Can Type 1 Diabetics Get Life Insurance? (2026 Guide)

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Last Updated: May 2026 | Reading Time: 13 minutes

If you have Type 1 diabetes, you’ve probably heard the discouraging version of this story: life insurance is hard to get, hideously expensive, or flat-out impossible.

That’s wrong — and it’s keeping real families unprotected.

The truth is that Type 1 diabetics get approved for life insurance every single day. It takes more work than it does for Type 2 diabetics, and it costs more than it does for people without diabetes. But coverage exists, it’s real, and with the right strategy you can get far better rates than you’d expect.

This guide gives you the complete 2026 picture: which companies approve Type 1 applicants, what your A1C means for your premiums, how insulin pump vs. injection affects underwriting, what complications do and don’t disqualify you, and exactly what to do to get your best possible rate.

QUICK ANSWER:

Yes. Type 1 diabetics can absolutely get life insurance in 2026. Most qualify

for Standard or table-rated term life insurance. The best carriers are

Corebridge Financial, Prudential, John Hancock, and Banner Life. Your A1C,

years since diagnosis, and absence of complications are the three biggest

factors in your rate.

Table of Contents

• The honest reality for Type 1 diabetics
• How insurers view Type 1 differently from Type 2
• The 4 best companies for Type 1 diabetics in 2026
• What rate class can you realistically expect?
• How your A1C controls your outcome
• Insulin pump vs. injections — does it matter?
• Complications: what disqualifies you and what doesn’t
• Real monthly rate estimates
• 7 steps to get your best rate
• What if you’ve been declined before?
• Frequently asked questions

The Honest Reality for Type 1 Diabetics

Let’s be straight with you: getting life insurance with Type 1 diabetes is harder than getting it with Type 2. Fewer companies will quote you, the rates are higher, and the underwriting process is more intensive. Anyone who tells you otherwise isn’t being honest.

But here’s what’s equally true: a Type 1 diabetic with a long, stable management history may qualify for coverage that would genuinely surprise them.

The people who struggle most aren’t the ones with Type 1 diabetes. They’re the ones who apply to the wrong companies, go through automated quote engines that can’t handle complex health profiles, or give up after one decline. Companies like Corebridge Financial (formerly AIG/American General) and Prudential have built reputations for being aggressive with Type 1 cases — meaning they actively want to write these policies at fair rates.

The strategy matters enormously. Apply correctly, and coverage is very achievable.

How Insurers View Type 1 Differently from Type 2

Understanding the difference helps you set the right expectations before you start shopping.

Why Type 1 Is Considered Higher Risk

Type 1 diabetes is considered higher risk than Type 2 by insurance companies. In most cases, underwriting for Type 1 will be considerably more extensive and rates higher than for Type 2.

Here’s why insurers see it that way:

Type 1 is an autoimmune condition — your body doesn’t produce insulin at all, and never will. This means lifelong insulin dependency with no possibility of managing through diet or oral medication alone. It also means the condition was typically diagnosed earlier in life, resulting in a longer total exposure period with the disease.

Even if you’ve never had complications, your “years since diagnosis” will always be considered during underwriting, impacting your perceived life expectancy. Because Type 1 diabetics require insulin, most carriers immediately flag the application for further review. They don’t reject you outright, but insulin use often removes you from the “simplified” or “preferred” underwriting lanes.

What Hasn’t Changed — And Why That’s Good

What insurers actually care about has evolved. Underwriting is evolving. More carriers now recognize that people with Type 1 diabetes can live long, healthy, active lives — especially with today’s advanced insulin therapies and glucose monitoring tools.

The rise of insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), and better medical understanding of diabetes management has changed what insurers see in applicants’ records. Someone managing Type 1 aggressively with a CGM, stable A1C readings, and regular endocrinologist visits looks very different on paper than an applicant with the same diagnosis 15 years ago.

The 4 Best Companies for Type 1 Diabetics in 2026

Not every insurer will write a policy for a Type 1 diabetic. Of those that do, the rates vary dramatically. These four carriers consistently perform best for Type 1 applicants.

1. Corebridge Financial (formerly AIG/American General) — Best Overall for Type 1

AM Best Rating: A

Best for: Type 1 diabetics of all ages, especially those with stable A1C and pump users

Corebridge Financial, John Hancock, and Prudential often offer more favorable terms for individuals with well-managed Type 1 diabetes. Corebridge stands out because of their unusual table rating structure — when other companies charge Table 4 or 5, Corebridge often comes in lower for the same profile. They offer term, universal life, and whole life insurance to Type 1 applicants.

