Life insurance with diabetes

At a glance

Key numbers underwriters ask for

A1C, date of diagnosis, medications, blood pressure, BMI

Usually insurable

Type 2 controlled by diet or oral medication, A1C under about 7.5, no complications

Rated or specialty products

Insulin-dependent, A1C above 8, complications, diagnosis before 40

Always available

Guaranteed issue whole life within age limits, with a graded period

Life insurance with diabetes

Type 2 diabetes controlled with oral medication and a stable A1C is routinely insurable at standard or mildly rated classes with many carriers. Insulin use, complications such as neuropathy or kidney involvement, and a younger age at diagnosis move the offer toward higher rates or, with some carriers, simplified issue or guaranteed issue products. Carriers differ widely, so shopping through an independent professional matters more here than for a healthy applicant.

“No exam” does not mean “no health questions”

Most no-exam policies still ask health questions and check your prescription history and, with your permission, records such as a motor-vehicle report. Answers must be accurate; a misstatement discovered within the contestability period (usually two years) can void the policy. Only guaranteed issue policies skip the questions, at a higher price and with a graded period.

Before you choose guaranteed issue

Many people who assume they cannot qualify for anything else are accepted by a simplified issue policy with a full benefit from day one. Conditions that were declines a decade ago are often insurable now. It is worth answering the health questions with a licensed professional before defaulting to guaranteed issue; the difference can be a lower premium and no waiting period.

• Recent cancer treatment, dialysis, oxygen use or memory-care diagnoses are the situations where guaranteed issue most often becomes the practical choice
• Controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, past heart events and many other conditions are frequently insurable with health questions