Lantus and Life Insurance: IUL & GUL Options in 2026

You Take Lantus. Can You Still Get Life Insurance?

Yes. Lantus (insulin glargine) is one of the most commonly prescribed long acting basal insulins for managing both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. If you are taking it, you are actively managing your condition, and that is exactly what life insurance underwriters want to see. The fact that you use insulin does not automatically disqualify you from coverage. In fact, modern insulin regimens like Lantus demonstrate that you are engaged with your care and following a treatment plan.

What underwriters focus on is not the medication bottle in your cabinet. They care about the underlying condition and how well you are controlling it. A person on Lantus with an A1C of 6.8 and no complications is in a very different position than someone with uncontrolled blood sugar and kidney problems. The medication is simply a tool. Your results are what count.

What Underwriters Actually Look At

When we help clients who take Lantus apply for life insurance, underwriters dig into several specific factors beyond just the prescription.

Your A1C level is the single most important number. This test reflects your average blood glucose over the past three months. An A1C under 7.0 demonstrates excellent control for a diabetic and puts you in the strongest position. Readings between 7.1 and 8.0 are generally considered good control. Once you climb above 9.0, most carriers will either add significant ratings or postpone.

Trends matter just as much as your current reading. If your A1C has been stable or improving over the past two to three years, that tells underwriters you are on a positive trajectory. A single good reading matters less than a consistent pattern of control.

Beyond A1C, underwriters will evaluate your kidney function through eGFR and urine protein tests. This is a factor many applicants overlook. Even mild proteinuria or a slight decline in eGFR carries significant weight in diabetes underwriting. Blood pressure control is equally important for insulin users, with readings below 130/80 considered excellent.

The presence or absence of complications drives much of the rating decision. Retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, and any cardiovascular history will each add layers to your risk classification. On the other hand, a person who has managed diabetes for ten or more years without developing complications sends a powerful signal of resilience.

Lantus and IUL (Indexed Universal Life) Policies

Indexed universal life insurance offers a cash value component tied to a market index, with downside protection. For Lantus users who qualify, an IUL policy can serve as both a death benefit and a long term financial accumulation tool. The cash value grows based on index performance (subject to caps and floors), which means your money has growth potential without direct market risk.

For someone managing diabetes well, an IUL can make sense if you want permanent coverage with a savings element. Because premiums on IUL policies are flexible, you can adjust payments as your financial situation changes over the years. The key is qualifying at a rating class that keeps your cost of insurance reasonable, and that comes back to your overall health profile and diabetes management.

Lantus and GUL (Guaranteed Universal Life) Policies

Guaranteed universal life insurance is designed for a different goal. A GUL policy locks in a guaranteed death benefit to a specific age (often 90, 95, 100, or even 121) at a fixed premium. There is little or no cash value accumulation, but you get the certainty that your coverage will be there as long as you pay your premiums.

For Lantus users, GUL can be especially appealing. If your primary concern is making sure your family has a guaranteed payout regardless of what happens with your health down the road, a GUL removes the uncertainty. Even if your diabetes progresses or new health challenges arise, the coverage stays in force at the same cost. Many of our clients on insulin choose GUL because it offers peace of mind that the protection will never lapse due to changing health.

Why an Independent Agency Makes a Real Difference

Here is where the carrier you apply with can change everything. Different insurance companies evaluate Lantus users very differently. One carrier might assign a Table 4 rating to a Type 2 diabetic on insulin, while another carrier might offer Table 2 for the exact same health profile. That gap in rating translates directly into hundreds or even thousands of dollars in annual premium differences.

Insurance By Heroes was founded by a former first responder and military spouse, and every member of our team has a background in public service. That service first mindset means we treat every client’s application with the same care and thoroughness we brought to protecting our communities. We are also an independent agency, which means we work with many different carriers. We are not locked into pushing one company’s products. Instead, we shop your application across multiple insurers to find the one that views your specific situation most favorably.

When you are taking Lantus and applying for life insurance, having an advocate who knows which carriers are friendliest to insulin users is not a luxury. It is a real advantage.

Tips for Getting the Best Outcome

Preparation is everything when applying for IUL or GUL coverage as a Lantus user. Here are the steps that make the biggest difference.

• Get a current A1C test before you apply. If your last result is more than three months old, underwriters will likely request a new one. Knowing your number in advance helps us target the right carriers.
• Gather your medication list with dosages, including how many units of Lantus you take daily. Underwriters will ask, and having precise answers speeds up the process.
• Request recent lab work from your doctor, including kidney function (eGFR and microalbumin), lipid panel, and blood pressure readings. These are the secondary factors that can shift your rating up or down.
• If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or insulin pump, bring that data. CGM reports showing strong time in range are increasingly favored by underwriters because they paint a detailed picture of your daily control.
• Do not downplay or omit any history of complications, hospitalizations, or DKA episodes. Medical records will reveal these details, and discrepancies between your application and your records create problems.
• If you smoke, understand that the combination of diabetes and tobacco use dramatically accelerates complications in the eyes of underwriters. Quitting and maintaining nonsmoker status is one of the most impactful things you can do for both your health and your insurance rates.

Common Myths About Lantus and Life Insurance

Myth: Taking insulin means automatic decline. This is simply not true. Insulin use, including Lantus, is recognized as appropriate disease management. Many carriers offer coverage to insulin users with good control.

Myth: All insurance companies treat Lantus the same way. Carriers vary widely in how they rate insulin users. Some are far more favorable than others, which is exactly why working with an independent agency matters.

Myth: You should wait until you are off insulin to apply. For most people on Lantus, this is not realistic, and waiting means your family goes unprotected. The right time to apply is when your A1C is stable and your overall management looks strong.

Myth: Only term insurance is available for diabetics. Permanent policies like IUL and GUL are absolutely available. The product type depends on your goals and your health profile, not just your diagnosis.

FAQ

Can I get life insurance if I take Lantus?

Yes. Many carriers offer both IUL and GUL policies to people taking Lantus insulin. Your A1C level, complications history, and overall health profile determine your rate class, not the insulin prescription alone.

Does Lantus increase life insurance rates?

Lantus itself does not directly increase rates, but the underlying diabetes it treats will factor into your premium. Well controlled diabetes (A1C under 7.0, no complications, good kidney function) can qualify for moderate table ratings that keep premiums reasonable.

Should I choose IUL or GUL if I am on Lantus?

It depends on your goals. If you want permanent coverage with cash value growth potential, IUL may be a fit. If you want a guaranteed death benefit at a locked in premium with no risk of lapse, GUL offers that certainty. We can help you compare both options side by side.

What if my diabetes is not perfectly controlled?

You may still qualify. Even with an A1C between 7.0 and 8.5, many carriers will offer coverage at higher table ratings. The important thing is to apply with a carrier that views your specific profile favorably, and that is where our independent approach helps. Reach out for a free quote so we can match you with the right carrier for your situation.