Living with diabetes comes with its challenges, but securing life insurance doesn’t have to be one of them.
The good news is that many insurers offer affordable, reliable coverage for people managing this condition, and we help you sort through the best options.
With our expert guidance, you can secure an affordable policy that safeguards your family’s future while staying within your budget.
quick navigation links
- Understanding life insurance for diabetics
- Introduction to the diabetic rate classes
- Purchasing life insurance with elevated sugar levels
- Diabetic case studies (well-controlled vs. moderate control)
- life insurance coverage options
- The best life insurance companies
- Expert buying tips for people with diabetes
- Frequently Asked Questions
Life Insurance for Diabetics
If you’re living with diabetes, you’re certainly not alone. In 2026, more than 36 million Americans are estimated to have Type 2 diabetes, and that number continues to grow each year.
As diabetes becomes more common, the demand for diabetic‑friendly life insurance has increased as well.
It’s good to know that life insurance for people with diabetes is widely available, and many applicants qualify for better rates than they expect.
Life insurance companies focus heavily on how well your condition is controlled, how early you were diagnosed, and whether any complications have developed over time.
Applicants with stable glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) levels, consistent treatment, and strong overall health often receive excellent pricing.
Even those with moderate control or a more complex medical history still have strong options when matched with the right insurer.
Introduction to Diabetic Rate Classes
Introduction to Diabetic Rate ClassesBefore we break down each diabetic category, it helps to understand how insurers assign rate classes. Most diabetic applicants fall into one of three levels: select, standard, or table ratings.
Select is reserved for exceptional control, standard is the target rate class for well‑managed diabetes, and table ratings apply when control is less stable or complications are present.
Our goal is always to position your application for standard approval, and in many cases, we’re able to achieve exactly that by matching you with the right diabetic‑friendly carrier.
Each diabetic category—pre‑diabetes, diet‑controlled diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and Type 1 diabetes—has its own underwriting expectations.
Below, we introduce each group and outline how insurers typically view them, keeping the focus on helping you qualify for the most competitive rate class possible.
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Life Insurance with Pre-Diabetes
What is astonishing is that 87 million people in the United States may have pre-diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Pre‑diabetes is one of the easiest diabetic‑related conditions to insure, and many applicants qualify for standard or even select rates depending on their overall health.
Insurers look closely at fasting glucose levels, A1C results, and lifestyle habits. Applicants who maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and show improving lab trends often receive favorable pricing.
Because pre‑diabetes is considered a warning sign rather than a chronic condition, applying early—before it progresses into Type 2 diabetes—can help secure long‑term, low‑cost coverage.
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Diabetes Controlled by Diet
We often notice that applicants who manage their diabetes solely through diet often achieve some of the best underwriting outcomes.
Insurers view diet‑controlled diabetes as a sign of strong discipline and stable health. A1C levels in the low 6s, combined with a healthy BMI and no complications, can lead to standard or select rates with certain carriers.
Providing documentation of consistent lab results and a clear history of non‑medicated control helps strengthen your application.
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Life Insurance for Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common diabetic condition insurers see, and underwriting varies widely based on control, medication, and complications.
Applicants with A1C levels between 6.0% and 7.0%, no insulin use, and no complications often qualify for standard pricing.
Those with moderate control or early complications may receive table ratings, but coverage is still widely available.
Because Type 2 diabetes is progressive, applying sooner—while control is strong—helps secure better long‑term rates.
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Life Insurance for Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes requires more specialized underwriting, but many applicants still qualify for competitive rates when their condition is well‑managed.
Insurers closely examine A1C stability, the frequency of hypoglycemic episodes, the insulin delivery method, and any signs of complications.
Applicants with stable A1C levels, consistent treatment, and no organ damage often receive standard to moderate table ratings, which is a higher premium.
However, some companies will outright decline people who have Type 1 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes controlled through insulin therapy will benefit from using a simple or guaranteed issue product without taking an exam.
Getting Coverage With Diabetes
Getting Coverage With DiabetesApplying for life insurance with diabetes follows the same basic steps as any other application, but insurers may request additional details about your condition.
Most companies review your A1C levels, medication history, and recent lab results to understand how well your diabetes is managed.
Some applicants may be asked to complete a medical exam, while others may qualify for accelerated or no‑exam underwriting depending on their age and overall health.
We recommend taking the medical exam when your diabetes is well-controlled, as this shows insurers that your condition is stable and can result in better pricing.
A clean exam gives underwriters real data to work with, which can help you qualify for standard rates instead of being placed into a table rating based solely on assumptions or prescription history.
How Diabetic Underwriting Works
- We start by reviewing your medical history to determine which insurer is the best fit for your diabetic profile.
- Next, we schedule a quick exam that includes blood pressure, height, and weight, and a simple blood and urine sample.
- Have a few items ready for the nurse: your diabetes doctor’s contact information and a current list of medications and dosages.
- After the exam, we request your medical summary from your doctor, including recent diabetes follow‑ups.
- We then present your full medical profile to multiple insurers to secure the most competitive rates.
- Once approved, we review your options together and activate the policy that best fits your needs.
Diabetic Case Studies
Diabetic Case StudiesUnderstanding how insurers evaluate your high blood sugar is much easier when you can see real examples.
These case studies highlight two common profiles of Type 2 diabetes: well-controlled and moderately controlled. They illustrate how A1C levels, medication use, and body composition affect underwriting outcomes.
