Life Insurance with Diabetes: Rates, Options, and Tips for Approval

Can You Get Life Insurance with Diabetes?

Yes. More than 38 million Americans live with diabetes, and the vast majority can qualify for life insurance. A diabetes diagnosis changes the underwriting process and often increases premiums, but it does not shut the door. Whether you have Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes, there are policies available ranging from fully underwritten term and whole life to no-exam life insurance and guaranteed issue policies.

The key factor is not the diagnosis itself but how well you manage it. Insurers evaluate your A1C levels, medications, complications, and overall health to determine your risk classification and premium. A well-controlled diabetic with strong health metrics can secure coverage at standard or even preferred rates, while uncontrolled diabetes with complications may require specialized carriers or alternative policy types.

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes: How Underwriting Differs

Insurers treat Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes very differently because the conditions carry different risk profiles, onset patterns, and long-term health implications.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition typically diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood. Because it requires lifelong insulin dependence and carries a longer duration of disease exposure, underwriters treat it more conservatively. Most applicants with Type 1 diabetes can expect Standard to Table 2 ratings at best, even with excellent control. The longer you have lived with Type 1 without complications, the more favorably insurers view your application. A 35-year-old diagnosed at age 10 with 25 years of clean management and an A1C below 7.0 is a much stronger candidate than someone with the same diagnosis who has developed retinopathy or nephropathy.

Fewer carriers underwrite Type 1 diabetes aggressively, which makes shopping through an independent agent especially important. Some companies specialize in insulin-dependent applicants and offer significantly better rates than generalist insurers.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is far more common, accounting for 90% to 95% of all diabetes cases. Because it typically develops later in life and can often be managed with oral medications, diet, and exercise, insurers are generally more lenient. Well-controlled Type 2 diabetes with an A1C below 7.0, no complications, and management through oral medications or lifestyle changes alone can qualify for Standard and occasionally Preferred rates. The diagnosis age matters as well: a Type 2 diagnosis at age 55 is viewed more favorably than one at age 30, because early-onset Type 2 suggests a longer period of metabolic dysfunction and higher lifetime complication risk.

If your Type 2 diabetes has progressed to insulin dependence, underwriting tightens. Insulin-dependent Type 2 applicants are typically rated between Standard and Table 4, depending on overall control and complications. However, insulin use alone is not an automatic disqualifier for competitive rates at diabetes-friendly carriers.

What Insurers Look at When You Have Diabetes

Underwriters do not make a blanket decision based on a diabetes diagnosis. They dig into the specifics. Understanding what they evaluate helps you prepare a stronger application and set realistic expectations.

• A1C levels. This is the single most important metric. A1C measures your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. Below 7.0 is the target for most insurers to offer Standard rates. Between 7.0 and 8.0 typically results in substandard ratings. Above 8.0 signals poor control and leads to Table 4 or higher ratings, limited coverage options, or decline.
• Medications and treatment. Insurers want to know whether you manage with diet and exercise alone, oral medications like metformin, or insulin injections. Diet-controlled Type 2 gets the best rates. Oral medications are viewed favorably. Insulin use raises rates but is not a disqualifier. The number of medications and whether dosages have been increasing or stable also matters.
• Complications. Diabetes-related complications dramatically affect underwriting. Retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, and cardiovascular disease are red flags that push ratings higher or trigger declines. The absence of complications after years of living with diabetes is a strong positive signal to underwriters.
• Age at diagnosis. Earlier diagnosis means longer disease duration and more cumulative risk. Type 1 diagnosed in childhood carries more underwriting weight than Type 2 diagnosed at 60. However, decades of complication-free management can offset early diagnosis.
• Height, weight, and BMI. Obesity compounds diabetes risk. A BMI over 30 combined with diabetes nearly always results in substandard ratings. Conversely, maintaining a healthy weight with diabetes is a strong positive factor.
• Other health factors. Blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney function, tobacco use, and family history all interact with the diabetes evaluation. A diabetic applicant with controlled blood pressure and good cholesterol looks very different from one with hypertension and high LDL.

Rating Classes Explained: What Diabetic Applicants Can Expect

Your risk classification determines your premium. Here is how the rating system works and where diabetic applicants typically land. For a deeper dive into how these ratings affect life insurance costs, see our detailed cost guide.

