Can a person with type 1 diabetes get life insurance?

Last Updated on January 20, 2025

Do you have type 1 diabetes and need life insurance? Are you feeling overwhelmed or unsure about which kind of policy to get and how to get it? You are not alone. It can be complicated and confusing trying to figure out the best way to ensure your life when living with type 1 diabetes, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.  The good news is that most people who have type 1 diabetes can qualify for life insurance.

If you have been declined life insurance in the past due to diabetes, don’t get discouraged.  Most likely you applied to the wrong insurance company, and there would be other carriers who’d consider you.  Just because one insurance provider declines you doesn’t mean another wouldn’t approve of you.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation on the internet when it comes to type 1 diabetes and life insurance.  Here at Diabetes 365, all of our content is written by people who live with diabetes, and by experienced life insurance agents.  We believe in providing the most accurate information to the diabetes community we share.  You do not have to worry about receiving any misinformation from our organization.

In this article, we’ll discuss what is essential for those with type 1 diabetes looking for life insurance coverage and explain why there is hope in securing a suitable policy despite the condition. So read on if you want to learn more about how having type 1 diabetes impacts your ability to find an affordable and viable life insurance solution.

Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes is a severe medical condition that affects the lives of millions of people around the world. Currently, there are about 1.6 million Americans living with type 1 diabetes.  It is a chronic metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to produce enough insulin or the body is unable to use the insulin it produces correctly. This results in high blood glucose levels, which can lead to serious health problems.

Diabetes is classified into two main types: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. We know many people may fall into a Gestational, Pre-Diabetes, or even Type 1.5 diabetes category.  So if you fall into these types of categories, feel free to contact us, and share with us your unique health profile.

Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This results in the body not being able to produce enough insulin or any insulin at all. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin injections or use an insulin pump in order to survive.

Life insurance companies will always view a person with type 1 diabetes as a higher risk.  Premiums would be more expensive compared to an individual with type 2 diabetes.  However, there are ways to ‘lower’ your premiums when applying for coverage.  We share this article about tips when applying to life insurance for type 1 diabetics.

Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes, is a metabolic disorder in which the body cannot properly use the insulin it produces. This results in high levels of glucose in the blood. Type 2 diabetes can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. Some people may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.

Underwriters of life insurance companies tend to view a person with type 2 diabetes as a lower risk.  Premiums tend to be less expensive, and there are generally more no exam life insurance options available.

Diabetes is a serious medical condition that can lead to serious health complications if not managed properly. People with diabetes must monitor their blood sugar levels, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight. It is also essential for people with diabetes to work closely with their healthcare team to ensure their diabetes is managed correctly. Diabetes is a severe condition, but with proper management, people with diabetes can lead healthy and active lives.

What life insurance companies need to know

Being a type 1 diabetic, many individuals may feel like they cannot get life insurance; however, this is not true. With advances in medical technology, it is now possible for those with diabetes to get life insurance if they know the proper steps to follow. When applying, life insurance companies need to know about how long one has had diabetes, the control of their disease, any other complications that could be associated with diabetes, and the treatment plan that is being used.

Insurance companies love when applicants utilize diabetes technology such as an insulin pump or CGM.  We understand that not everyone has access to these types of technologies, so if you’re a person who isn’t utilizing these products, you will not be penalized.  But for those who do use products like these, an insurance company may view your health profile more favorably.

If all of this information is accurately provided, life insurance companies should be willing to offer coverage; however, it is vital for anyone with type 1 diabetes who wants to apply for coverage to do ample research beforehand to make sure they are making an informed decision. Life insurance for type 1 diabetes can come in many forms, and it is crucial to figure out what type of life insurance policy fits your needs best.

We wish to be very clear.  A person with type 1 diabetes will not qualify for Standard, Standard Plus, Preferred, nor Preferred Plus insurance ratings.  Sadly, many websites and against mislead people with type 1 diabetes, and show these types of rates.  Then, after applying, the final rates come back 50% to 100% higher.  Please, do not let yourself get fooled by unethical agents and websites.

How life insurance companies view type 1 diabetes

Life insurance companies view type 1 diabetes as a risk because of its life-long nature and potential for complications. Because of this risk, life insurers typically charge diabetic life insurance applicants higher premiums than non-diabetic individuals.  These extra premiums are referred to as Table Ratings.  Generally, a ‘letter’ is assigned to your health profile.  The higher the letter, the higher your premiums will be.

The life insurer determines the premium cost based on the applicant’s current health situation and history of diabetes. Suppose the life insurer views a diabetic applicant as low-risk due to good disease management. In that case, the life insurer may offer a lower life insurance premium than someone with poor diabetes control.  While your A1C is one of the factors that companies consider when determining rates, here’s a list of other labs that insurance companies will review:

