How to Buy Life Insurance for Myself as a Diabetic

Last Updated: July 19, 2026 | Written by President of Term Life Online – AU, AAI, ARM

Can Diabetics Buy Life Insurance?

Absolutely.

Millions of Americans with diabetes qualify for life insurance every year. Insurance companies understand that diabetes is common and that many people successfully manage their condition through medication, healthy eating, exercise, and regular medical care.

Your eligibility and premium depend on several factors, including:

• Type of diabetes
• Age at diagnosis
• A1C levels
• Overall health
• Weight
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Smoking status
• Diabetes-related complications
• Family medical history

Applicants with well-controlled diabetes generally receive significantly better rates than those with poorly managed blood sugar or serious complications.

Step 1: Know Your Type of Diabetes

Insurance companies evaluate Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes differently.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes typically develops earlier in life and requires insulin therapy. Coverage is still available, although premiums are often higher due to the increased long-term health risks.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is more common and is often managed with:

• Diet
• Exercise
• Oral medications
• GLP-1 medications
• Insulin when necessary

Many applicants with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes qualify for surprisingly affordable life insurance.

Step 2: Improve Your Health Before Applying

Insurance companies reward healthy habits.

Before applying, consider improving:

• A1C levels
• Weight
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Exercise routine
• Diet
• Medication compliance

Even six months of improved diabetes management may help you qualify for lower premiums.

Step 3: Gather Your Medical Information

Having accurate information ready speeds up the application process.

You'll typically need:

• Date of diagnosis
• Current medications
• Recent A1C results
• Height and weight
• Primary care physician information
• Medical history
• Prescription history

Some insurers may also request records from your doctor.

Step 4: Compare Multiple Insurance Companies

Not every life insurance company evaluates diabetes the same way.

One insurer may decline an applicant that another company gladly approves at competitive rates.

This is why shopping around is so important.

An independent life insurance agency can compare numerous companies at once to find the best fit for your medical profile.

Request a Free, No-Obligation Life Insurance Quote and let an experienced agent compare multiple carriers on your behalf.

There's no cost to compare, and you could save hundreds of dollars each year.

Step 5: Choose the Right Type of Policy

Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance is often the best value for diabetics.

Benefits include:

• Lower monthly premiums
• Coverage for 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years
• Large death benefits
• Ideal for protecting income, mortgages, and children

For many families, term life insurance offers the most affordable way to secure substantial financial protection. Get a term life insurance quote.

Permanent Life Insurance

Permanent policies provide lifelong coverage and may build cash value over time.

These policies include:

• Whole life insurance
• Universal life insurance
• Indexed universal life insurance

While premiums are generally higher than term life insurance, they can be appropriate for long-term estate planning or lifelong coverage needs. Get a permanent life insurance quote.

Step 6: Decide Whether to Take a Medical Exam

Many diabetics qualify for:

• Traditional fully underwritten policies
• No-exam life insurance
• Accelerated underwriting

No-exam policies can provide quicker approvals, although applicants with excellent diabetes control may receive better pricing through traditional underwriting.

Get a no-exam life insurance quote.

Factors That Affect Life Insurance Rates for Diabetics

Insurance companies look beyond the diabetes diagnosis itself.

Important underwriting factors include:

• Age
• Gender
• Tobacco use
• A1C history
• Date of diagnosis
• Insulin use
• Weight
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Kidney function
• Heart health
• Neuropathy
• Retinopathy
• Driving history

The healthier your overall profile, the lower your premium is likely to be.

Tips to Get the Lowest Rates

To improve your chances of qualifying for affordable coverage:

• Keep your A1C under control.
• Follow your doctor's treatment plan.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid tobacco products.
• Take medications as prescribed.
• Attend regular medical checkups.
• Compare quotes from multiple insurers.

Small improvements can lead to meaningful savings over the life of your policy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applicants unknowingly increase their premiums by making avoidable mistakes, such as:

• Applying with only one insurance company
• Providing incomplete medical information
• Waiting until health worsens
• Choosing too little coverage
• Assuming diabetes makes them uninsurable

Working with an experienced independent agent can help you avoid these pitfalls and identify insurers that are more favorable toward applicants with diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I get life insurance if I use insulin?

Yes. Many insurers offer coverage to insulin-dependent diabetics. Rates depend on your overall health and diabetes management.

2. Will diabetes automatically increase my premiums?

Not necessarily. Applicants with well-controlled diabetes often receive competitive rates, especially if they have no major complications.

3. Can I qualify for no-exam life insurance?

Yes. Many insurers offer no-exam options for diabetics, depending on age, health history, and coverage amount. Get a no-exam life insurance quote.

4. Is term life insurance better than whole life insurance for diabetics?

For many people, term life insurance provides the most affordable way to obtain a large amount of coverage. Whole life insurance may be a better fit for those seeking lifelong protection and cash value growth.

5. Should I compare quotes?

Absolutely. Premiums and underwriting guidelines vary widely among insurers, making comparison shopping one of the best ways to save money.

Get a Free Life Insurance Quote Today

Having diabetes should never stop you from protecting the people who matter most. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have managed diabetes for decades, there are life insurance options designed to fit your needs and budget.

Request your free life insurance quote today to compare rates from multiple top-rated insurance companies. There is no obligation, and comparing quotes could help you find affordable coverage with confidence. Protect your family's financial future by exploring your options now.

Diabetes Life Insurance Quotes

Top Pick – JRC Insurance Group

JRC Insurance Group helps you shop, compare and save on life insurance. Regardless of your age or health background, we'll shop our 63 top life insurance companies and find you affordable life insurance you need to protect your family and fit your budget. Compare the best life insurance rates for savings up to 73%. Get Your FREE Quote.

Highly Recommended – Mutual of Omaha

Mutual of Omaha offers guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance for people age 45 to 85. Choose $2,000 up to $25,000 of coverage. Rates start as low as $8.84 per month. There’s no medical exam and no health questions. You cannot be turned down. You can get a quote and apply online now. START HERE to get a FREE Quote.

• Your life insurance policy comes with a 30 day Risk-Free, Money-Back Guarantee

Resources:

• Compare Term Life Insurance versus Whole Life Insurance
• Tips for Buying Diabetes Life Insurance
• Diabetes Life Insurance FAQs
• Calculate How Much Life Insurance You Need
• Term Life Insurance for Diabetes and Obesity
• Can You Get Life Insurance with Diabetes and No Medical Exam?
• A.M. Best Company: Compare financial strength ratings of life insurance companies
• Life Happens.org: Learn about life insurance and review facts.

About Our Methodology

Reviewed By: President of Term Life Online – AU, AAI, ARM

• 30+ years of experience in insurance planning

How We Keep This Guide Accurate: We regularly updates our content to reflect the latest rates and industry trends. We are committed to providing transparent, unbiased information to help you make the best decision for your family.

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Consult a licensed professional for advice.