Life Insurance for Type 2 Diabetics: Get Approved Without Overpaying

About Chris AbramsPosted in Health Conditions last updated on July 10, 2025

Think having Type 2 diabetes means you can’t get life insurance? Think again.

Millions of Americans are managing diabetes, and more insurance companies are finally catching up. If your condition is well-controlled, and you know how to navigate the system, you can qualify for quality coverage at rates that actually make sense.

However, here’s the catch: Most people apply blindly through quote engines or call centers that lack understanding of how to effectively position diabetic applicants. The result? Higher premiums, unnecessary declines, or settling for a policy that isn’t the best fit.

This guide is different.

We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting life insurance with Type 2 diabetes — how underwriters assess your risk, which policies work best, which companies are most diabetic-friendly, and how to improve your chances of approval (and lower rates).

Because life insurance shouldn’t punish you for managing a condition — it should protect the life you’ve built.

How Life Insurance Companies Evaluate Type 2 Diabetics

If you have Type 2 diabetes, here’s the good news: life insurance is available — and often affordable — when your condition is well-managed. The key is understanding how insurers evaluate your risk so that you can position yourself for the best possible outcome.

how A1C levels impact life insurance rates

1. A1C Levels: The #1 Metric

Underwriters rely heavily on your A1C to measure long-term blood sugar control (your blood glucose levels):

Below 7.0 – Excellent. You may qualify for Standard or even Standard Plus life insurance rates.
7.1–8.5 – Still insurable with slightly higher premiums (table-rated policies).
Above 8.5 – Options may be limited to simplified or Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance policies.

📌 Consistency matters. A downward trend or stable A1C carries more weight than a one-time low reading, showing insurers a positive medical history.

2. Medication Type and Compliance

Oral meds only (e.g., Metformin)? Great. You’ll typically be seen as lower risk.
Using insulin? Still insurable — but fewer companies will offer term or no-exam coverage options. For those on insulin therapy, specific underwriting guidelines apply.
Missed refills, dosage changes, or inconsistent treatment? These are red flags that point to less controlled medical conditions.

3. Weight and BMI

Obesity, alongside diabetes, increases the chance of other health issues, but if your BMI is reasonable or improving, you’ll likely qualify for broader coverage options.

Some carriers reward recent weight loss or improved health indicators with more favorable rates.

4. Complications (or Lack Thereof)

This is where you can really stand out. If you’ve had no major complications, you may still qualify for term or permanent coverage at solid rates.

Insurers will ask about or check for:

Neuropathy (nerve damage)
Retinopathy (eye issues)
Kidney or heart problems
Diabetes-related hospitalizations

✅ If you have no complications, you’re in a strong position to qualify for term, permanent, or no-exam policies.

5. Doctor Visit & Lab History

Insurance providers want to see that you’re actively managing your health.

At least one doctor visit per year
Recent labs on record (especially A1C and lipid panel)
No gaps in care or checkups

6. Tobacco Use (Dealbreaker for Most Carriers)

Smoking + diabetes = red flag.

Smokers often face higher premiums or declines, even if their A1C is good.
Many carriers offer non-tobacco rates after 12 months smoke-free — ask before applying.

7. Your Total Health Picture Matters

Underwriters will also look at:

Blood pressure and cholesterol (paying close attention to high blood pressure readings)
Family history (especially for medical conditions like heart disease or cancer)
Mental health
Driving record
Lifestyle risks (e.g., substance use, DUI, dangerous hobbies)

It’s not just about Type 2 diabetes — it’s how your whole health profile stacks up. Note that while Type 1 diabetes is a different condition, insurers will still consider your overall health picture. Even a history of gestational diabetes can sometimes factor into your long-term risk assessment.

Overall, insurers aren’t looking for perfect health — they’re looking for stable, manageable risk. And if you’re taking care of your Type 2 diabetes, your coverage options are better than you think.

How to Improve Your Approval Odds (and Lower Your Premiums)

If you have Type 2 diabetes, your approval doesn’t come down to luck — it comes down to strategy. The way you prepare before applying can mean the difference between getting approved at a great rate… or paying more than you should (or worse, getting declined).

Here’s how to tip the odds in your favor:

Know Your A1C — and Lower It If You Can

A1C is the most important number in your application, directly reflecting your blood sugar levels.

If you’re borderline, ask your doctor how to safely lower your A1C before applying. Even a small drop can move you into a better rate class and save thousands over the life of the policy.

