Life Insurance for Diabetics: Explore Everything You Need to Know to Get the Best Rates in [2026]
If you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you might be wondering if getting affordable life insurance is even possible. The
good news? Yes, most diabetics can qualify—and at surprisingly competitive rates.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to get the best diabetic life insurance, what factors affect your rates, sample prices, and the top companies to consider.
Plus, you’ll get expert tips from a 30 year veteran independent agent who has helped hundreds of people with diabetes get the coverage they need.
Table of Contents
Can Diabetics Get Life Insurance?
Yes. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics can qualify for term life, whole life, and guaranteed life insurance policies, depending on their health profile and insurance goals.
Insurance companies assess several factors:
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Type of diabetes (Type 1 vs. Type 2)
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Age at diagnosis
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A1C levels
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Medications and insulin use
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Other health risks, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity
Even with complications, coverage may still be possible, especially when working with an experienced independent agent.
Best Life Insurance Companies for Diabetics
Here are some of the top life insurance companies that offer excellent underwriting for diabetics:
1. Mutual of Omaha
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Known for flexible underwriting and competitive term rates
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Especially good for Type 2 diabetics with well-managed A1C
2. Protective Life
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Offers affordable rates for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
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Strong approval rates for applicants with early diagnoses
3. Banner Life (Legal & General)
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Competitive pricing and strong financial ratings
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Great for younger diabetics or those newly diagnosed
4. Prudential
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One of the most diabetic-friendly insurers
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Often approves cases other carriers decline
5. AIG
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Solid choice for Type 2 diabetics with complications
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Known for lenient build (height/weight) charts
6. John Hancock
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Offers dynamic underwriting programs that reward healthy lifestyles
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Good for tech-savvy applicants with diabetes management tools
7. Pacific Life
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Often used for high face amount policies
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Competitive rates for those managing diabetes through oral meds
Types of Life Insurance Policies for Diabetics
If you’re living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, choosing the right life insurance policy can make all the difference in getting approved and finding a plan that fits your needs and budget.
Here’s a breakdown of the main types of life insurance available to diabetics — along with how each one works and who it’s best suited for.
1. Term Life Insurance
What it is:
Covers you for a specific period (10, 15, 20, or 30 years). If you pass away during the term, your beneficiaries receive the death benefit.
Best for:
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Diabetics in good health
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Those looking for affordable coverage
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People who need coverage for a specific time period (e.g., until kids are grown or mortgage is paid off)
Pros:
✔ Lower premiums
✔ High coverage amounts available
✔ Often includes no-exam options for Type 2 diabetics
Cons:
✘ Expires after term
✘ No cash value component
2. Whole Life Insurance
What it is:
Permanent life insurance that lasts your entire life and builds cash value over time.
Best for:
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Diabetics looking for lifelong coverage
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Those who want a guaranteed death benefit and fixed premiums
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People interested in accumulating cash value
Pros:
✔ Guaranteed coverage for life
✔ Fixed premiums
✔ Builds cash value
Cons:
✘ Higher premiums than term
✘ Less flexibility in design
3. Universal Life Insurance (UL)
What it is:
A flexible type of permanent life insurance. You can adjust the death benefit and premium payments, and the policy also builds based on interest rates.
Best for:
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Diabetics with stable health and higher incomes
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People who want flexibility in their policy
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Individuals interested in tax-deferred cash value growth
Pros:
✔ Flexible premium and death benefit
✔ Can accumulate interest
✔ Lifetime coverage
Cons:
✘ More complex
✘ Can lapse if underfunded
✘ Sensitive to interest rate changes
4. Final Expense Insurance (aka Burial Insurance)
What it is:
A small whole life policy designed to cover funeral costs and other final expenses. Coverage usually ranges from $5,000 to $25,000.
Best for:
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Older diabetics
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People looking for guaranteed lifelong coverage without high premiums
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Applicants wanting easy approval with no medical exam
Pros:
✔ No medical exam
✔ Easy to qualify for
✔ Lifetime coverage
Cons:
✘ Low coverage amounts
✘ Higher cost per $1,000 of coverage compared to term
5. Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
What it is:
A type of final expense policy that requires no medical questions or exam. Approval is guaranteed.
Best for:
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Diabetics who’ve been declined elsewhere
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Those with serious health conditions or complications
Pros:
✔ Guaranteed approval
✔ Lifetime coverage
Cons:
✘ Graded death benefit (no full payout in first 2–3 years unless accidental death)
✘ Higher premiums
✘ Low face amount ($5,000–$25,000)
6. Simplified Issue Life Insurance
What it is:
It is a middle ground between traditional underwriting and guaranteed issue. There is no medical exam, but you must answer health questions.
