Living with diabetes doesn’t mean life insurance is out of reach.
In fact, thanks to medical advancements and more flexible underwriting, many life insurance companies now offer affordable coverage for people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes — without punishing premiums or flat-out denials.
But here’s the thing: not all companies treat diabetic applicants the same.
So let’s break down:
- What insurance companies look for
- What kind of policies you can qualify for
- And which insurers are truly the best for people with diabetes
🧠 Can Diabetics Qualify for Life Insurance?
✅ Yes — and often at great rates.
However, your type of diabetes, age at diagnosis, medication, and overall health will affect:
- What policies you qualify for
- How much coverage you can get
- What you’ll pay per month
In general:
- Type 2 diabetics with good control = better rates
- Type 1 diabetics may still qualify, but with higher premiums
- No-exam or guaranteed issue policies are great fallback options
🔍 What Do Insurance Companies Look At?
When reviewing a diabetic applicant, companies will ask:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Type of diabetes | Type 1, Type 2, or gestational? |
| Age of diagnosis | Earlier diagnosis = potentially higher risk |
| A1C levels | Shows your blood sugar control (under 7 is ideal) |
| Medications | Pills vs. insulin vs. pumps |
| Complications | History of kidney, eye, or nerve issues? |
| Weight/BMI | Overall health indicator |
| Other conditions | High blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking? |
📌 The better your control, the better your rate.
🏆 Best Life Insurance Companies for Diabetics
Here are the top 5 insurers consistently rated best for diabetic applicants in 2025:
1. Mutual of Omaha
- 🔹 Great for: Type 2 diabetics over 45
- 🔹 Policies: Term, whole life, final expense
- 🔹 No-exam options available
- 🔹 Accepts higher A1C levels than competitors
✅ Why it’s great: Fast approval, flexible underwriting, and solid pricing even for insulin users.
2. John Hancock
- 🔹 Great for: Type 1 and Type 2 with good control
- 🔹 Policies: Term + permanent options
- 🔹 Vitality Program = discounts for healthy lifestyle
- 🔹 Tech-friendly: Offers Apple Watch health tracking integration
✅ Why it’s great: Actively rewards people who manage their health — diabetics can qualify for Preferred rates if managed well.
3. Banner Life (Legal & General)
- 🔹 Great for: Younger diabetics with good records
- 🔹 Policies: Competitive term life pricing
- 🔹 A+ financial rating
- 🔹 Fast underwriting, sometimes instant
✅ Why it’s great: One of the few companies offering low rates for younger diabetic applicants with stable control.
4. Prudential
- 🔹 Great for: Type 1 diabetics over 30 with no complications
- 🔹 Policies: Term, whole, and IULs
- 🔹 Flexible with A1C up to 8.5
- 🔹 Doesn’t automatically decline for insulin use
✅ Why it’s great: More lenient underwriting for chronic conditions. Solid pick for Type 1 applicants who are otherwise healthy.
5. Americo
- 🔹 Great for: Final expense coverage
- 🔹 Policies: Whole life with no medical exam
- 🔹 Accepts many diabetics with complications
- 🔹 Available ages 50–85
✅ Why it’s great: Easy, fast, no-exam coverage — especially useful for seniors or those who’ve been denied elsewhere.
🧾 Real-Life Example:
Sarah is 52 and has had Type 2 diabetes for 12 years. She uses Metformin and has an A1C of 6.8.
- Mutual of Omaha approved her for a $100,000 term life policy
- No medical exam
- $42/month premium
💡 Because her condition is well managed and she doesn’t have complications, she qualified with no delays and no surprises.
🧠 What Type of Policy Should Diabetics Choose?
✅ Term Life Insurance
- Best for most diabetics
- Affordable and flexible
- Covers 10–30 years
- Available with or without a medical exam
✅ Whole Life Insurance
- Fixed premiums + guaranteed coverage
- Great for people who want lifetime coverage
- Builds cash value
- Smaller policies often easier to qualify for
✅ Guaranteed Issue (No-Exam)
- No health questions
- Everyone approved
- Perfect for seniors or those with complications
- Limited coverage ($5,000–$25,000)
💰 How Much Does Life Insurance Cost If You’re Diabetic?
| Age | Type | Monthly Cost (Estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | Term | $25–$45 |
| 45 | Term | $40–$70 |
| 55 | Whole | $75–$150 |
| 65 | Final Expense | $40–$90 |
Rates vary based on A1C, medication, and overall health.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Don’t hide your condition — insurers check medical records.
🚫 Don’t skip life insurance just because of a past denial — there are still options.
🚫 Don’t assume every company treats diabetics the same — they absolutely don’t.
✅ Final Thoughts
If you’re living with diabetes, getting life insurance may take a little extra effort — but it’s absolutely possible.
The key is to:
- Choose the right company
- Stay honest on your application
- Work with an agent who understands diabetic underwriting
There’s no reason to wait — your family deserves peace of mind, and you deserve coverage that respects your effort to manage your health.
Want to compare quotes from diabetic-friendly life insurance providers now?
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