Diabetics can secure affordable life insurance with the right approach and choice of insurer. While diabetes may influence premiums, well-managed diabetics often qualify for standard rates, and even those with complications have multiple coverage options. The key is finding diabetic-friendly insurers who recognize that well-controlled diabetes doesn’t automatically mean higher risk.
Best Case Scenario
Type 2 Advantage
A1C Target
Coverage Options
Cheap Life Insurance Types for Diabetics
Term Life Insurance: Most Affordable Option for Diabetics
Term life insurance remains the most cost-effective choice for diabetics, offering pure death benefit protection without investment components that typically increase cost.
Fully Underwritten Term
- Best rates for well-controlled diabetics
- Medical exam and records review
- A1C levels heavily influence rates
- $100K-$5M+ coverage available
- Standard rates are possible with good control
- Most cost-effective long-term
Simplified Issue Term
- No medical exam required
- Health questions only
- Good for recent diagnoses
- Higher premiums than fully underwritten
- Coverage limits typically $500K max
- Faster approval process
Guaranteed Issue Life
- No health questions or exams
- Available to all diabetics
- Lower coverage amounts ($25K-$100K)
- Higher cost per dollar of coverage
- Graded death benefit first 2-3 years
- Good backup option if declined elsewhere
Bottom Line for Diabetics
Fully underwritten term life insurance offers the best value for individuals with diabetes who maintain good glucose control. Well-managed diabetics can secure substantial coverage at rates competitive with standard health applicants.
Top 10 Diabetic-Friendly Companies
“Some insurers specialize in diabetes underwriting and can offer significantly better rates and terms for diabetics. The right company can mean the difference between standard rates and expensive substandard pricing.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
Most Diabetic-Friendly Life Insurance Companies (2025)
| Rank | Company | Diabetic Premium* | Financial Rating | Best For | Diabetic Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prudential | $42/month | A++ | Well-controlled diabetics | Excellent diabetes underwriting |
| 2 | Lincoln Financial | $45/month | A+ | Type 2 diabetics | Lenient A1C requirements |
| 3 | John Hancock | $48/month | A+ | Health-conscious diabetics | Vitality wellness rewards |
| 4 | Protective | $52/month | A+ | Young diabetics | Competitive juvenile diabetes rates |
| 5 | Principal | $55/month | A+ | Stable diabetics | Good long-term management rates |
| 6 | Banner Life | $58/month | A+ | Healthy lifestyle diabetics | Rewards good health habits |
| 7 | Transamerica | $62/month | A+ | Quick approval needed | Simplified underwriting options |
| 8 | Pacific Life | $65/month | A+ | West Coast diabetics | Regional underwriting flexibility |
| 9 | AIG | $68/month | A | International applicants | Global diabetes experience |
| 10 | SBLI | $72/month | A | Budget-conscious diabetics | Direct-to-consumer pricing |
*Diabetic premiums based on $500,000 20-year term life coverage for 35-year-old with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes (A1C under 7%). Actual rates vary by diabetes type, control level, and complications.
Key Takeaways for Diabetics
- Prudential and Lincoln Financial lead in diabetic-friendly underwriting
- Well-controlled diabetics can often secure standard or near-standard rates
- Rate differences between companies can exceed 70% for identical coverage
- Some companies specialize in specific diabetes types or management levels
Diabetic Rate Analysis by Type & Control
Diabetic Premium Structure
Life insurance premiums for diabetics depend primarily on diabetes type, A1C levels, management history, and complications. Type 2 diabetics with good glucose control (A1C under 7%) often qualify for standard rates, while Type 1 diabetics or those with complications face higher premiums but may qualify for coverage.
Average Monthly Premiums – 20-Year Term Life Insurance (Diabetics)
| Diabetes Profile | $250K Coverage | $500K Coverage | $1M Coverage | Rate Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2, A1C 6-7% | $22-32 | $42-58 | $78-108 | Standard+ |
| Type 2, A1C 7-8% | $28-42 | $52-78 | $98-148 | Standard |
| Type 2, A1C 8-9% | $38-58 | $72-108 | $138-208 | Table 2-4 |
| Type 1, Well-Managed | $42-68 | $78-128 | $148-248 | Table 2-6 |
| Complications Present | $58-98 | $108-188 | $208-368 | Table 4-8 |
Based on 35-year-old applicant. Ranges reflect differences between companies and individual health factors. A1C levels measured as percentage.
Bottom Line for Diabetics
Well-controlled Type 2 diabetics can secure rates comparable to standard health applicants. Even Type 1 diabetics or those with higher A1C levels have affordable options available with the right company selection and proper documentation.
