The Complete 2026 Guide

Last Updated: May 2026 | Reading Time: 12 minutes

If you have diabetes and you’re wondering whether you can get life insurance — the answer is yes. Millions of Americans with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have life insurance policies. The process is different, sometimes more expensive, and definitely more confusing than for healthy applicants. But it is absolutely possible.

This guide explains everything: how insurers evaluate diabetics, which companies give the best rates, how to lower your premiums, and exactly what to expect when you apply.

Quick Answer: Most people with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes can qualify for standard or near-standard life insurance rates. Type 1 diabetics face more restrictions but can still get coverage. The key factors are your A1C level, how long you’ve been diagnosed, and whether you have any complications.

Can diabetics get life insurance?
How insurance companies evaluate diabetes
Best life insurance companies for diabetics in 2026
Average costs: What you’ll actually pay
Type 1 vs Type 2: What’s the difference?
How to get the best possible rate
Types of policies available
Step-by-step: How to apply
Frequently asked questions

Can Diabetics Get Life Insurance?

Yes — and more easily than you might think.

Life insurance companies have dramatically improved their underwriting for diabetics over the past decade. Where applicants were once automatically declined or table-rated at the highest levels, today most people with managed diabetes can get affordable term life insurance.

The short version: if your diabetes is controlled, your chances of approval are strong.

The longer version involves a few key factors — your A1C level, your diagnosis date, your medications, and whether you’ve developed any complications. We’ll cover all of these below.

How Insurance Companies Evaluate Diabetics

When you apply for life insurance with diabetes, underwriters don’t just see “diabetes” and stamp a number on your file. They look at your complete health picture. Here’s what they examine:

A1C Level

This is the single most important number. Your A1C measures your average blood sugar control over the past 2–3 months. Lower is better for insurance purposes.

A1C Range	What It Means	Insurance Outcome
Under 6.5%	Excellent control	Best available rates
6.5% – 7.5%	Good control	Standard to slightly rated
7.5% – 8.5%	Fair control	Table-rated (higher premiums)
8.5% – 10%	Poor control	Harder to qualify, higher rates
Over 10%	Very poor control	May be declined for traditional coverage

Age at Diagnosis

Someone diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at 55 is viewed very differently than someone diagnosed at 25. Earlier diagnosis = longer exposure to the condition = higher risk in insurers’ eyes.

Diabetes Type

Type 2 is generally easier to insure than Type 1. Type 2 often responds to lifestyle changes and oral medications. Type 1 requires lifelong insulin and is associated with a longer history of managing the condition.

Complications

This is where your application can get complicated. Insurers look for:

Kidney disease (nephropathy)
Eye damage (retinopathy)
Nerve damage (neuropathy)
Heart disease or history of cardiac events
Amputations

Minor, stable complications may still allow you to qualify for traditional coverage at higher rates. Serious, progressing complications will limit you to simplified or guaranteed issue policies.

Other Health Factors

Blood pressure, cholesterol, weight (BMI), and smoking status all factor in alongside your diabetes. Well-controlled blood pressure and cholesterol, plus being a non-smoker, can meaningfully improve your rate class.

Best Life Insurance Companies for Diabetics in 2026

Not all insurance companies treat diabetics equally. Some have outdated underwriting guidelines that almost automatically result in poor rates. Others have specifically designed their underwriting to accommodate diabetics fairly.

Here are the top companies based on rates, underwriting flexibility, and customer experience for diabetic applicants:

1. Banner Life — Best Overall

Banner Life consistently offers the most competitive rates for well-controlled diabetics. They’re flexible on A1C thresholds and offer both term and permanent life insurance. If your diabetes is managed, start here.

Best for: Type 2 diabetics with A1C under 8%
Policy types: Term, universal life
Standout: Competitive rates even with table ratings

2. John Hancock — Best for Diabetes Management Programs

John Hancock’s Aspire program is specifically designed for diabetics. It pairs traditional life insurance coverage with wellness tools including the Vitality program and Onduo diabetes coaching. You can actually earn rewards for healthy behavior that reduce your premiums over time.

Best for: Motivated diabetics who want to actively manage their condition
Policy types: Term, whole life, universal life
Standout: The only major insurer with a dedicated diabetic wellness program

3. Nationwide — Best Customer Experience

Nationwide earns top marks for how smoothly they handle diabetic applications and how clearly they communicate decisions. Rates are competitive for Type 2 diabetics with stable health.