• Preferred Plus. Not available for diabetic applicants at any carrier. This class requires no significant medical history.
• Preferred. Rare but possible for well-controlled Type 2 diabetes managed with diet alone or a single oral medication, A1C below 6.5, no complications, healthy weight, and diagnosed after age 50. Very few carriers offer this.
• Standard. The best realistic outcome for most diabetics. Requires A1C below 7.0, no complications, stable medications, healthy BMI, good blood pressure and cholesterol, and at least 12 months of documented control. Available for both Type 1 and Type 2 at diabetes-friendly carriers.
• Substandard / Table Ratings. Where most diabetic applicants land. Table ratings add 25% per table to the standard rate. Table 2 (50% above standard) is common for well-managed Type 1 or Type 2 with moderately elevated A1C. Table 4 (100% above standard) applies to insulin-dependent applicants with A1C between 7.5 and 8.5 or mild complications. Table 6 to Table 8 applies to poorly controlled diabetes with complications.
• Decline. Applicants with A1C above 10, recent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) hospitalization, advanced kidney disease, or multiple severe complications may be declined for traditional coverage. These applicants should pursue no-exam or guaranteed issue options.

Which Life Insurance Companies Are Diabetes-Friendly?

Not all insurers underwrite diabetes the same way. Some have liberal guidelines that allow Standard ratings for well-controlled diabetes, while others automatically apply table ratings or decline insulin-dependent applicants. The differences can mean hundreds of dollars per year in premium savings.

Several carriers have earned reputations as diabetes-friendly. Prudential is known for competitive rates on well-controlled Type 2 diabetes and will consider Standard rates with A1C below 7.0. John Hancock offers favorable underwriting for both Type 1 and Type 2, including applicants using insulin, and factors in fitness and wellness data through its Vitality program. Mutual of Omaha is receptive to insulin-dependent applicants and looks holistically at overall health rather than focusing solely on the diabetes diagnosis. Lincoln Financial tends to be lenient with Type 2 applicants on oral medications. Protective Life offers competitive term rates for diabetics with clean health histories beyond their diabetes.

The important takeaway is that carrier selection matters as much as your health profile. An independent agent who specializes in impaired risk cases can informally shop your profile across dozens of carriers before submitting a formal application. This avoids unnecessary declines that would appear in the MIB database and potentially hurt future applications.

How Much Does Life Insurance Cost with Diabetes?

Diabetes increases life insurance premiums, but the amount depends on your diabetes type, control level, and overall health. Here are approximate monthly costs for a $500,000, 20-year term policy to illustrate the diabetes surcharge at different rating levels.

For a 40-year-old male nonsmoker: Standard rates (no diabetes) run approximately $30 to $35 per month. With well-controlled Type 2 diabetes at Standard, expect $50 to $65 per month. At Table 2, premiums rise to $75 to $95 per month. At Table 4, costs reach $100 to $130 per month. With Type 1 diabetes at Standard, premiums are approximately $65 to $85 per month, and at Table 2 they climb to $95 to $120 per month.

For a 50-year-old male nonsmoker: Standard rates without diabetes run approximately $65 to $80 per month. Well-controlled Type 2 at Standard costs $100 to $130 per month. At Table 2, premiums reach $150 to $190 per month. At Table 4, expect $200 to $260 per month. These figures demonstrate why optimizing your health before applying can save thousands of dollars over the life of a policy.

Smoking combined with diabetes is the most expensive scenario. Diabetic smokers face premiums three to five times higher than standard nonsmoker rates because both conditions compound cardiovascular risk. Quitting smoking for at least 12 months before applying is one of the most impactful steps a diabetic applicant can take.

No-Exam Life Insurance for Diabetics

No-exam life insurance eliminates the paramedical exam and relies on health questionnaires, prescription databases, and medical records. For diabetic applicants, no-exam policies offer several advantages. There is no blood draw that reveals your exact A1C at the time of application. Approval is faster, often within days rather than weeks. And some no-exam carriers have more lenient diabetes guidelines than fully underwritten carriers.

The trade-offs are higher base premiums (typically 15% to 30% more than fully underwritten) and lower coverage limits, usually capping at $500,000 to $1,000,000. However, for a diabetic who might receive a Table 4 rating on a fully underwritten policy, a no-exam policy at its base rate could actually be cheaper. This is where comparing both pathways side by side is essential.

Simplified issue no-exam policies ask health questions but skip the exam. You will still need to disclose your diabetes, medications, and complications. Accelerated underwriting no-exam policies use data analytics, prescription history, and driving records to make a decision, and some of these programs are surprisingly competitive for diabetics with clean prescription histories and no complications.