Their underwriting teams have specific experience evaluating complex diabetic profiles and look at the full picture rather than applying blanket rules. American General (Corebridge) offers some of the most affordable rates to Type 1 or Type 2 diabetics at any age, and their unusual table rating structure makes them one of the lowest cost companies on rated cases.

Best fit for: Type 1 applicants at any age looking for the most competitive table-rated premium.

2. Prudential — Best for Complex Type 1 Profiles

AM Best Rating: A+

Best for: Type 1 diabetics with complications, multiple medications, or who’ve been declined elsewhere

Prudential has built a reputation for being aggressive with Type 1 cases. More specifically, Prudential is notably more flexible, sometimes offering reasonable rates with A1C levels up to 8.0. That flexibility — higher A1C tolerance, willingness to evaluate complications individually rather than auto-declining — makes Prudential the go-to for anyone with a more difficult profile.

Real example: Despite taking medication for cholesterol and high blood pressure and having an A1C of 10.7, one applicant secured a $500,000 10-year term policy from Prudential for under $485/month. That’s a profile most other carriers would have declined outright.

Prudential also stands out for Type 1 diabetics who have complications like early-stage retinopathy. For a Type 1 diabetic with A1C of 7.1%, insulin pump use, and mild background retinopathy, coverage is available at $165–$200/month for $250,000 on a 15-year term through Prudential or Corebridge Financial.

Best fit for: Complex Type 1 profiles, applicants with complications, those previously declined.

3. John Hancock — Best for Wellness Program Savings

AM Best Rating: A+

Best for: Type 1 diabetics who actively manage their condition and want to earn premium discounts

John Hancock offers the Aspire with Vitality program for individuals with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes — providing premium savings, discounts and additional point-earning opportunities for taking steps to manage your diabetes.

The Aspire program pairs your life insurance with two tools:

• Vitality: A wellness rewards program that gives points for daily healthy behaviors — walks, doctor visits, grocery purchases — redeemable for premium discounts of up to 25%
• Onduo: A digital diabetes coaching platform providing clinical support and management tools

John Hancock’s Aspire program offers premium discounts of up to 25% if you’re actively managing your health — which means your monthly cost can shrink over time as you demonstrate ongoing control.

Best fit for: Motivated Type 1 diabetics using CGMs or fitness trackers who want to be financially rewarded for good management.

4. Banner Life — Most Competitive Baseline Rates

AM Best Rating: A+

Best for: Type 1 diabetics with well-controlled A1C, no complications, and stable management history

Banner Life isn’t the most specialized for Type 1, but their table rating approach is unusually competitive. When other carriers charge Table 4, Banner often comes in at Table 2 for the same profile. For well-managed Type 1 applicants with A1C under 7.5% and no complications, Banner can deliver the lowest absolute monthly premium.

They offer term lengths from 10 to 40 years — the widest range in the industry — and their digital APPcelerate program offers no-exam approval up to $1,000,000 for qualifying applicants.

One limitation: Banner policies aren’t available in New York.

Best fit for: Well-managed Type 1 applicants with clean health history looking for the most affordable term rate.

→ See what rate you qualify for — free quotes from top carriers

What Rate Class Can You Realistically Expect?

Setting honest expectations matters. Here’s what the rate class picture looks like for Type 1 diabetics:

[INSERT TABLE — 5 rows, 4 columns]

A1C Level	Years Since Diagnosis	Likely Rate Class	What It Means
Under 7.0%, no complications	Any	Standard to Table 2	Very good outcome — affordable premiums
7.0%–7.5%, no complications	Under 15 years	Table 2–4	Moderate premium increase (50–100% above standard)
7.5%–8.0%, no complications	Any	Table 4–6	Premiums 100–150% above standard
Over 8.0%, or mild complications	Any	Table 6–8 or decline	High premiums, fewer carriers; specialist required
Over 9.0%, or major complications	Any	Likely decline for traditional	Simplified/guaranteed issue as fallback

Key point: Most Type 1 diabetics qualify at Substandard (table-rated) levels. With excellent A1C control below 7.0% and no complications, Corebridge Financial, Prudential, and John Hancock Aspire are the most likely to offer competitive table-rated coverage rather than outright decline.

Preferred or Preferred Plus rates are essentially off the table for Type 1 applicants at most carriers. You’re probably not getting Preferred Plus or even Preferred rates with Type 1 diabetes — those top-tier rate classes just aren’t available at most carriers. But Standard and table-rated policies? Absolutely.