Best for:
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Diabetics with controlled health conditions
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Those who want faster approval
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People who don’t want to take a medical exam
Pros:
✔ No medical exam
✔ Quicker underwriting
✔ Moderate coverage amounts
Cons:
✘ Possible denial based on health questionnaire
✘ Premiums are higher than traditional fully underwritten policies
Which Type Is Right for You?
| Goal | Best Policy Type |
|---|---|
| Affordable high coverage | Term Life |
| Lifelong protection + cash value | Whole Life |
| Flexibility + permanent coverage | Universal Life |
| Simple, small, permanent policy | Final Expense / Simplified Issue |
| Can’t qualify elsewhere | Guaranteed Issue |
What Health Factors Affect Life Insurance Rates for Diabetics?
When reviewing your application, underwriters will focus on:
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A1C Levels: Target is usually under 7.0%
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Age of Onset: Earlier diagnosis may be seen as higher risk
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Type of Treatment: Oral meds may receive better rates than insulin
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Blood Pressure & Cholesterol: Well-controlled vitals are key
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BMI (Body Mass Index): Weight management matters
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Diabetic Complications: Neuropathy, retinopathy, etc.
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Lifestyle Habits: Smoking, exercise, and diet play a role
- Using Non-Prescribed Drugs: Such as narcotics
Blood Sugar Levels
The life insurance company you happen to be applying with will ask for your most recent A1C, which is an automatic first question. This is an extremely common test that measures your blood sugar levels over the past three months — as well as your average A1C that will cover the last 12 months. I am sure you know about this test which normally all diabetics are concerned about.
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Individuals with type 2 diabetes who adhere to their physician’s treatment protocol and maintain blood sugar levels under 7.5 may be eligible for standard rates.
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Individuals with type 1 diabetes who use less than 50 units of insulin and maintain blood sugar levels under 8 might be eligible for above-standard rates.
Use of Tobacco Products
Life insurance companies charge smokers higher premiums than non-smokers because of smoking’s recognized harmful effects on health.
People living with diabetes who continue to smoke struggle more with maintaining proper glucose control and demonstrate a higher likelihood of developing critical health conditions like cardiovascular disease and strokes.
Having diabetes combined with smoking will always result in elevated life insurance rates. When underwriters see an application for a diabetic that uses tobacco, they know this individual is not trying to preserve good health practices and is a poor risk.
Applicant’s Health Status
When applying for life insurance, you may be required to undergo a medical exam, which is normally standard practice. Additionally, insurers often request medical records from your doctor to better understand how you are managing your diabetes.
The insurance company will inquire about any complications related to your condition, such as diabetic neuropathy, vision impairment, or kidney function issues. If you have multiple health conditions, like diabetes and heart disease, obtaining coverage might be more challenging and costly. However, you still have options available to you.
Tips to Getting the Best Diabetic Life Insurance Rates
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Apply Through an Independent Agent
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They know which companies are best for your profile.
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Keep Your A1C in Check
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Underwriters love stability. Keep your blood sugar levels stable.
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Apply Sooner Rather Than Later
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Don’t wait until you develop complications. Lock in rates early.
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Be Transparent in Your Application
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Honesty Helps Avoid Declines in Advance.
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Avoid Guaranteed Issue Policies Unless Necessary
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Unless you’ve been declined everywhere, guaranteed issue policies cost more and offer limited coverage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a diabetic get term life insurance?
Yes, most people with Type 2 and many with well-managed Type 1 diabetes can qualify for term policies.
Q: Do I need a medical exam?
Some carriers now offer no-exam policies for well-managed diabetics.
Q: What if I was just diagnosed?
It’s still possible! A clean bill of health from your doctor and a plan for managing your diabetes would really help.
Q: Can I be denied life insurance if I have diabetes?
Yes, but it depends on your overall health and which company you apply with. That’s why using an expert agent is critical.
Q: What is the best type of policy for a diabetic?
It depends on your goals. Most diabetics go with term life insurance, but whole life or guaranteed universal life can work for others.
How to Apply for Life Insurance With a Health Condition – YouTube Video
Final Thoughts from Jack Venturi
As an independent insurance agent since 1996, I’ve helped thousands of people with diabetes choose the right policy type and match them with the right insurance carrier.
Every person’s needs and health profile are different. That’s why it’s critical to work with someone who:
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Know which carriers specialize in diabetic underwriting
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Understands each policy type inside and out
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Can tailor a plan that meets your goals and your budget
Contact me today for personalized guidance and a free quote. Find the perfect policy for you — and make life insurance simple again.
All the Best,
Jack Venturi