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance: The Last Resort

If you have been declined by multiple carriers or have severe uncontrolled diabetes with complications, guaranteed issue life insurance is always available. These policies accept everyone regardless of health, with no medical questions and no exam. You simply need to meet the age requirements, typically 50 to 85.

The limitations are significant. Coverage caps at $5,000 to $25,000, premiums are the highest per dollar of coverage of any life insurance type, and a graded death benefit means only a return of premiums plus interest is paid if you die of natural causes within the first two to three years. After the waiting period, the full death benefit applies. Guaranteed issue should be considered only after exhausting simplified issue, no-exam, and fully underwritten options. However, it serves an important role for diabetics with advanced complications who need at least some coverage for final expenses and immediate family needs.

How to Improve Your Chances of Approval and Better Rates

The difference between a Table 4 rating and a Standard rating on a $500,000 policy can exceed $15,000 in total premiums over 20 years. These strategies can help you qualify for a better classification.

• Lower your A1C before applying. Since A1C is the primary metric, getting it below 7.0 is the single most impactful step. Work with your endocrinologist to optimize medication, diet, and exercise. Maintain the improved level for at least six months before applying so it reflects in your medical records.
• Document your management consistently. Keep regular appointments with your doctor. Underwriters want to see a consistent record of quarterly or biannual checkups, regular A1C testing, and medication compliance. Gaps in medical records raise red flags.
• Optimize related health markers. Control your blood pressure (below 140/90, ideally below 130/80), lower LDL cholesterol, maintain a healthy BMI, and quit smoking. Insurers evaluate diabetes in the context of your total cardiovascular risk profile.
• Get a letter from your doctor. An attending physician statement that emphasizes your compliance, stable control, and absence of complications can positively influence the underwriter. Ask your doctor to specifically note your A1C trend, medication adherence, and any preventive screenings you have completed.
• Time your application strategically. Do not apply right after a medication change, a spike in A1C, or a diabetes-related health event. Wait until your metrics have stabilized at their best levels for at least six to twelve months.
• Work with an independent agent. An agent who specializes in impaired risk underwriting knows which carriers are most favorable for your specific diabetes profile. They can submit informal inquiries to multiple companies before a formal application, protecting your MIB record from unnecessary declines.
• Review your medical records for errors. Request copies of your records before applying. Incorrect A1C readings, misrecorded complications, or outdated medication lists can trigger worse ratings. Correct any errors with your provider before the insurer pulls your records.

Policy Types Available to Diabetic Applicants

Diabetics have access to most life insurance product types, though premiums and availability vary. Understanding your options helps you choose the right coverage for your situation and budget. For a broader look at coverage with health conditions, see our guide on life insurance with pre-existing conditions.

• Term life insurance. The most affordable option for diabetics who need substantial coverage. Ten-, 20-, and 30-year terms are available. Coverage amounts up to $1,000,000 or more are possible at Standard or substandard ratings. This is the best choice for protecting a mortgage, replacing income, or covering children's education costs.
• Whole life insurance. Provides permanent coverage with a cash value component. Premiums are higher but locked in for life. A good option for diabetics who want coverage that cannot expire, particularly if health is expected to decline over time.
• Universal life insurance. Offers flexible premiums and death benefits within a permanent framework. Useful for diabetics whose financial needs may change over time. Guaranteed universal life provides permanent coverage at lower cost than whole life.
• Group life insurance. Employer-sponsored coverage typically requires no health questions during initial enrollment. This provides a guaranteed baseline of one to two times your salary. Use group coverage as a foundation but not as your sole source, since it ends when you leave your job.

The Application Process: What to Expect

Applying for life insurance with diabetes follows a predictable process, but it takes longer than a standard application because underwriters need additional information to evaluate your risk.

First, you complete the application with detailed health history including your diabetes type, diagnosis date, current A1C, medications, and any complications. If the policy is fully underwritten, a paramedical examiner visits your home or office for blood work, urine sample, blood pressure, and height and weight measurements. The insurer then requests your attending physician statement and prescription drug history. An underwriter reviews all data, assigns a risk classification, and issues an offer with your premium rate. The entire process takes four to eight weeks for fully underwritten policies.

