Life Insurance Rates for Diabetics (Updated for 2025)

Living with diabetes presents unique challenges, and navigating the world of life insurance can often feel like another hurdle. If you have diabetes, you might wonder: Can I even qualify for life insurance? And if so, what will the rates look like? The good news is that yes, individuals with diabetes can absolutely obtain life insurance coverage. However, understanding how diabetes impacts your eligibility and premiums is crucial.

Finding the right policy at a fair price requires navigating a complex landscape where different insurance carriers view risk differently. This is where having the right guide makes all the difference. At Insurance By Heroes, an independent agency founded by a former first responder and military spouse, we understand the importance of service and finding tailored solutions. Our team, many with backgrounds in public service, specializes in helping people, including those managing chronic conditions like diabetes, secure the protection their families need. Because we partner with dozens of top-rated insurance companies, we can shop the market extensively to find coverage that aligns with your specific health profile and budget.

This article will delve into the specifics of life insurance rates for diabetics, exploring the factors insurers consider, the types of policies available, and strategies to help you secure the best possible coverage in 2025 and beyond.

Understanding Diabetes and Life Insurance Underwriting

Life insurance companies exist to manage risk. When you apply for a policy, underwriters assess your overall health and lifestyle to estimate your life expectancy. This risk assessment determines your eligibility and the premium you’ll pay. A diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (Type 1, Type 2, or even a history of gestational diabetes) signals to insurers a potentially increased risk of certain health complications, such as heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, nerve damage, and vision problems.

However, a diabetes diagnosis doesn’t automatically mean exorbitant rates or denial of coverage. Insurers are primarily interested in how well your diabetes is managed and controlled. They want to see evidence that you are actively following a treatment plan and maintaining stable health. Well-controlled diabetes often results in much more favorable outcomes during the underwriting process compared to poorly managed cases.

It’s vital to remember that each insurance company has its own specific underwriting guidelines for diabetes. One company might offer a standard rate to someone with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes, while another might assign a substandard rating (meaning higher premiums) or even decline coverage for the exact same profile. This variability underscores the importance of working with an independent agency like Insurance By Heroes. We leverage our access to numerous carriers to find the one whose guidelines are most favorable for your specific situation.

Types of Diabetes and Their Impact on Life Insurance

Insurers consider the type of diabetes you have, as each type can present different long-term risk profiles.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, typically diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood, where the body does not produce insulin. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy. Because it often develops earlier in life and requires intensive management, insurers may view Type 1 diabetes as carrying a higher risk than Type 2, especially if diagnosed at a very young age.

However, qualification and favorable rates are still possible, particularly if:

• Your diagnosis occurred after childhood (e.g., in your 20s or later).
• You demonstrate excellent control (stable A1c levels, regular check-ups).
• There are no significant diabetes-related complications.
• You maintain a healthy lifestyle otherwise (no smoking, healthy weight).

Again, carrier guidelines vary significantly for Type 1. Some may have stricter age-of-onset cutoffs than others. Shopping the market through an independent agent is crucial for Type 1 diabetics.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is far more common and typically develops later in life, often linked to lifestyle factors and genetics. In Type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to it. Management often involves diet, exercise, oral medications, and sometimes insulin.

Life insurance underwriting for Type 2 diabetes is heavily dependent on:

• Age at diagnosis (later diagnosis is generally viewed more favorably).
• Method of control (diet and exercise only is often best, followed by oral medications, then insulin).
• Level of control (A1c is key).
• Presence of complications or comorbidities (like high blood pressure or obesity).

Well-managed Type 2 diabetes, especially when controlled through lifestyle changes or minimal medication and diagnosed later in life, can often qualify for standard or even slightly better rates with some carriers. Poorly controlled Type 2, particularly with complications or insulin dependence, will likely result in higher premiums (substandard rates).

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth. However, having a history of gestational diabetes increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Insurers will want to know if you had gestational diabetes, when it occurred, and whether your blood sugar levels returned to normal post-pregnancy. If your levels are currently normal and there are no other risk factors, a history of gestational diabetes usually has minimal impact on life insurance rates. However, if you later develop Type 2 diabetes, underwriting will proceed based on the Type 2 criteria.