Best for: Type 2 diabetics who value clear communication
Policy types: Term, whole life, universal life
Standout: Highest customer satisfaction ratings among diabetic-friendly carriers

4. Ethos Life — Best No-Exam Option

Ethos uses a digital-first application process and offers simplified underwriting — meaning in many cases, no medical exam required. For diabetics who are nervous about a traditional medical exam, Ethos is an excellent starting point.

Best for: Type 2 diabetics who want fast approval without an exam
Policy types: Term life, whole life
Standout: Apply online in minutes, decisions often within 24 hours

5. Mutual of Omaha — Best for Seniors with Diabetes

For diabetics over 60 looking for final expense or burial insurance, Mutual of Omaha is a top choice with competitive rates and strong financial stability.

Best for: Diabetics 60+ seeking final expense coverage
Policy types: Term, whole life, Medicare supplement
Standout: Accessible coverage even for older diabetics with complications

We recommend getting quotes from at least 2–3 companies before deciding. Rates vary significantly between carriers for diabetic applicants.

How Much Does Life Insurance Cost with Diabetes?

Expect to pay more than someone without diabetes — but how much more depends heavily on your control level and overall health.

Here are sample monthly premiums for a $500,000, 20-year term life policy for a non-smoker with Type 2 diabetes:

Age	A1C Under 7.5% (Good Control)	A1C 7.5%–9% (Fair Control)
35	~$45–$75/mo	~$90–$150/mo
45	~$100–$160/mo	~$175–$280/mo
55	~$230–$380/mo	~$400–$650/mo

Note: These are estimates. Your actual rate depends on the insurer, your specific health profile, and the underwriting outcome.

For comparison, a healthy 45-year-old might pay $60–$90/month for the same policy. So yes, diabetes adds a premium — but the protection you get is the same.

Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes: What’s the Difference for Insurance?

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 is more common and generally easier to insure. Most companies actively compete for well-managed Type 2 applicants. If your A1C is under 8% and you don’t have serious complications, you have a realistic shot at standard or near-standard rates.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 is more challenging but absolutely not impossible. The key differences:

Fewer companies will quote Type 1 applicants
Rates are higher even with excellent control
More documentation is required (detailed medical records, endocrinologist notes)
A lower A1C matters even more — under 7% opens up significantly more options

If you have Type 1 diabetes, working with an independent agent (rather than going direct to one company) is strongly recommended. They can submit to multiple carriers simultaneously and find the best fit for your specific profile.

How to Get the Best Rate: 6 Proven Strategies

1. Improve Your A1C Before Applying

If your A1C has been trending up, wait 3–6 months and work on bringing it down. Going from 8.2% to 6.9% could drop you two table ratings — potentially saving $500+ per year in premiums.

2. Control Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Diabetes alone is a risk factor. Diabetes plus high blood pressure plus high cholesterol is a very different story. Get those secondary numbers under control before applying.

3. Stop Smoking (At Least 12 Months Before)

Smoking dramatically amplifies the risk of cardiovascular complications in diabetics. Most insurers require 12 months of non-smoking before they’ll reclassify you as a non-smoker. This one change can cut your premiums by 40–60%.

4. Collect Your Documentation First

Have these ready before you apply:

Most recent A1C results (within 6 months)
Current medications list
Last 2–3 doctor’s visit notes
Endocrinologist contact information

Having this ready speeds up the process and signals to underwriters that you’re organized and health-conscious.

5. Work With an Independent Agent

An independent agent can submit your application to 10–20 companies simultaneously. They know which carriers are currently offering favorable underwriting for diabetics. This is especially important for Type 1 applicants or anyone with complications.

6. Use an Online Comparison Tool

Start with an online marketplace to see your realistic rate range before committing to one carrier. This costs nothing and takes 5 minutes.

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Types of Policies Available to Diabetics

Term Life Insurance

The most affordable option. You pay a monthly premium for a set period (10, 15, 20, or 30 years). If you pass away during that term, your beneficiary receives the death benefit. If you outlive the term, coverage ends (though you can often convert or renew).

Best for: Most diabetics who want the most coverage for the lowest cost.

Whole Life Insurance

Permanent coverage that never expires, with a cash value component that grows over time. More expensive than term, but guaranteed lifelong protection.

Best for: Diabetics who want guaranteed coverage and can afford the higher premiums.

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

No medical questions, no exam — everyone who applies is accepted. The tradeoff: coverage amounts are limited (usually $5,000–$25,000) and premiums are high relative to the benefit. Also typically has a 2-year waiting period before the full death benefit pays out.

