Life Insurance Guide
Can You Get Life Insurance With Diabetes? What You Need to Know
By Prospr Insurance Solutions | Updated April 2026 | 7 min read
Millions of Americans with diabetes wonder if they can even get life insurance — or assume they'll be denied or charged unaffordable rates. The truth is more encouraging: most diabetics can qualify for life insurance, and with the right carrier, at competitive rates. Here's what actually matters.
How Diabetes Affects Life Insurance Underwriting
Insurance companies evaluate diabetics on a case-by-case basis. The factors that matter most are:
- Type 1 vs. Type 2: Type 2 diabetes managed with diet/medication is generally viewed more favorably than Type 1
- A1C levels: An A1C under 7.0 is considered well-controlled and typically qualifies for standard or near-standard rates
- Complications: Neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney disease, or cardiovascular issues significantly increase rates or may result in denial
- Age of diagnosis: Diagnosed later in life is viewed more favorably than juvenile onset
- Medication and management: Oral medications are viewed better than insulin dependency in most cases
What Rates Can Diabetics Expect?
A well-controlled Type 2 diabetic with no complications and a good A1C may qualify for Standard rates — meaning the same rate as someone without diabetes. Those with moderate control may qualify at Table ratings (Standard + 25–200% surcharge). Here's a rough breakdown:
| Diabetic Profile | Likely Rating | Rate Impact |
|---|
| Type 2, A1C under 7, no complications, diet-controlled | Standard / Preferred | Normal rates |
| Type 2, A1C 7–8, oral meds, no complications | Standard to Table 2 | +0 to +50% |
| Type 2, insulin-dependent, A1C under 8 | Table 2–4 | +50–100% |
| Type 1, well-controlled, no complications | Table 2–6 | +50–150% |
| Type 1 or 2 with serious complications | Decline or guaranteed issue only | Higher |
Your Best Options as a Diabetic
1. Traditional Term or Whole Life (Best for Well-Controlled Diabetics)
If your diabetes is well-managed, you can often qualify for traditional underwritten policies with competitive rates. Working with an independent broker is essential — different carriers treat diabetes very differently, and the wrong carrier can cost you thousands extra per year.
2. Simplified Issue Life Insurance (No Blood Test)
Simplified issue policies ask health questions but don't require a medical exam or blood draw. They're a middle ground — higher rates than fully underwritten policies, but accessible to many diabetics who wouldn't qualify for preferred rates.
3. Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
Guaranteed issue policies accept anyone aged 50–85 regardless of health — no medical questions asked. Coverage is typically $5,000–$25,000 and is most commonly used for final expense coverage. Rates are higher, but it's a real option for those with complications or insulin dependency.
🩺 How to Improve Your Rate Before Applying
Get your A1C as low as possible before applying. Even dropping from 8.5 to 7.2 can move you from a Table 4 rating to a Table 2 — potentially saving $50–$150/month on a $500K policy. Wait 6–12 months after any complications diagnosis before applying, if possible.
Diabetic? We can still find you great coverage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can diabetics get life insurance?
Yes — most diabetics can qualify for life insurance. Type 2 diabetics with well-controlled blood sugar (A1C under 7-8), no serious complications, and managed with oral medications often qualify at Standard rates. Type 1 diabetics and those with complications will pay higher rates but can still find coverage through traditional, simplified issue, or guaranteed issue policies.
What A1C level is needed to qualify for life insurance?
Most carriers prefer an A1C under 7.0 for Standard rates. An A1C between 7 and 8 typically results in a Table rating (standard rate plus a surcharge). An A1C above 9 or 10 may result in denial from traditional carriers, but simplified issue or guaranteed issue life insurance is still available.
What is the best life insurance for Type 2 diabetics?
The best life insurance for Type 2 diabetics depends on your A1C, medications, and whether you have complications. Well-controlled Type 2 diabetics often qualify for traditional term life at near-standard rates. Working with an independent broker who can shop multiple carriers is critical — some carriers are 2-3x more favorable to diabetics than others.