Key Factors Influencing Life Insurance Rates for Diabetics

Underwriters look at a comprehensive picture of your health when assessing your application. For diabetics, the following factors are particularly important in determining your life insurance rates:

• Type of Diabetes: As discussed, Type 1 is often viewed as higher risk than Type 2, primarily due to typical age of onset and management requirements.
• Age at Diagnosis: Generally, the later in life you were diagnosed, the better it is for life insurance rates. Diagnoses before age 40 or 50 can sometimes lead to higher premiums, assuming similar levels of control.
• Level of Control (A1c): This is arguably the most critical factor. The A1c test measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. Insurers have specific A1c thresholds for different rate classes.
  • A1c below 7.0% is generally considered excellent control and opens the door to the best possible rates (potentially Standard or Standard Plus with some carriers, especially for well-managed Type 2).
  • A1c between 7.0% and 8.0% indicates good control and often qualifies for Standard or slightly substandard rates.
  • A1c between 8.0% and 9.0% suggests fair control and likely leads to substandard rates.
  • A1c above 9.0% indicates poor control and may result in higher substandard rates or even denial, depending on the carrier and other factors.

  Consistent A1c readings over time are more favorable than fluctuating levels.

• Treatment Plan and Compliance: How are you managing your diabetes? Are you following your doctor’s recommendations regarding diet, exercise, medication (oral or insulin), and regular check-ups? Demonstrating proactive management and compliance is crucial. Using insulin doesn’t automatically disqualify you or guarantee high rates, but it is often associated with more advanced or difficult-to-control diabetes, which can impact premiums.
• Presence of Complications: Diabetes-related complications significantly increase risk in the eyes of insurers. These include:
  • Neuropathy (nerve damage)
  • Retinopathy (eye damage)
  • Nephropathy (kidney damage, indicated by protein in urine)
  • Cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease)
  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

  The absence of complications is highly favorable. Minor, well-managed complications might still allow qualification at substandard rates, while severe or multiple complications can lead to denial.

• Other Health Factors: Underwriters assess your overall health profile. Factors like being overweight or obese, having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or using tobacco products will negatively impact your rates, often more significantly when combined with diabetes. Conversely, maintaining a healthy weight, normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and being tobacco-free will help improve your chances of getting better rates.
• Overall Lifestyle: Do you exercise regularly? Eat a healthy diet? Avoid excessive alcohol consumption? A healthy lifestyle demonstrates proactive health management and can positively influence underwriting decisions.

Because each insurer weighs these factors differently, getting quotes from multiple companies is essential. An independent agency like Insurance By Heroes, with its broad market access, is perfectly positioned to compare these nuanced underwriting approaches and find the best fit for your specific health history.

How Insurance Companies Assess Risk: The Underwriting Process

When you apply for life insurance, especially with a pre-existing condition like diabetes, the insurance company undertakes a process called underwriting to evaluate your risk level.

Here’s what typically happens:

1. Application: You’ll complete a detailed application form that includes questions about your health history, lifestyle, family medical history, occupation, and hobbies. Be prepared for specific questions about your diabetes management, including date of diagnosis, type, medications, recent A1c levels, doctor’s information, and any complications. Honesty and accuracy are paramount; misrepresenting information can lead to denial of a future claim.
2. Medical Exam (Paramedical Exam): For many fully underwritten policies (term and whole life), a medical exam is required. A licensed paramedical professional will visit you (often at your home or workplace) to measure your height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse, and collect blood and urine samples. The blood test will confirm your A1c level, check cholesterol and triglyceride levels, screen for nicotine use, and test kidney and liver function.
3. Attending Physician Statement (APS): The insurance company will likely request medical records directly from your doctor(s). This APS provides the underwriter with detailed information about your diabetes diagnosis, treatment history, control levels over time, compliance with treatment, and any related complications or other health conditions. This is a critical part of verifying the information on your application and assessing your long-term health outlook.
4. Medical Information Bureau (MIB) Check: Insurers typically check the MIB database. The MIB is a cooperative data exchange for North American insurance companies. It holds brief, coded information about previous insurance applications, primarily related to medical conditions or hazardous activities that might be significant for underwriting. This helps prevent fraud and ensures information consistency across applications.
5. Prescription History Check: Insurers often check databases to see your prescription medication history, which helps verify conditions and treatments listed on your application.