How Your A1C Controls Your Outcome

A1C is your single most important health metric as a diabetic applicant. Ideally, insurers want to see an A1C below 7.0. Many will still consider up to 8.0 or even 8.5 depending on your age and other factors. A stable trend — not just a one-time low reading — shows consistency, and that builds trust with underwriters.

Here’s what each A1C range opens up:

Under 6.5%: Best possible outcome for Type 1. Standard rates possible at Corebridge and Prudential. Extremely rare but achievable with excellent long-term management.

6.5% – 7.0%: Strong position. Table 2–4 at most carriers. At this level, your A1C is essentially working in your favor rather than against you.

7.0% – 7.5%: Solid. Table 2–4 at the better carriers. This is where most proactively managed Type 1 applicants land.

7.5% – 8.0%: Manageable. Table 4–6. Prudential and Corebridge are your best options. Rates will be notably higher but coverage is accessible.

8.0% – 9.0%: Difficult. Table 6–8 or decline depending on the carrier. Specialist agent required. Some carriers won’t quote above 8.5%.

Over 9.0%: Above 9.5%, most standard carriers will decline. Focus on improving your A1C for 90 days, then reapply. Simplified issue is available as a bridge while you work on it.

Important: If your A1C is borderline, improving it over 60–90 days before applying can significantly lower your premiums. Don’t apply mid-trend. Apply after you’ve achieved a new stable low.

Insulin Pump vs. Injections — Does It Matter?

Yes — and it usually works in your favor.

Using an insulin pump signals to underwriters that you’re serious about precision management. Pumps deliver insulin continuously at programmed rates and allow for tighter blood sugar control than multiple daily injections. Combined with a CGM, pump users often have better Time-in-Range data — which carriers increasingly accept as evidence of control.

Some companies offer better rates for insulin users taking fewer than 50 units daily. If you use a pump and your total daily dose is on the lower end, mention this to your agent — it can matter in underwriting.

Multiple daily injections (MDI) are completely acceptable too. The key factor isn’t the delivery method — it’s the evidence of consistent control it produces.

Complications: What Disqualifies You and What Doesn’t

This is where many Type 1 applicants make assumptions that cost them — either assuming they’re uninsurable when they’re not, or failing to disclose something that voids their policy later.

Complications That Increase Rates But Don’t Disqualify

These complications will push you into a higher table rating but do not automatically result in a decline at the right carriers:

• Mild background retinopathy (early eye changes that are stable)
• Mild peripheral neuropathy (nerve sensitivity without mobility impairment)
• Microalbuminuria (early kidney involvement that is stable and treated)
• Well-managed hypertension (blood pressure controlled with medication)
• High cholesterol (managed with medication, no cardiac events)

Prudential reviews the full profile for applicants with partial retinopathy rather than auto-declining — which is exactly why carrier selection matters so much for Type 1 applicants with mild complications.

Complications That Are Likely to Result in Decline

These are the markers that push most carriers toward a decline for traditional coverage:

• Advanced diabetic nephropathy (significant kidney disease or dialysis)
• Proliferative retinopathy (advanced eye disease with vision loss)
• Severe or progressing neuropathy (major mobility impairment)
• History of heart attack or serious cardiovascular event
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) episodes in the past 12–24 months
• A1C consistently above 10%

If you fall into this category, traditional fully-underwritten coverage is unlikely. But simplified issue and guaranteed issue policies remain available. See the section below on alternatives if you’ve been declined.

Always Disclose Fully

Never omit or minimize complications on your application. Life insurance companies review A1C levels during underwriting, and non-disclosure can result in claim denial after you pass away — the exact outcome your family is counting on you to prevent. Be honest. The right carrier will work with what you have.

Real Monthly Rate Estimates for Type 1 Diabetics

These are estimated monthly premiums for Type 1 diabetics at various table rating levels. Policy: $500,000, 20-year term, non-smoker.

[INSERT TABLE — 5 rows, 5 columns]

Age	Table 2 (Male)	Table 4 (Male)	Table 6 (Male)	Table 2 (Female)
30	~$80–$110/mo	~$140–$180/mo	~$200–$260/mo	~$60–$85/mo
40	~$150–$200/mo	~$250–$320/mo	~$380–$480/mo	~$110–$150/mo
50	~$350–$460/mo	~$580–$740/mo	~$860–$1,100/mo	~$260–$350/mo
60	~$780–$1,000/mo	~$1,200–$1,500/mo	Decline likely	~$590–$780/mo

For a $250,000, 20-year term policy, divide these figures roughly in half.

