Can Diabetics Get Life Insurance? A Broker's Honest Guide

One of the most common questions I hear from clients is: "I have diabetes — can I even get life insurance?"

The short answer is yes, almost always. But the longer answer — which is what actually matters — is that who you apply to makes an enormous difference in whether you get approved, what rate class you receive, and how much you pay each month.

After 40+ years placing policies for clients with pre-existing conditions, I've seen the same person get declined at one carrier and offered standard rates at another. Here's what you need to know.

How Underwriters View Diabetes

Life insurance underwriters evaluate diabetes the same way a doctor would — by looking at how well-controlled it is and whether complications have developed. The key factors they examine:

• Type 1 vs. Type 2: Type 1 is typically viewed as higher risk because it develops earlier and is harder to manage. Type 2, especially diet-controlled or well-managed with medication, is often rated much more favorably.
• A1C levels: An A1C under 7.5 is generally favorable for underwriting. Above 9—10 starts triggering substandard ratings or declines at some carriers.
• Time since diagnosis: A recent diagnosis with no established track record is viewed differently than a 10-year history of stable management.
• Complications: Neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney involvement, or a history of diabetic emergencies will affect rates. No complications = much better picture.
• Other health factors: Weight, blood pressure, and cardiovascular history all interact with the diabetes picture.

What Rate Class Can a Diabetic Expect?

This varies significantly by carrier and individual profile, but here's a general framework:

• Well-controlled Type 2, no complications, diagnosed 5+ years ago: Standard or even Standard Plus rates at many carriers. You may pay the same as someone without diabetes.
• Poorly controlled Type 2 or recent diagnosis: Substandard (table-rated) policy — still approved, but at a higher premium. Often 25—100% above standard rates.
• Type 1 diabetes, well-managed, no complications: Typically substandard (table 2—4) at most carriers, sometimes better at specialty carriers.
• Type 1 with complications or very poor control: Decline at most traditional carriers, but simplified issue or guaranteed issue burial insurance is almost always an option.

Why Carrier Selection Is Everything

This is where working with an independent broker versus going directly to one company makes a concrete financial difference. I've seen scenarios like this regularly:

A 58-year-old male with Type 2 diabetes, A1C of 7.8, diagnosed 8 years ago, no complications. Carrier A tables him at Table 4 (standard rates + 100%). Carrier B offers him Standard rates. Same person, same health, 50% difference in premium.

Each carrier has their own underwriting manual, and some specialize in or are simply more generous with specific conditions. I know which carriers are currently favorable for diabetics because I submit policies every week. An online quote engine doesn't know this — it gives you a preliminary estimate that often changes dramatically at the underwriting stage.

Burial Insurance as a Fallback — or a First Choice

If traditional term or whole life isn't feasible, burial insurance for diabetics is an excellent option. Most burial insurance policies are simplified issue — they ask health questions but don't require a medical exam — and some carriers have very lenient diabetes underwriting.

Guaranteed issue policies accept anyone in the eligible age range (usually 45—85) with no health questions at all. The tradeoff is a 2-year graded benefit and higher premiums per dollar of coverage. But it gets coverage in place.

For seniors with diabetes who primarily need to cover funeral costs and final bills, a $10,000—$20,000 burial policy is often the most practical and affordable answer.

What to Do Before You Apply

1. Get your A1C checked recently. A current A1C is the most important number in diabetes underwriting. If it's improved since your last test, get updated numbers before applying.
2. Have your medication list handy. Carriers pull prescription records (via MIB/IntelliScript), so any gaps between what you report and what's in the database triggers questions. Be thorough.
3. Don't apply blind. A declined application stays in the MIB database for up to 7 years and can complicate future applications. Apply only where you've been pre-qualified.
4. Call me first. I'll ask the right questions, tell you honestly what to expect, and submit your application only to the carrier most likely to give you the best outcome.

Bottom Line

Diabetes does not disqualify you from life insurance. In most cases — especially Type 2 — you can get approved at competitive rates. The key is matching your specific health profile to the right carrier, which is exactly what an independent broker exists to do.

Call me directly at 877-571-1980 or use the quote form below. I'll give you a straight answer about what's realistic before you ever fill out a formal application.

— Curtis Drake, NPN: 1141954, Multi-state licensed