Based on all this information, the underwriter assigns you a risk classification, which directly impacts your premium.

Potential Rate Classes for Diabetics

Life insurance rate classes categorize applicants based on their assessed risk. While Preferred Plus (the best possible rate) is generally unavailable for diabetics, well-managed cases can often qualify for favorable rates:

• Preferred: This is sometimes attainable for Type 2 diabetics diagnosed later in life (e.g., after 50 or 60) with exceptional control (A1c consistently under 6.5-7.0%), managed solely by diet and exercise or perhaps Metformin only, with no other significant health issues (excellent weight, blood pressure, cholesterol) and no complications. It’s rare but possible with certain carriers.
• Standard Plus: More achievable than Preferred for well-controlled Type 2 diabetics who meet stringent health criteria (e.g., A1c under 7.0-7.5%, good overall health, no complications, no tobacco use).
• Standard: This is a common and achievable rating for many individuals with well-controlled Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Requirements might include an A1c consistently under 7.5-8.0%, good compliance with treatment (including stable insulin use if applicable), no major complications, and otherwise decent health.
• Substandard (Table Ratings): Individuals with less well-controlled diabetes (e.g., A1c above 8.0%), those diagnosed at a younger age (especially for Type 1), those using higher doses of insulin, or those with minor complications will likely fall into substandard categories. These are typically indicated by “tables” (e.g., Table A/1, Table B/2, Table C/3, etc.) or flat extra fees. Each table represents a percentage increase above the Standard rate (usually 25% per table). For example, Table B/2 might mean paying the Standard premium plus 50%. Many diabetics qualify for coverage within these table ratings.
• Declined: Applications may be declined if diabetes is very poorly controlled (e.g., consistently high A1c above 9.0 or 10.0%), there are severe or multiple complications (like kidney failure, recent heart attack/stroke related to diabetes), or significant comorbidities (like uncontrolled high blood pressure combined with diabetes). A recent diagnosis (within 6-12 months) can sometimes lead to postponement until a track record of control is established.

The specific A1c levels and criteria for each rate class vary significantly between insurance companies. A profile that gets a Standard rating at one company might get Table B at another and Table D at a third. This highlights why using an independent agent like Insurance By Heroes, who can compare offers from dozens of carriers, is so beneficial for finding the best life insurance rates for diabetics.

Types of Life Insurance Available for Diabetics

Diabetics generally have access to the same types of life insurance policies as non-diabetics, though qualification and cost will depend on the underwriting factors discussed above.

Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period (the “term”), such as 10, 15, 20, or 30 years. If the insured person passes away during the term, the policy pays out a death benefit to the beneficiaries. If the term expires and the insured is still living, the coverage ends (unless renewed or converted). Term life is typically the most affordable type of life insurance, offering the largest death benefit for the lowest premium, making it a popular choice for income replacement, mortgage protection, and covering debts during peak earning years.

Diabetics can often qualify for term life insurance, especially those with well-managed conditions. The rate class assigned during underwriting will determine the premium.

Whole Life Insurance

Whole life insurance provides lifelong coverage, as long as premiums are paid. It includes a death benefit and also builds cash value over time on a tax-deferred basis. This cash value can be borrowed against or withdrawn. Because it offers permanent coverage and builds cash value, whole life insurance premiums are significantly higher than term life premiums for the same death benefit amount.

Diabetics can qualify for whole life insurance, subject to underwriting. It might be considered for estate planning purposes or final expense coverage if long-term guarantees are desired.

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance (or Graded Benefit)

Guaranteed issue (GI) life insurance policies do not require a medical exam or health questions. Acceptance is guaranteed for individuals within a specific age range (often 50-80 or 85). These policies typically offer small death benefits (e.g., $5,000 to $25,000, sometimes up to $50,000) and have significantly higher premiums per dollar of coverage compared to medically underwritten policies.

Most GI policies also have a “graded death benefit” clause. This means if the insured dies from natural causes (illness) within the first two or three years of the policy, the beneficiaries receive only a return of the premiums paid, plus some interest, rather than the full death benefit. Accidental death is usually covered in full from day one.

Guaranteed issue is generally a last resort for individuals who cannot qualify for medically underwritten term or whole life insurance due to severe health conditions, including poorly controlled diabetes with significant complications. It’s primarily used to cover final expenses like funeral costs.

