If you have type 2 diabetes, you might worry whether you can get life insurance and how much it will cost. Good news: most people with type 2 diabetes can get life insurance. The exact price and terms depend on how well your diabetes is managed, your age, other health conditions, and the insurer’s rules. (diabetes.org.uk)
1. Can people with type 2 diabetes get life insurance?
Yes. Many insurers offer policies to people with type 2 diabetes. Some companies even have special underwriting rules or products for diabetics. The insurer will look at your medical history, ongoing treatment, complications (if any), and test results (like HbA1c). If your diabetes is well-controlled and you don’t have major complications, you’re more likely to get standard or only slightly higher rates. (policygenius.com)
2. How do insurers decide your premium? (What they check)
When you apply, insurers typically review:
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Your age and smoking status.
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How long ago you were diagnosed.
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Current medications (e.g., metformin, insulin).
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Latest HbA1c (blood sugar average) and blood pressure.
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Any diabetes complications (heart disease, kidney problems, neuropathy, retinopathy).
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BMI and lifestyle (exercise, smoking, alcohol).
They may ask for medical records and request a health exam or blood/urine tests. This process—called underwriting—helps insurers place you in a rating class that determines your premium. (Guardian Life)
3. Expect higher premiums — but the difference varies
Having type 2 diabetes usually increases your premium compared to someone without diabetes. How much higher depends on age at diagnosis, control (HbA1c), complications, and overall health. Younger people diagnosed with type 2 may face larger relative increases in cost than older applicants because of longer expected exposure to health risks. But again — well-managed diabetes can lead to much better pricing than poorly controlled disease. (policygenius.com)
4. Types of life insurance you can apply for
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Term life insurance — covers you for a fixed period (10–30 years). Often the cheapest option and commonly available to diabetics.
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Permanent life insurance (whole life / universal life) — lifelong cover with a cash value component; typically more expensive and underwriting is stricter.
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Simplified-issue or guaranteed-issue — limited underwriting or none at all. Easier to get but much higher premiums and lower benefits. Useful if traditional underwriting denies coverage or you need fast/limited cover. (policygenius.com)
5. Accelerated or simplified underwriting — a faster option
Some insurers use accelerated or express underwriting that relies on questionnaires, prescription records, and databases instead of full medical exams. If your medical records and prescription history show stable control, you may get a decision faster and sometimes with competitive rates. But these programs vary by company and may not be available for every applicant. (Investopedia)
6. Practical tips to get the best outcome
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Gather your medical records — recent HbA1c results, doctor notes, and medication history help underwriters make a fair decision.
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Improve and document control — lower HbA1c, blood pressure control, healthy weight, and regular checkups all help. If you can show months of good control, insurers may offer better rates.
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Shop around or use a broker — insurers weigh diabetes differently. A broker who understands diabetic underwriting can compare options and find the best company for your profile.
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Avoid hiding facts — full disclosure prevents claim denials later. Insurers often check medical records and prescription databases.
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Consider term first — if permanent policies are too expensive, a term policy can still protect your family affordably.
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Quit smoking and lower alcohol — smoking increases premiums dramatically; quitting helps a lot. (diabetes365.org)
7. What to expect at the medical exam
If required, a typical life insurance exam includes height/weight, blood pressure, blood and urine tests, and questions about your health. The insurer may also request an ECG or additional tests for older applicants or higher coverage amounts. Results like HbA1c and kidney function (creatinine/eGFR) are especially important for diabetes underwriting. (Sumser Insurance Professionals)
8. Common underwriting outcomes for type 2 diabetics
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Preferred / Standard: Rare for diabetics, but possible if diagnosis was recent, lifestyle is excellent, and numbers are optimal.
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Rated (higher premium): Most common — insurer adds a rating (e.g., +25%, +50%) depending on risk.
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Declined: Possible if you have severe complications (advanced kidney disease, recent heart attack, significant neuropathy or retinopathy) or very poor control.
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Simplified/Guaranteed issue: Offered when traditional underwriting is not possible—at higher cost and/or lower benefit. (policygenius.com)
9. Extra covers — Critical illness and income protection
If you want critical illness or disability/income protection, underwriting is usually stricter for diabetes. Some insurers will offer cover with exclusions or higher premiums; others may not offer these products depending on your complication status. Always ask insurers specifically about these products when you apply. (Cura Insurance)
10. Simple checklist before applying
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Get a recent HbA1c test (and BP reading).
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Collect recent prescriptions and doctor letters.
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Decide how much cover you need and whether term or permanent suits you.
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Talk to a specialist broker who knows diabetic underwriting.
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Compare quotes from multiple insurers.
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Be honest on the application. (diabetes365.org)
Closing — a hopeful, practical note
Living with type 2 diabetes doesn’t close the door to life insurance. With good control, proper documentation, and shopping around, many people with type 2 can get affordable protection for their families. Start by collecting your medical information, improving controllable risk factors, and speaking with a knowledgeable broker or insurer. That little effort now can give your loved ones big financial peace of mind later.