Life insurance with diabetes: what to know before you apply
Diabetes is one of the most common conditions underwriters see, and many people with it get covered. What matters is the detail behind the diagnosis. Here is what insurance companies look at and how to walk in prepared.
Last updated May 2026 · Educational only — not insurance advice.
Can you get life insurance with diabetes? Frequently yes. Well-controlled type 2 diabetes without complications often qualifies for simplified-issue or even traditional coverage, while insulin use, a high A1C, or complications such as kidney or heart disease can shift you toward graded-benefit or guaranteed-issue policies. Carriers weigh your A1C, age at diagnosis, medications, and complications more than the diagnosis label itself.
What underwriters actually look at
Carriers usually care less about the word "diabetes" and more about how it is managed:
- Type 1 vs type 2, and age at diagnosis
- Recent A1C and whether the trend is stable
- Medications — diet-controlled, oral, or insulin
- Complications: kidney, eye (retinopathy), nerve (neuropathy), heart, or vascular disease
- History of ulcers or amputations
Which coverage paths are realistic
Traditional or simplified issue (well-controlled, no complications)
Well-managed type 2 diabetes with a reasonable A1C and no complications often qualifies for simplified-issue coverage, and sometimes fully underwritten traditional coverage at a competitive class.
Graded or guaranteed issue (complications or harder control)
Insulin use, a high or unknown A1C, very early age at diagnosis, or complications such as kidney or heart disease can push a case toward graded-benefit or guaranteed-issue products. These accept you regardless of health but typically cap the payout and pay only premiums plus interest — not the full benefit — in the first 2–3 years.
Questions to ask before you apply
- What A1C range does this product allow for level-benefit coverage?
- Does insulin use move me from level benefit to graded or guaranteed issue?
- How does this carrier treat diabetes alongside kidney, cardiac, eye, nerve, ulcer, or amputation history?
- If I am declined for one product, what graded or guaranteed-issue option is next?
Get a clearer picture in about three minutes
Because every carrier weighs A1C, medications, and complications differently, the honest answer is "it depends." Our free tool turns your answers into a plain-English read on your likely coverage path and the specific questions to ask — privately, in your browser, with nothing saved or sold.
Common questions
- Can you get life insurance with diabetes?
- Frequently yes. Well-controlled type 2 diabetes without complications often qualifies for simplified-issue or traditional coverage; insulin use, a high A1C, or complications can move a case toward graded-benefit or guaranteed-issue coverage.
- Does taking insulin lower my chances?
- Insulin can move some applicants toward graded or guaranteed-issue products, but it does not by itself mean coverage is unavailable. Control, age at diagnosis, and complications matter more than the medication alone.
- Will this tool sell my information to agents?
- No. There is no lead form. Your answers stay in your browser and are never sent to us, an agent, or anyone else.