For exam day, schedule it in the morning when blood sugar and blood pressure are typically at their lowest. Take your medications as prescribed, as skipping them could result in higher readings. Avoid heavy meals, alcohol, and caffeine beforehand. Fast for at least eight to twelve hours if blood work is involved. Most importantly, be completely honest on the application. Insurers verify everything through medical records and prescription databases, and misrepresentation can void your policy during the two-year contestability period.

The Bottom Line

Diabetes is one of the most commonly underwritten conditions in the life insurance industry, and carriers have decades of mortality data to price it accurately. This means there is a well-established pathway to coverage for nearly every diabetic applicant. Well-controlled Type 2 diabetes can qualify for Standard rates at diabetes-friendly carriers. Type 1 applicants have fewer options but can still secure meaningful coverage at reasonable substandard rates. No-exam and simplified issue policies provide alternatives when fully underwritten coverage is too expensive or unavailable. Guaranteed issue serves as the safety net of last resort.

The most important steps you can take are optimizing your A1C, documenting your management consistently, working with an independent agent who specializes in impaired risk cases, and shopping multiple carriers to find the most favorable rating. The cost of waiting is real. Every year you delay, premiums increase due to age, and the risk of developing complications grows. If you have diabetes and no life insurance, the best time to apply is as soon as your health metrics are at their strongest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get life insurance if I take insulin? Yes. Insulin use does not disqualify you from life insurance. Many carriers offer coverage to insulin-dependent applicants, though premiums will be higher than for those managing with oral medications alone. The key factors are your A1C level, how long you have used insulin, whether your dosage is stable, and whether you have developed complications. Expect Standard to Table 4 ratings at diabetes-friendly carriers, depending on overall control.

What A1C level do I need for life insurance approval? Most insurers want to see an A1C below 7.0 for Standard rates. Between 7.0 and 8.0 typically results in substandard or table ratings. Above 8.0 significantly limits your options and may result in decline from traditional carriers. Some diabetes-friendly carriers will consider applicants with A1C up to 8.5 at higher table ratings. Above 10.0 generally requires guaranteed issue coverage.

Will my life insurance premiums decrease if my diabetes improves? Some insurers allow reconsideration after one to two years if your A1C has dropped significantly or if you have lost weight and improved overall health. You can request a rate class upgrade from your existing carrier. Alternatively, you can apply for a new policy at a better rate, though this restarts the two-year contestability period. If your Type 2 diabetes goes into remission through weight loss or lifestyle changes, some carriers may even remove the diabetes rating entirely.

Do I have to disclose my diabetes on a life insurance application? Absolutely. Failing to disclose diabetes is misrepresentation and can result in a denied claim. Insurers verify health information through medical records, prescription drug databases, and the Medical Information Bureau. Even if you skip the exam, your prescription history for metformin, insulin, or other diabetes medications will appear in database checks. Honesty protects your beneficiaries and ensures your claim will be paid.

Is term or whole life insurance better for someone with diabetes? It depends on your goals and budget. Term life insurance is more affordable and provides the highest coverage amount per premium dollar, making it ideal for temporary needs like mortgage protection or income replacement during working years. Whole life insurance costs more but provides permanent coverage that cannot expire regardless of future health changes. For diabetics concerned about becoming uninsurable later due to complications, locking in a whole life policy while health is manageable has strategic value.

How long after a diabetes diagnosis should I wait to apply? For Type 2 diabetes, most carriers want at least six to twelve months of documented control with stable A1C levels and consistent medication before they will offer competitive rates. Applying immediately after diagnosis often results in higher ratings because there is no track record of management. For Type 1 diabetes, there is no waiting period per se, but having several years of documented control without complications strengthens your application significantly.

Can gestational diabetes affect my life insurance rates? Gestational diabetes that resolves after pregnancy typically does not affect life insurance rates. Most insurers treat it as a temporary condition and underwrite you normally once blood sugar returns to non-diabetic levels. However, you should disclose it on your application, and the underwriter may want to see a follow-up glucose test confirming resolution. If gestational diabetes later develops into Type 2, it is underwritten as Type 2 diabetes.

What happens if I am denied life insurance because of my diabetes? A denial is not the end. First, request the specific reason for denial and review it for accuracy. Then try a different carrier, as underwriting guidelines vary significantly. Consider a no-exam or simplified issue policy that may accept you without detailed lab results. If all traditional options are exhausted, guaranteed issue life insurance is available with no health questions. You can also wait six to twelve months, improve your health metrics, and reapply. An independent agent specializing in impaired risk cases can guide you to the most receptive carriers.