Life Insurance
for Diabetics (2026)
Having diabetes doesn't disqualify you from life insurance. It just means you need to know which carriers to approach and what they're looking for. Here's the complete picture.
🩺 The Bottom Line (Evidence-Based)
- Well-controlled Type 2 diabetics (A1C <7) frequently qualify for standard rates — the same as non-diabetics.
- Type 1 diabetics have more options than ever — underwriting has improved dramatically in the past decade.
- A1C is the single most important number in your application.
- No-exam policies are often the fastest and most predictable path for diabetics.
How Insurers Underwrite Diabetes
Life insurers evaluate diabetic applicants on a range of factors — not just whether you have diabetes. Understanding these factors helps you apply to the right carrier and present yourself as favorably as possible.
The primary underwriting metric. A1C below 7.0 → strong. 7-8 → moderate. Above 8 → challenging. Many carriers require the last 2 readings.
Type 2 with diet/oral medication control typically gets better rates than Type 1 or insulin-dependent Type 2. Type 1 has improved significantly — 10-15 years ago many carriers refused it outright.
No complications → best rates. Early neuropathy or background retinopathy → manageable. Kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, advanced retinopathy → significant impact.
Longer diagnosis with stable or improving control is often viewed more favorably than a new diagnosis with unknown trajectory.
Diagnosed before age 40 generally indicates higher lifetime risk. Later-onset Type 2 with rapid control is viewed more favorably.
Carriers look at overall health. Active lifestyle, healthy weight range, and no tobacco use improve your classification even with diabetes.
Sample Monthly Rates — Diabetic Profiles (2026)
$500,000 term life, 20-year term. Estimates based on carrier underwriting guidelines. Actual rates vary.
| Applicant Profile | Monthly Premium | Best Carriers | Rate Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2, well-controlled (A1C <7), age 40, non-smoker | $28–$45 | Ethos, Bestow, Banner Life | Standard/Preferred |
| Type 2, moderate control (A1C 7-8), age 40, non-smoker | $45–$75 | Principal, Lincoln National | Standard |
| Type 2, poorly controlled (A1C >9), age 40 | $90–$150+ | Mutual of Omaha, Transamerica | Substandard |
| Type 1, well-controlled, age 35, no complications | $55–$90 | Principal, Protective Life | Standard |
| Type 1 or 2, complications present | Varies significantly | Simplified issue recommended | Case-by-case |
Type 1 vs Type 2: What's the Difference in Underwriting?
Type 2 Diabetes
- More insurers available
- Diet-controlled → often standard rates
- Oral medication → slightly higher premiums
- Insulin-dependent → substandard but insurable
- Many no-exam options available
Type 1 Diabetes
- Fewer carriers, but options exist
- Well-controlled A1C critical
- Principal, Protective, and Banner are top options
- No-exam available at some carriers
- Technology like CGM viewed positively by some underwriters
Frequently Asked Questions
Can diabetics get life insurance?
Yes — absolutely. Life insurance is available to people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The key variables are how well-controlled your diabetes is (measured by A1C), your age, whether you have complications, and how long you've had the condition. Well-controlled diabetics often qualify for standard rates.
What A1C level do I need to get good rates?
An A1C below 7.0 is generally considered well-controlled and allows access to standard or even preferred plus rates at some carriers. A1C between 7-8 gets standard rates at most insurers. Above 8 typically results in substandard ratings with higher premiums. Above 9 limits options significantly and may require simplified or guaranteed issue.
Is there a waiting period for diabetics?
For fully underwritten policies, there is no waiting period — if you're approved, coverage starts immediately. For guaranteed issue policies (no health questions), there is typically a 2-year waiting period for natural causes of death. Simplified issue policies with just a few health questions usually have no waiting period.
Which carriers are best for diabetics?
Principal Life, Protective Life, and Lincoln National tend to have the most favorable underwriting for well-controlled diabetes. For no-exam options, Ethos and Bestow have diabetic-friendly approval algorithms. Work with a broker or use our comparison tool for personalized results.
Does insulin use affect my rates?
It can. Type 2 diabetics using insulin are rated differently than those managing with diet/exercise or oral medications. Insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetics typically fall into a substandard category but can still get coverage. Type 1 insulin dependence is treated separately and has improved significantly in underwriting over the past decade.
What complications disqualify you from life insurance?
Few complications outright disqualify you — they just affect your classification and premium. Peripheral neuropathy, background retinopathy, and stable kidney disease can still get coverage. Advanced complications like kidney failure, proliferative retinopathy, or recent cardiovascular events make underwritten policies harder; guaranteed issue becomes the most realistic path.
Explore no-exam options for diabetics.
Many no-exam carriers have diabetic-friendly approval algorithms. See how they compare.
See No-Exam Options →