• Serum HIV – tests for the presence of HIV
• Hepatitis C Antibody – Detects prior infection.
• Glucose – Used to help diagnose and evaluate diabetes.
• HbA1c – Evaluates glucose levels for the prior 2-3 months.
• BUN – Used to evaluate and diagnose kidney disease.
• Creatinine – Used to assess kidney function.
• Estimated GFR – Measures the functions of the kidneys.
• Alkaline Phosphatase – Checks for bone or liver disorders.
• AST – Tests for liver, heart, or muscle disorders.
• ALT – Test for liver disease.
• GGT – Alcohol use, certain medications, and liver disease.
• Blood Alcohol – Tests for ethanol in your blood.
• Total Protein – Screens for kidney and liver disease.
• Albumin – Tests for advanced liver disease.
• Globulin – May indicate infections, immune disorders, etc.
• Cholesterol – Measures the amount in your bloodstream.
• HDL Cholesterol – The “good” cholesterol.
• LDL – The “bad” cholesterol that clogs arteries.
• Cholesterol/HDL Ratio – Measures total cholesterol to HDL.
• LDL/HDL Ratio – Used to calculate heart disease risk.
• Triglycerides – May indicate heart disease, alcohol use.
• PSA – Used to evaluate prostate cancer risk.
• URN Creatinine
• URN Protein
• Microalbumin/Creatinine
• URN Protein / Creatinine
• URN / Microalbumin

That said, life insurers will also consider other factors when evaluating an applicant’s risk, such as their medical history, family medical history, and lifestyle. With these factors in mind, life insurers may be willing to offer life insurance policies to individuals with type 1 diabetes at more reasonable rates than they would have before.  The first step in determining what life insurance options you have is to complete a quote request.  A licensed agent would then reach out to you, and be able to further assist.

Types of life insurance policies for people with type 1 diabetes

When looking for life insurance, it is crucial to ensure the life insurer offers life insurance policies specifically designed for people with diabetes. Some of the most common types of life insurance for people with type 1 diabetes include term life insurance, whole life insurance, and variable life insurance.

People with type 1 diabetes can qualify for the same types of life insurance policies that non diabetics can.  Also, many of the same life insurance riders are available.  It’s best to reach out and speak to an agent to share your financial objectives with them.  From there, suitable recommendations can be made.

Term life insurance policies offer individuals protection from death in exchange for a fixed premium.  You’d select an amount of life insurance, and a term length that suits your unique situation.  Most insurance companies would offer term lengths of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years.  Premiums would only be guaranteed for the term duration that you choose.  If in the future you no longer need the policy, you could simply cancel the plan with no fees or penalties.

Whole life insurance policies provide the same life insurance coverage as term life policies but also include savings or investment components that allow individuals to gain cash value over time.  Your premiums would remain level, and the policy is designed to cover your entire life.  Due to this product being a form of permanent life insurance, your premiums would be higher.  However, for the right person, having a cash value based insurance policy can be extremely advantageous.

Lastly, universal life policies are similar to whole life policies, but they also have the option of an additional investment component, making them more flexible and customizable. Indexed universal life policies have become very popular over the last few years.  While the cash value is not directly invested in the stock market, rather the growth is tied to the index option you choose. Should the market go down in a particular year, your account would not decline.  In positive years, your cash value would participate in the gains using the ‘ceiling’ defined in your policy.

With an indexed universal life policy, the amount you earn is subject to floors and caps.  The floor means the lowest your account rate can drop.  This is usually set to zero so if the market crashes you do not lose money.  Cap is the highest interest rate your account can be credited.  In the event the market goes up more than your cap, you’re only credited that specific amount.

Tips for securing life insurance coverage

When applying for life insurance, the most important thing to remember is to be honest about your diabetes. Life insurers will ask many questions about managing your condition, and it’s better to be truthful than to hide any information that could affect your life insurance coverage.  Be open and honest when answering all health questions.  You must disclose your diabetes condition when applying.

Additionally, it can also be beneficial for applicants with type 1 diabetes to do their research before applying for life insurance. Not all life insurers are created equal, and some may be more lenient about offering life insurance policies to individuals with type 1 diabetes.  Ideally, you’d want to work with us, or maybe an agency such as Diabetes Life Solutions.

We’ll also note that if you receive a quote or information without answering a detailed diabetes questionnaire, the quotes you are reviewing are 1000% fake.  Please don’t let yourself get misled by websites and agents who are not knowledgeable in the diabetes life insurance marketplace.

It is essential to look at the life insurer’s requirements, compare quotes from different life insurers, and read through the policy’s coverage and exclusions to make sure you are getting the life insurance policy that is right for you.

For certain type 1 individuals, you may qualify for non medical exam coverage.  A few companies would use AI and background reports to see if you may be approved for their plan. This is done on a case by case basis, but you may have the option available to you.

What are the risks associated with life insurance for type 1 diabetics?

Before applying for life insurance, it is crucial to understand the risks associated with life insurance policies specifically designed for those with type 1 diabetes. We’ll be the first to point out that your policy terms will be identical to people without diabetes.  Your life insurance policy will provide your family with the protection that you need.  A policyholder would be protected in the event of accidental, or natural death.

The only exclusions of coverage will be death due to suicide in the first two policy years.  This is a standard suicide clause that all life insurers have attached to the policy.  If you were to pass away in the future from a form of diabetes complications, you can be relieved to know that the policy will pay out in full.

Life insurance companies are only worried about a person’s health at time of applying.  If a person’s health were to change later in life, and while the policy is in force, you are still 100% covered.

In conclusion

Life insurance is possible for those with type 1 diabetes. With adequate research and planning, life insurers should be willing to offer life insurance policies that provide individuals with the life insurance protection they need. By being honest about their diabetes and researching the life insurer’s requirements, those with type 1 diabetes should be able to find life insurance that fits their needs.

We are here to serve the diabetes community, and love working with people to help them find the best life insurance policy.  Feel free to contact us at any time, or request information from us.  A friendly agent will reach out to you directly to provide you with all the information you are requesting.