Best for: Diabetics with serious complications who can’t qualify for traditional coverage.

Simplified Issue Life Insurance

A middle ground — a few health questions but no medical exam. Coverage amounts are higher than guaranteed issue (up to $100,000–$500,000 with some carriers). Faster approval than traditional underwriting.

Best for: Diabetics who want faster approval and don’t have severe complications.

Final Expense Insurance (Burial Insurance)

A type of whole life policy designed specifically for end-of-life expenses: funeral costs, medical bills, debts. Coverage amounts are typically $5,000–$25,000. Mutual of Omaha and Foresters Financial are strong options here.

Best for: Older diabetics (60+) focused on covering final expenses rather than income replacement.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Life Insurance with Diabetes

Step 1: Know your numbers. Get a recent A1C result and have your medications list handy. Know your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers too.

Step 2: Decide on coverage amount. A common rule: 10–12x your annual income. Factor in debts, mortgage, and what your family would need to maintain their lifestyle.

Step 3: Compare quotes online. Use a marketplace like Policygenius to see rates from multiple insurers at once — free, no commitment.

Step 4: Choose a policy type. Most diabetics with good control should start with term life. If you have complications, ask about simplified issue.

Step 5: Complete the application. Be fully honest about your health history. Misrepresenting your condition can result in claim denial later — the opposite of why you bought insurance.

Step 6: Complete the medical exam (if required). Some policies require a paramedical exam — a nurse visits your home or a clinic, draws blood, and takes vitals. Schedule it in the morning after fasting. Avoid caffeine and strenuous exercise the day before.

Step 7: Wait for underwriting. Traditional underwriting takes 2–6 weeks. Simplified issue can be 24–72 hours. Accelerated underwriting (used by Ethos, Ladder, etc.) can be near-instant.

Step 8: Review and accept. Review your offer carefully. If the rate is much higher than expected, you have the right to negotiate with documentation or shop the offer to another carrier.

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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be denied life insurance because of diabetes?

Yes, but it’s not common for well-controlled diabetics. Denial is more likely if you have very high A1C (over 10%), multiple serious complications, or a recent hospitalization related to diabetes. If you’re denied, simplified issue or guaranteed issue policies are your next option.

Does life insurance cost more with diabetes?

Yes. Most diabetics pay 25–100% more than standard rates, depending on their health profile. Well-controlled Type 2 diabetics often qualify for surprisingly affordable rates.

Do I need a medical exam to get life insurance with diabetes?

Not necessarily. Several companies offer no-exam policies for diabetics, including Ethos and Mutual of Omaha. However, traditional policies requiring an exam often offer better rates if you’re in good health.

What if my A1C was high last year but has improved?

Wait until you have at least 3–6 months of improved readings, then apply. Insurers look at trends, not just your most recent number. A consistent downward trend is viewed positively.

Can Type 1 diabetics get life insurance?

Yes. It’s harder and more expensive than for Type 2 diabetics, but coverage is absolutely available. Working with an independent agent who specializes in high-risk life insurance is strongly recommended.

What’s the best life insurance company for diabetics?

Banner Life, John Hancock, and Nationwide consistently receive the highest marks for diabetic applicants. John Hancock is the only major carrier with a dedicated diabetic wellness program. For no-exam coverage, Ethos is a top pick.

Can I get life insurance if I’m on insulin?

Yes. Being on insulin doesn’t automatically disqualify you. What matters is how well your blood sugar is controlled, not which medication you use to control it.

Is there a waiting period?

For traditional term and whole life insurance, there’s no waiting period — your coverage begins when your first premium is paid. For guaranteed issue policies, there’s typically a 2-year graded benefit period.

The Bottom Line

Having diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t protect your family with life insurance. Millions of diabetics have affordable policies — the key is knowing which companies to work with, what factors affect your rates, and how to present your health profile in the best possible light.

Start by comparing quotes online. It’s free, takes 5 minutes, and you might be surprised how affordable coverage can be.

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Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — National Diabetes Statistics Report (2024)
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
AM Best Financial Strength Ratings — Banner Life, John Hancock, Nationwide
Society of Actuaries — Diabetic Mortality Studies

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only. We are not licensed insurance agents or financial advisors. Always speak with a licensed insurance professional before making coverage decisions. This site may receive compensation when you click affiliate links — this does not influence our editorial recommendations.