Group Life Insurance

Many employers offer group life insurance as an employee benefit. This coverage often requires no or limited underwriting up to a certain coverage amount (e.g., 1-2 times salary). While convenient, the coverage amount may not be sufficient, and the policy is usually not portable if you leave your job. It can be a good supplement but rarely replaces the need for individual life insurance, especially if you have dependents relying on your income.

Strategies for Finding the Best Life Insurance Rates with Diabetes

While you can’t change your diagnosis, you can take steps to improve your chances of getting approved and securing the most favorable life insurance rates possible:

1. Prioritize Diabetes Management: Consistent control is key. Work closely with your doctor, follow your prescribed treatment plan diligently (medications, diet, exercise), monitor your blood sugar regularly, and aim for stable A1c levels, ideally below 8.0%, and even better if below 7.0%.
2. Follow Doctor’s Orders: Attend all scheduled check-ups and screenings (eye exams, kidney function tests, foot exams). Compliance shows insurers you are proactive about managing your health.
3. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Control other health factors. Lose excess weight, manage blood pressure and cholesterol, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and absolutely do not use tobacco products. Smoking significantly increases premiums for everyone, but especially for diabetics.
4. Keep Good Records: Maintain records of your A1c tests, doctor visits, medications, and any documentation showing stable control and proactive management. This can be helpful during the application process.
5. Apply at the Right Time: If you’ve recently been diagnosed or had a significant change in treatment (like starting insulin), some insurers may want to see 6-12 months of stability and control before offering the best rates. Waiting until your condition is demonstrably stable might be advantageous.
6. Be Honest on Your Application: Always provide truthful and complete information. Hiding details can lead to application denial or, worse, denial of a future claim.
7. Work With an Independent Insurance Agent: This is perhaps the most crucial step. As emphasized throughout this article, life insurance underwriting for diabetics varies immensely between companies. An independent agent, like those at Insurance By Heroes, doesn’t work for just one insurer. We represent YOU. We have access to dozens of carriers and understand their specific niches and underwriting guidelines for conditions like diabetes. We can shop the market efficiently, identify the carriers most likely to view your profile favorably, and guide you through the application process. This significantly increases your chances of getting approved at the best possible rate, saving you time, frustration, and potentially thousands of dollars over the life of the policy.

Why Choose Insurance By Heroes? Service, Access, and Understanding

Navigating the complexities of life insurance, especially with a condition like diabetes, requires knowledgeable guidance and advocacy. At Insurance By Heroes, we bring a unique perspective rooted in service.

Founded by a former first responder and military spouse, our agency understands commitment, protection, and the specific needs that families face. Many on our team share backgrounds in public service, bringing a dedication to helping others that extends to every client we serve. We know that finding the right insurance isn’t just about policies and premiums; it’s about peace of mind and securing your family’s future.

Our status as an independent agency is your advantage. We aren’t tied to promoting one company’s products. Instead, we partner with dozens of the nation’s top life insurance carriers. This allows us to objectively compare options based on your unique health profile, including your specific diabetes history and management. We know which companies tend to offer better life insurance rates for diabetics, which ones are more lenient with certain A1c levels, and which might be a better fit for Type 1 versus Type 2.

We take the time to understand your situation, answer your questions clearly, and guide you toward the solution that truly fits your needs and budget. We do the comparison shopping for you, leveraging our expertise and carrier relationships to find the most competitive offers available for your specific circumstances.

Take Control: Get Your Personalized Life Insurance Quote Today

Living with diabetes requires proactive management, and securing life insurance is a vital part of protecting your loved ones’ financial future. While diabetes does impact underwriting, obtaining affordable coverage is often achievable, especially with good control and the right guidance.

Don’t let uncertainty prevent you from exploring your options. The best way to understand your specific life insurance rates as a diabetic is to get personalized quotes based on your individual health profile. The landscape changes, and guidelines for 2025 may differ slightly from previous years.

Let the dedicated team at Insurance By Heroes help you navigate the process. We’ll leverage our extensive network of carriers and our commitment to service to find the best possible coverage for you. Take the first step towards securing peace of mind today.

Ready to find out your options? Fill out the quote form on this page now. It’s quick, secure, and the first step towards getting the protection your family deserves. Let Insurance By Heroes serve you.