For a 15-year term (shorter commitment, lower cost), premiums are approximately 20–30% lower than the 20-year figures above.

Expect to pay 50–275% more than someone without diabetes, depending on your A1C and history. The wide range reflects real variation between best-case (excellent A1C, no complications, early diagnosis relatively recent) and worst-case (poor control, long history, multiple complications) profiles.

7 Steps to Get Your Best Rate as a Type 1 Diabetic

Step 1: Get a Current A1C Test

Get your most recent A1C results, ideally from the last 90 days. Underwriters want proof that your condition is currently stable. If your last test was more than 4 months ago, get a new one before applying.

Step 2: Time Your Application Strategically

If your A1C is borderline, improving it over 60–90 days before applying can significantly lower your premiums. Don’t rush an application when you’re mid-trend. Apply after you’ve reached a stable new low — that single reading is what gets underwritten.

Step 3: Collect Everything Before You Apply

Have this ready when you start:

• Last 2–3 endocrinologist visit notes
• Full current medication list with dosages and frequency
• Recent lab results (A1C, kidney function, cholesterol, blood pressure)
• CGM data if available (90 days from Dexcom G7 or FreeStyle Libre)
• Any specialist contact information (endocrinologist, cardiologist if applicable)

Step 4: Document Your Daily Management

Track your routine — document how often you monitor glucose. If you use a CGM, that’s a plus. These lifestyle choices demonstrate good management. Some carriers will assign lifestyle credits that move you up a rating class if you can show evidence of disciplined daily management even when your A1C is borderline.

Step 5: Use an Independent Agent Who Specializes in Diabetic Cases

This is non-negotiable for Type 1 applicants. Applying online without human guidance is a mistake — instant quote engines can’t evaluate complex health conditions like diabetes. You risk being automatically declined or overcharged.

An independent agent specializing in high-risk cases can pre-shop your profile to multiple carriers before you formally apply — getting informal feedback from underwriters so you only submit a formal application where you have the best chance of the best rate. Finding the right carrier match is honestly half the battle when it comes to getting affordable coverage.

Step 6: Apply to the Right Carriers Only

Based on the research above: Corebridge Financial, Prudential, and John Hancock are your first three calls for Type 1. Banner Life is worth checking for well-managed cases with no complications. Skip carriers without track records of approving Type 1 applicants — a hard decline goes in your MIB file and can complicate future applications.

Step 7: Keep Your Other Health Markers Clean

Diabetes doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Insurers want to see that the rest of your health picture is clean. Blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, and smoking status all factor in alongside your diabetes. A well-managed Type 1 diabetic who is also a non-smoker with controlled blood pressure looks very different on paper than one who is also a smoker with uncontrolled hypertension.

→ Ready to see your options? Get quotes from Type 1-friendly carriers today.

What If You’ve Been Declined Before?

A previous decline means nothing — literally nothing — about whether you’ll be approved today.

Each insurance company has its own underwriting guidelines for Type 1 diabetes. A company that declined you two years ago may have outdated guidelines, a conservative underwriting team, or simply no expertise in diabetic cases. That tells you nothing about what Corebridge, Prudential, or John Hancock will do.

Even if you were declined 100 times in the past, you can still be approved if you medically qualify. Underwriters look at your health profile at the time of applying with an open mind.

What to do after a decline:

1. Find out exactly why you were declined. Request the specific underwriting reason in writing. Sometimes it’s as simple as an administrative error or an outdated A1C on file.

2. Check your MIB record. The Medical Information Bureau maintains a report from all your previous life insurance applications. Request your free report at mib.com and make sure there are no errors that could be causing problems.

3. Work with a specialist agent. An agent who specializes in Type 1 diabetic cases will know exactly which carriers to approach and how to pre-screen your application informally before submitting.

4. Consider improving your A1C first. If your A1C was high at the time of your decline, take 90 days to bring it down, then reapply with documentation showing the improvement.

5. Look at simplified issue as a bridge. While you work on improving your health metrics, a simplified issue policy can give your family protection right now without requiring a traditional medical exam.

Alternatives When Traditional Coverage Isn’t Available

If traditional underwriting isn’t an option right now, these alternatives provide real coverage while you work toward qualifying for better terms.

Simplified Issue Life Insurance

No medical exam — just health questions. Many carriers will approve Type 1 diabetics through simplified underwriting even when fully-underwritten coverage is unavailable. Coverage amounts up to $100,000–$500,000 depending on the carrier. Premiums are higher per dollar of coverage than traditional policies, but approval can come in 24–72 hours.

