If you’ve been told you can’t get life insurance because of diabetes, that’s simply not true. Millions of Americans with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have life insurance. The key is knowing which carriers are diabetes-friendly and how to present your health profile in the best light.

TermHero specializes in finding coverage for people with health conditions. We know which of our 30+ carriers offer the best rates for diabetics – and we’ll shop them all to find yours.

Can Diabetics Get Life Insurance?

Yes. Here’s what carriers consider:

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 is the more common diagnosis, and many carriers offer competitive rates if your diabetes is well-managed. You can qualify for Standard or even Preferred rates if:

  • Your A1C is below 7.0 (under 7.5 with some carriers)
  • You’re managing with diet, exercise, or oral medication
  • You have no diabetes-related complications (neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney issues)
  • Your other health markers are in a normal range

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 is underwritten more carefully, but coverage is absolutely available. Carriers look for:

  • Consistent A1C levels (ideally below 8.0)
  • Regular doctor visits and insulin management
  • No hospitalizations related to diabetes in recent years
  • Absence of complications

Gestational Diabetes

If you had gestational diabetes during pregnancy and it resolved after delivery, most carriers treat this as a non-issue after 6-12 months.

What Affects Your Rate

Not all diabetics pay the same premium. Carriers evaluate these factors:

  • A1C levels – The single most important number. Lower is better. Below 7.0 opens the best rate classes
  • Type of diabetes – Type 2 generally receives better rates than Type 1
  • How you manage it – Diet and exercise only? Oral medication? Insulin? Diet-controlled Type 2 gets the best rates
  • Age at diagnosis – Diagnosed after 40 is viewed more favorably than diagnosed in your 20s
  • Complications – Any diabetes-related complications significantly affect pricing
  • Other health factors – Weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall health all matter

Why the Carrier Matters

This is where working with an independent agent like TermHero makes a real difference. Different carriers have vastly different underwriting guidelines for diabetes:

  • Carrier A might decline anyone with an A1C above 7.0
  • Carrier B might offer Standard rates for A1C up to 7.5
  • Carrier C might be the most lenient on insulin-dependent diabetics
  • Carrier D might offer no-exam options for well-controlled Type 2

If you apply to the wrong carrier, you’ll get declined or overcharged. TermHero knows which carriers are most favorable for your specific situation – your diagnosis type, A1C level, medications, and overall health profile.

Tips to Get the Best Rate

  • Get your A1C tested before applying – Know your current number. If it’s borderline, work with your doctor to bring it down before we submit your application
  • Follow your treatment plan – Carriers look favorably on consistent medication use and regular doctor visits
  • Be completely honest – Carriers will check prescription databases and medical records. Undisclosed diabetes will result in a denial or policy rescission
  • Don’t apply on your own – A direct application to one carrier is a gamble. Let TermHero shop multiple carriers to find the one that rates your profile most favorably

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I pay more than someone without diabetes? Possibly, but not always dramatically more. A well-controlled Type 2 diabetic can sometimes qualify for rates just 20-40% above standard. The difference might be $15-30/month.

Can I get no-exam coverage? Some carriers offer simplified issue or guaranteed acceptance policies that don’t require an exam. Coverage amounts are lower and rates are higher, but it’s an option if you want fast, guaranteed coverage. See our no-exam options.

What if I’ve been declined before? A decline from one carrier doesn’t mean you’re uninsurable. It means you applied to the wrong carrier. TermHero can often find coverage for people who’ve been turned down elsewhere.

Should I wait until my A1C improves? If your A1C is close to a threshold (like 7.0 or 7.5), it may be worth waiting 3-6 months to improve it. But don’t wait indefinitely – you’re getting older every day, and age increases your rate too. We can help you weigh the timing.

Does insulin use disqualify me? No. Many carriers cover insulin-dependent diabetics. Rates will be higher than for diet-controlled or oral-medication-managed diabetes, but coverage is available.

Don’t Let Diabetes Stop You From Protecting Your Family

You manage your health every day. Let TermHero find you the carrier that rewards that effort with a fair rate.

Call (818) 222-2300 or get your free quote