Lose Excess Weight (Even Modestly)

Obesity plus diabetes increases risk, but you don’t need to be perfect to improve your odds. Even modest weight loss (5–10%) can positively influence:

Blood pressure
A1C
Cholesterol
Rate class

Documented improvement shows underwriters you’re proactive.

Stop Smoking (or Don’t Start)

Quitting for 12+ months often makes you eligible for non-smoker rates. If you’ve recently quit, let your advisor know — some companies offer more leniency than others.

Get Recent Labs and See Your Doctor

If you haven’t had bloodwork or a checkup in over a year, schedule it before applying.

Carriers often request:

Recent A1C
Lipid panel (cholesterol/triglycerides)
Blood pressure records
Medication history

Seeing your doctor regularly shows you’re managing your condition — and may reduce the need for full medical underwriting.

Apply Through an Independent Advisor (Not a Call Center)

This one’s big.

Most people who get declined aren’t uninsurable — they just applied to the wrong company.

Independent advisors:

Know which companies are most diabetic-friendly based on their underwriting guidelines.
Can “pre-shop” your case discreetly.
Avoid unnecessary denials or rate hikes.

If you’ve been declined before, this is your best shot at a clean slate.

You can’t change your diagnosis, but you can control your presentation. A little preparation now can save you thousands and open the door to policies you may not even know you qualify for, ensuring you find the best coverage amounts for your needs.

FAQs

Still wondering what’s possible for your situation? These are the questions I hear most often from clients with Type 2 diabetes — and the answers may surprise you.

Q. Can I get term life insurance if I have Type 2 diabetes?

A: Yes — especially if your A1C is under control and you’re not experiencing complications.

Taking oral medications only? Many insurers may offer you term coverage at standard rates. Relying on insulin? It’s still feasible, although you might need to undergo comprehensive underwriting and accept a marginally higher premium.

Q. What’s the best life insurance option if I’m over 60?

A: For applicants 60+, the best life insurance options with diabetes often include:

Guaranteed Universal Life (GUL): Affordable permanent protection
Final Expense Whole Life: Simplified, no-exam coverage up to $50,000
Term Life (shorter durations): Still available if health is good

Tip: Apply sooner rather than later — life insurance rates increase sharply each year after age 60.

Q. Can I get no-exam life insurance with Type 2 diabetes?

A. Absolutely — if your diabetes is well-managed and you:

Are under 60
Use oral medications
Have no history of complications or hospitalizations

Companies like Foresters, Mutual of Omaha, and Banner offer no-exam policies up to $500K+ for eligible applicants.

Q. Is life insurance expensive if I have diabetes?

A. Not necessarily. Your price depends on:

Your A1C level
Your age
Your overall health and medications
The type of policy you choose (e.g., whole life policy, term, universal life insurance)

With controlled diabetes, many people qualify for rates just slightly above standard — and well within budget.

Q. What happens if I get declined?

A. A decline with one company doesn’t mean you’re uninsurable.

Many people are declined simply because they applied with a company that’s not diabetic-friendly.
An independent advisor can pre-screen your health profile and submit it to a better-matched carrier, avoiding repeated declines.

Q. Can I improve my offer if my health improves?

A. Yes. If you:

Lower your A1C
Lose weight
Quit smoking
Get off insulin

… You may qualify for a re-rating or better pricing through a new application. The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have.

Final Thoughts: Life Insurance Is Possible with Type 2 Diabetes

You’ve heard the myths:
“Life insurance is too expensive if you have diabetes.”
“You’ll get denied if you’re on medication.”
“Don’t even bother if you’ve had it for years.”

Here’s the truth:

If your Type 2 diabetes is stable, manageable, and treated, you have options… real ones. From term life to no medical exam policies, from GUL to final expense, insurers are no longer penalizing every diabetic applicant the way they used to. This includes understanding the nuances between Type 1 diabetes and Type 2. But here’s the key: you still need to know how to play the game and understand the underwriting guidelines.

And you don’t have to play it alone.

💡 Let’s Take the Guesswork Out of It

As stated previously, not all life insurers are the same. To find affordable life insurance, use an independent life insurance agent who has access to multiple life insurance companies and knows which ones will provide you with the best rates.

An independent life insurance agent can provide valuable advice on what approaches or strategies you can take to increase your chances of finding a more affordable life insurance policy.

At Abrams Insurance Solutions, we have access to over 70 top-rated life insurance companies. We will shop every company on your behalf to find the right company for your unique circumstances. Remember that we work for you and not the life insurance companies.

If you have any questions or want to start your application, call us at Abrams Insurance Solutions at 858-703-6178. We will help you find the most affordable life insurance policy if you have Type 2 Diabetes or Adult Onset Diabetes.