Money-Saving Strategies for Diabetics
Health Management Savings
- Maintain A1C under 7% for best rates
- Regular endocrinologist visits
- Document consistent glucose monitoring
- Follow the prescribed medication regimen
- Maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure
- Exercise regularly with medical clearance
Application Strategy Savings
- Shop 5-8 diabetic-friendly companies
- Wait 6-12 months after diagnosis if recent
- Gather comprehensive medical records
- Apply when A1C levels are optimized
- Work with diabetes-experienced agents
- Consider multiple applications simultaneously
Product Selection Savings
- Choose term over whole life insurance
- Start with employer group life if available
- Consider guaranteed issue as a last resort
- Explore final expense policies for smaller needs
- Look into association group coverage
- Annual vs. monthly premium payments
“For diabetics, the most powerful cost-saving strategies are excellent glucose control and comprehensive company shopping. Good A1C management can be the difference between standard rates and expensive substandard pricing.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
Diabetes Management & Rate Improvements
A1C Levels and Rate Classes
Your A1C level is the primary factor in determining life insurance rates for individuals with diabetes. Maintaining excellent glucose control not only benefits your health but can save thousands in life insurance premiums. Many insurers offer standard rates for well-controlled diabetics with A1C levels consistently under 7%.
Documentation for Best Rates
- Last 12-24 months of A1C test results
- Endocrinologist or diabetes specialist reports
- Current medication list and dosages
- Blood glucose monitoring logs
- Eye exam results (diabetic retinopathy screening)
- Kidney function tests (microalbumin, creatinine)
Factors That Improve Rates
- Stable A1C levels over time
- No diabetes-related hospitalizations
- Absence of neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy
- Healthy BMI (under 30)
- Normal blood pressure and cholesterol
- Non-smoker status
Diabetic-Specific Shopping Tips
Before You Shop
- Optimize A1C levels if possible
- Gather 12-24 months of medical records
- Get the current endocrinologist’s report
- Document all medications and dosages
- Understand your diabetes timeline
During Shopping
- Target diabetic-friendly companies
- Ask about diabetes underwriting specialists
- Compare fully underwritten vs. simplified issue
- Inquire about wellness program discounts
- Understand each company’s A1C requirements
Application Tips
- Be completely honest about diabetes history
- Bring comprehensive medical documentation
- Schedule the exam when glucose is well-controlled
- List all healthcare providers
- Mention any diabetes education or counseling
“Success for diabetic applicants comes from excellent glucose management and working with companies that understand diabetes isn’t just a single condition—it’s a spectrum of management levels. The right insurer will recognize and reward your management efforts.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
Common Diabetic Mistakes to Avoid
Timing & Preparation Mistakes
- Applying immediately after diagnosis
- Not gathering comprehensive medical records
- Applying when A1C levels are elevated
- Skipping diabetes specialist consultations
- Not documenting management efforts
- Applying without recent medical exams
Shopping & Application Mistakes
- Not shopping multiple diabetic-friendly companies
- Accepting the first quote without comparison
- Hiding diabetes complications or medications
- Choosing a simplified issue when fully underwritten is better
- Not working with diabetes-experienced agents
- Giving up after one denial
Bottom Line for Diabetics
The biggest mistake diabetics make is not shopping with companies that specialize in diabetes underwriting. The second biggest is applying without optimizing their medical management. Good preparation and company selection can mean the difference between standard rates and expensive substandard pricing.
FAQ for Diabetics
Can diabetics get life insurance at standard rates?
Direct answer: Yes, well-controlled diabetics with A1C levels under 7% can often qualify for standard or near-standard life insurance rates.
Type 2 diabetics with excellent glucose control, no complications, and good overall health may receive the same rates as non-diabetic applicants from diabetic-friendly insurers.
Which life insurance company is best for diabetics?
Direct answer: Prudential and Lincoln Financial consistently offer the most competitive rates and diabetic-friendly underwriting.
However, the best company depends on your specific diabetes type, control level, and health profile. John Hancock also offers excellent rates for diabetics who participate in their wellness programs.
How long should I wait to apply for life insurance after a diabetes diagnosis?
Direct answer: Wait 6-12 months after diagnosis to establish a management pattern, unless you need immediate coverage.
This allows you to demonstrate stable glucose control and work with your healthcare team to optimize your A1C levels before applying. For immediate needs, consider simplified issue or guaranteed issue policies.
Do Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics pay the same life insurance rates?
Direct answer: No, Type 2 diabetics typically receive better rates than Type 1 diabetics, even with similar glucose control levels.
Type 1 diabetes is generally viewed as higher risk due to insulin dependence and earlier onset. However, well-managed Type 1 diabetics can still secure affordable coverage with the right insurers.
What A1C level do I need for the best life insurance rates?
Direct answer: An A1C consistently under 7% typically qualifies for the best diabetic life insurance rates, with some companies preferring under 6.5%.
Rates generally increase at A1C levels of 7%, 8%, and 9%. Maintaining consistent levels over 12-24 months is more important than one perfect test result.
What happens if I’m declined for life insurance due to diabetes?
Direct answer: If declined, you can apply with other diabetic-friendly companies, improve your glucose control and reapply, or consider simplified issue or guaranteed issue policies.
Different insurers have varying diabetes underwriting standards. A decline from one company doesn’t prevent approval elsewhere. Working with an agent experienced in diabetes cases is crucial for finding the right fit.
Ready to Find Affordable Diabetic Life Insurance?
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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, financial, or insurance advice. Diabetes management and insurance rates vary by company, state, and individual circumstances. Consult with licensed insurance professionals and your healthcare team for personalized recommendations.