Best for: Type 1 diabetics with A1C above 8.5% who need coverage now, or those awaiting a traditional approval.

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

No exam, no health questions — everyone accepted. Coverage is limited (usually $5,000–$25,000) and premiums are high relative to the benefit. There’s typically a 2-year graded period where the full benefit isn’t paid for non-accidental death.

Best for: Type 1 diabetics with serious complications who can’t qualify for any other coverage.

Group Life Insurance Through Your Employer

Employer-provided group life insurance typically has minimal health requirements — often just enrollment during open enrollment period with no medical questions at all. Coverage amounts are usually limited to 1–2x your salary, but it’s guaranteed approval regardless of your Type 1 status.

Best for: Any Type 1 diabetic who is employed — enroll in this immediately regardless of what other coverage you’re pursuing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Type 1 diabetics get life insurance?

Yes. Type 1 diabetics qualify for life insurance every day. It costs more than for Type 2 or non-diabetic applicants, and fewer companies offer it, but coverage is absolutely available. The best carriers for Type 1 are Corebridge Financial, Prudential, John Hancock, and Banner Life.

What is the best life insurance for Type 1 diabetics?

For most Type 1 applicants, term life insurance through Corebridge Financial or Prudential offers the best combination of coverage and affordability. John Hancock’s Aspire program is the best option if you want to earn premium discounts through active health management.

What A1C do I need for life insurance with Type 1 diabetes?

Most carriers look for A1C below 9.0% to offer any traditional coverage. For the best rates, aim for below 7.5%. An A1C below 7.0% opens up Standard rates at the most flexible carriers.

Does having an insulin pump help my life insurance application?

Yes, generally. Insulin pumps signal disciplined, precise management. Combined with CGM data showing consistent Time-in-Range, pump users often present more favorably in underwriting than injection-only users.

How much does life insurance cost with Type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetics can expect to pay 50–275% more than a healthy applicant with the same age and coverage amount, depending on A1C level, years since diagnosis, and complications. A 40-year-old male at Table 4 pays roughly $250–$320/month for $500,000 of 20-year term coverage.

I’ve been declined before. Should I try again?

Absolutely. A previous decline from one company has no bearing on other companies’ decisions. Each carrier has its own underwriting criteria. Work with an independent agent who specializes in Type 1 diabetic cases and have them pre-screen your profile before you formally apply.

What if I have Type 1 diabetes and retinopathy?

Mild, stable background retinopathy does not automatically result in a decline. Prudential specifically reviews these profiles rather than auto-declining. More advanced retinopathy with significant vision loss is harder to insure traditionally, but simplified issue options remain available.

Can Type 1 diabetics get life insurance without a medical exam?

Simplified issue policies are available without a medical exam. You’ll answer health questions but skip the blood draw and nurse visit. Coverage amounts are lower and premiums slightly higher than fully-underwritten policies, but approval can come within 24–72 hours.

The Bottom Line

Type 1 diabetes is not a barrier to life insurance — it’s just a more complex application that requires the right approach. The three things that matter most are your A1C, your years since diagnosis, and the absence of serious complications.

If your A1C is under 7.5% and your diabetes is well-managed: apply now. Corebridge Financial, Prudential, and John Hancock are your best starting points. An independent agent who specializes in Type 1 cases will get you the best outcome.

If your A1C is higher or you have complications: don’t give up. Get a simplified issue policy to protect your family now, work on bringing your A1C down, and reapply in 90 days.

Your family deserves protection. Coverage exists. The key is knowing how to find it.

→ Compare rates from Type 1-friendly carriers — free, no obligation

Also available — no exam options:

Sources

• Trust My Policy — Best Term Life Insurance for Diabetics Over 40, 2026
• RiskQuoter — Life Insurance for Diabetics, Type 1 and Type 2 (2026)
• MoneyGeek — Best Life Insurance for Diabetes 2026
• Abrams Inc — Life Insurance Approval for Type 1 Diabetes (2026)
• InsuranceGeek — Life Insurance for Diabetics, Type 1 and Type 2
• John Hancock — Aspire with Vitality Program Details
• Diabetes Life Solutions — Best Life Insurance for Type 1 Diabetics 2026

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only.

We are not licensed insurance agents or financial advisors. This site may

receive compensation when you click affiliate links, which does not affect

our editorial recommendations. Always consult a licensed insurance

professional before making coverage decisions.

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