 6% and 9%.
Can I get life insurance if I’ve had diabetic complications?
It depends on the severity of the complications. Minor early-stage issues like beginning retinopathy might bump you to a higher table rating but won’t necessarily disqualify you. More serious complications like advanced kidney disease, previous stroke, or significant heart problems will likely result in declines from traditional life insurance companies. In those cases, guaranteed issue or graded benefit policies may be your best options.
How much more expensive is life insurance for Type 1 diabetics?
Type 1 diabetics typically pay substantially higher premiums than someone without diabetes for the same coverage. The exact increase varies widely by carrier and can range from 100% to 300% or more of standard rates, depending on your health profile, table rating, and the specific insurance company. Well-managed cases with no complications generally receive more favorable pricing within that range.
Should I apply for life insurance on my own or use a broker?
Use a broker who specializes in high-risk life insurance cases. Different insurance companies have very different underwriting guidelines for Type 1 diabetes, and a broker knows which carriers are most likely to approve you at the best rating. If you apply directly to one company and get declined, that decline gets reported and makes it harder to get coverage elsewhere. A broker can informally shop your case to find the right fit before formally applying.
Key Takeaways
- Type 1 diabetics can get life insurance but should expect table ratings that increase premiums substantially compared to standard rates
- Your A1c level is the most critical factor, with results below 7% significantly improving approval odds and ratings
- Age at diagnosis matters to insurers, with later diagnosis typically viewed more favorably than childhood diagnosis
- Well-managed Type 1 diabetes with no complications may qualify for more favorable ratings from certain carriers
- Insurance companies want to see at least 1-2 years of stable control before they’ll consider your application
- Shopping your application through a broker who specializes in high-risk cases is critical for getting the best rates
- Different insurance companies have very different underwriting guidelines, so don’t let one decline discourage you from applying elsewhere
Ready to explore your life insurance options with Type 1 diabetes? Our experienced agents specialize in high-risk cases and know which carriers offer the best rates for your specific situation.
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