Can I Get Life Insurance If I Have Diabetes?

Securing life insurance can seem challenging for individuals with diabetes, who may wonder if their health condition disqualifies them from coverage. It is generally possible to obtain life insurance with diabetes, though the process involves a detailed assessment of an applicant’s health and condition management. Insurers focus on understanding an individual’s health profile to determine appropriate policy terms.

Eligibility and Assessment Factors

Life insurance companies evaluate several factors to assess the risk of insuring an individual with diabetes. The type of diabetes plays a role, with Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational diabetes each viewed differently. Type 2 diabetes often allows for more favorable rates compared to Type 1, which insurers classify as a higher risk due to management complexities.

A primary metric for assessing diabetes management is the A1C level, which indicates average blood sugar over the past three months. An A1C below 7.0 is often considered well-controlled, potentially leading to better policy rates, with some insurers offering standard rates for A1C levels up to 7.5 if other health factors are excellent. Conversely, an A1C over 8.0 may indicate less controlled diabetes, potentially resulting in higher premiums or even denial of traditional coverage, though some companies may still offer options for A1C readings as high as 9.0 or even 12.0.

The duration of the diabetes diagnosis is also a significant factor, as longer durations can increase the likelihood of complications. Insurers also consider the presence and severity of any diabetes-related complications, such as neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, or cardiovascular issues, which can substantially affect eligibility and premium rates. Co-existing health conditions like high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, weight, and smoking status are additionally factored into the overall risk assessment. Lifestyle elements, including adherence to treatment plans, diet, and exercise habits, demonstrate an applicant’s commitment to managing their health.

The Application and Underwriting Process

Applying for life insurance with diabetes involves a structured process designed to gather comprehensive health information. The initial step typically includes completing a standard application form, which requests basic personal and financial details. This is followed by a medical questionnaire specifically tailored to individuals with diabetes, asking detailed questions about their diagnosis date, current medications, recent A1C levels, and healthcare providers. Applicants should have this information readily available to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

A medical examination is a routine part of the underwriting process for traditional policies. This exam, typically conducted by a paramedical professional at a convenient location, includes measuring height, weight, and blood pressure. Blood and urine samples are also collected during this examination. These samples are analyzed for various health markers, including A1C, glucose, cholesterol, and kidney and liver function, providing insurers with a current snapshot of the applicant’s health.

Insurers will likely request medical records directly from the applicant’s physicians. This step allows the underwriting department to verify the information provided in the application and medical exam, offering a complete picture of the individual’s health history and consistency in managing their diabetes. The underwriting team then reviews all collected data—the application, medical exam results, and medical records—to assess the overall risk profile. This comprehensive review determines the applicant’s risk classification and the premium amount for the policy.

Understanding Policy Offers and Options

Upon completion of the underwriting process, applicants receive a policy offer, which includes a risk classification that directly influences the premium rates. Life insurance companies use various risk classifications, such as Preferred, Standard, and Substandard (also known as “Rated” or “Table Rated”), to categorize applicants based on their health and risk level. Individuals with diabetes often fall into the Standard or Substandard categories, reflecting the increased risk associated with the condition. A “rated” policy means an additional percentage is added to the standard premium, with specific table ratings indicating the exact increase (e.g., Table 1/A might mean a 25% increase).

The assigned risk classification is the primary determinant of the policy’s cost. A more favorable classification, such as Standard, results in lower premiums compared to a Substandard rating. The type of life insurance policy offered may also vary. While term life insurance and whole life insurance are generally available, individuals with diabetes might find that certain policy structures or features are more accessible or better suited to their needs. Term life policies, for instance, might be more readily available, offering coverage for a specific period.

For those who may not qualify for traditional fully underwritten policies due to more complex health profiles, alternative options exist. Guaranteed issue policies are available without a medical exam or health questions, offering guaranteed acceptance regardless of health status. However, these policies typically come with higher premiums, lower coverage limits, and often include a waiting period, such as two years, before the full death benefit is payable. Simplified issue policies represent another alternative, requiring a health questionnaire but no medical exam, potentially offering a middle ground between fully underwritten and guaranteed issue options. It is important to carefully review any policy offer to understand its terms, coverage limits, and premium structure.