These scenarios demonstrate why choosing the right diabetic‑friendly carrier matters so much: the same applicant can receive standard rates from one company and a table rating from another.
By reviewing these examples, you’ll see exactly how we position clients to secure the most competitive rate class possible.
Well‑Controlled Diabetes
- Applicant: Male, age 62
- Coverage: $500,000, 20‑year term
- A1C: 6.4%
- Medication: Metformin only
- Build: Healthy BMI
- Underwriting Outcome: Standard
- Annual Premium: $5,900
- Company A: Uses lenient underwriting and approves him at standard rates.
- Company B: Follows stricter rules and offers a sub‑standard table rating.
| Company A | Company B | |
| Rate Class | Standard | Table 2 |
| Premium | $5,900 | $9,023 |
Diabetes with Moderate Control
- Applicant: Female, age 22
- Coverage: $350,000, 20‑year term
- A1C: 7.8%
- Medication: Metformin only
- Build: Slightly overweight
- Underwriting Outcome: Standard
- Annual Premium: $1,229
- Company A: Uses lenient underwriting and approves her at a sub‑standard table 2 rating.
- Company B: Follows stricter rules and offers a sub‑standard table 4 rating.
| Company A | Company B | |
| Rate Class | Table 2 | Table 4 |
| Premium | $1,229 | $1,823 |
Coverage Options For Diabetics
People with diabetes can choose from several types of life insurance, each offering different advantages depending on their goals.
Term life insurance is typically the most affordable option and works well for people who want straightforward coverage for a set period, such as 20 or 30 years.
Guaranteed universal life (GUL) provides lifelong protection with level premiums and is often cheaper than whole life, making it an excellent choice for people with diabetes needing permanent coverage.
Whole life insurance offers guaranteed lifetime protection and cash value growth, though premiums are higher and best suited for smaller policies.
For those with complications or higher A1C levels, final expense or guaranteed issue policies offer simplified approval with no medical exam, ensuring coverage is still available even when traditional underwriting is challenging.
Companies We Trust for Diabetics
Companies We Trust for DiabeticsWhen it comes to diabetic underwriting, each insurance company evaluates your health differently. This is why we compare multiple carriers on your behalf.
Finding the right match can mean the difference between receiving a standard offer and being assigned a table rating.
In our experience, the companies that consistently perform well for diabetic applicants include Protective Life, Prudential, American General, Pacific Life, and Banner Life.
We typically recommend Banner Life and American General (Corebridge) because they’re two of the most reliable options for diabetics who fall just outside standard rates.
Their underwriting is more flexible, and their table‑rated pricing is often lower than the industry average. For clients who land in Table 2–4, these carriers can make a noticeable difference in affordability.
To see how these companies compare for your exact profile, we recommend running quotes through our life insurance calculator below.
Be sure to include American General and Banner Life in your search — we’ve seen them deliver some of the strongest diabetic rates on the market.
How Much is Life Insurance for Diabetics?
- Select Duration
- Select Amount
- Press Get Quote
Insider Tips For Diabetic Applicants
- Choose a carrier that specializes in diabetic underwriting, since some companies are far more flexible with A1C levels, medication use, and early complications.
- Keep your A1C stable and follow your doctor’s treatment plan to present the strongest possible health profile.
- If you were recently diagnosed with elevated glucose levels, we suggest waiting at least six months to allow any potential policy to be based on a track record of control.
- Long-term diabetics should ensure their A1C is under eight before applying for coverage.
- Avoid tobacco, as smoking combined with diabetes dramatically increases premiums.
- Take the medical exam when your blood sugar is well‑controlled—strong lab results often qualify you for standard rates instead of table ratings.
- Apply sooner rather than later, since metabolic disorders are progressive and early action helps lock in lower pricing.
- Work with an independent agent who can compare multiple diabetic‑friendly carriers and position your application for the best outcome.
FAQ: Life Insurance for Diabetics
FAQ: Life Insurance for DiabeticsCan I get life insurance if my diabetes is newly diagnosed? Yes. Some carriers prefer applicants with at least 6–12 months of stable control, but others will consider new diagnoses with clean labs.
Can diabetics get life insurance without a medical exam? Yes. Several carriers offer no‑exam options for diabetics, though rates are usually higher than exam‑based policies.
Does the age at which you were diagnosed affect life insurance? Yes. Earlier diagnosis typically leads to higher risk ratings because insurers assume the condition will last longer.
Does losing weight help lower life insurance rates for diabetics? Yes. Weight loss can improve your A1C, reduce your need for medication, and lower your overall risk profile. Even a modest improvement in BMI can move you into a better rate class.
Will switching from insulin to oral medication help my rates? It can. Applicants who maintain control using oral medications alone often receive more favorable underwriting than insulin‑dependent profiles.
Can people with diabetes get preferred rates? Rarely, but it’s possible for pre‑diabetes or diet‑controlled applicants with excellent labs and no other risk factors.
Why can permanent insurance be a better choice for diabetics? Permanent coverage is often a better option for diabetics because it provides guaranteed, lifelong coverage with premiums that never increase, eliminating the risk of losing coverage if health worsens.
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Affordable Life USA offers comprehensive life insurance solutions to families and business owners throughout the United States.
Our founder, Eric Van Haaften, developed his passion for quantitative analysis while earning his business degree from Ferris State University, which laid a strong foundation for his analytical approach to financial planning.
