Life Insurance for Type 1 Diabetics: How to Get Approved and What to Expect

If you’re living with Type 1 diabetes, you already understand what it means to manage your health with discipline, consistency, and care. But when it comes to applying for life insurance, that effort often feels overlooked — or worse, penalized.

The truth? Getting life insurance with Type 1 diabetes is absolutely possible. But it’s not as simple as filling out a quote form online. Carriers evaluate insulin users more strictly, and if you don’t approach the application process the right way, you could be overcharged, declined, or stuck with limited options for life insurance.

That’s where this guide comes in.

In the sections ahead, we’ll break down exactly how to qualify for coverage, which types of life insurance make sense, and which insurance providers are most diabetic-friendly. Whether you were diagnosed last year or in childhood, you’ll learn what to expect — and how to give yourself the best shot at approval and a fair rate.

Because you shouldn’t be punished for managing your health…you should be protected for it.

Why Type 1 Diabetics Face More Scrutiny From Life Insurance Companies

Let’s be blunt: Life insurance companies see Type 1 diabetes differently than Type 2 — and not always in your favor.

It’s not personal. It’s a risk assessment. But understanding why this scrutiny exists can help you prepare and overcome it.

Diagnosed Younger = Longer Risk Timeline

Most people with diabetes who have Type 1 are diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. To insurers, this means a longer duration of the disease, which statistically increases the risk of complications like:

• Retinopathy (eye damage)
• Neuropathy (nerve issues)
• Nephropathy (kidney disease)
• Cardiovascular conditions

Even if you’ve never had complications, your “years since diagnosis” will always be considered during underwriting, impacting your perceived life expectancy.

Insulin Use Triggers Automatic Red Flags

Because Type 1 diabetics require insulin, most carriers immediately flag the life insurance application for further review. They don’t reject you outright, but insulin use often removes you from the “simplified” or “preferred” underwriting lanes.

That means:

• Longer underwriting times
• Possible requests for medical history or A1C history
• Fewer companies are willing to consider you for no-exam options

Complications and Control Carry Extra Weight

Insurers don’t just look at your diagnosis — they focus on how well you’ve managed it. Your health history is a significant factor.

If you can demonstrate:

• Consistently low A1C levels (which indicate stable blood sugar level management)
• No hospitalizations or diabetes-related complications
• Regular doctor visits and follow-ups
• Stable medication and glucose monitoring routine

…then you’re more likely to qualify for affordable coverage — sometimes even standard rates with the right company.

But Here’s the Good News

Underwriting is evolving. More carriers now recognize that people with Type 1 diabetes can live long, healthy, active lives — especially with today’s advanced insulin therapies and glucose monitoring tools.

So while the application process might be tougher, it’s far from impossible. The key is matching your health profile with the carriers that specialize in covering Type 1 diabetics — and that’s exactly what we’ll cover next.

How Life Insurance Companies Evaluate Type 1 Diabetics

If you’ve ever been frustrated filling out a health form or denied coverage with no clear explanation, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: life insurance companies aren’t just looking at your diagnosis — they’re looking at how you manage your type of diabetes.

Understanding what underwriters really care about gives you the power to shape the outcome.

1. A1C Levels (and History)

A1C is your single most important health metric as a diabetic applicant.

• Ideally, insurers want to see an A1C below 7.0.
• Many will still consider up to 8.0 or even 8.5, depending on your age and other factors.
• A stable trend (not just a one-time low reading) shows consistency, and that builds trust.

👉 Tip: If your A1C is borderline, improving it over 60–90 days before applying can significantly lower your premiums.

2. Duration Since Diagnosis

Someone who was diagnosed at age 12 and is now 45? That’s over 30 years with Type 1 diabetes — and insurers will want to know:

• Have there been any major complications or health issues?
• Is your health stable despite the length of time?
• Are you following up regularly with your physician or endocrinologist?

Longer duration isn’t a dealbreaker — poor control is.

3. Medications and Compliance

All Type 1 diabetics use insulin, but underwriters also review your complete medical history, including:

• What type of insulin and how it’s administered (pump vs. injections)
• Any additional medications for certain health conditions (e.g., for blood pressure or cholesterol)
• Gaps in prescriptions (which can suggest inconsistent control)

Being compliant with your doctor’s plan is a big plus and reflects positively on your overall health history.

4. Complications (Or Lack Thereof)

Even minor complications can increase your risk class and your premiums.

Examples of what underwriters look for:

• Retinopathy (eye damage)
• Neuropathy (nerve damage)
• Nephropathy (kidney issues)
• History of hypoglycemia-related ER visits or hospitalizations

No complications? That’s your golden ticket to better offers and ultimately better insurance for diabetics.

5. Tobacco Use (Double Strike)

Smoking and diabetes? That’s a one-two punch underwriters don’t like. These lifestyle choices significantly impact your risk.

Even occasional or past smoking can bump you into a high-risk tier, increasing premiums significantly — or even resulting in a decline.

6. BMI, Blood Pressure & Cholesterol

Diabetes doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Insurers want to see that the rest of your health picture is clean, including:

• Healthy BMI
• Controlled blood pressure
• Normal lipid panels (cholesterol, triglycerides)

Even if your diabetes is well-managed, these other markers can swing your approval.

Overall, if you manage your Type 1 diabetes well — and can prove it — you may qualify for standard or even better-than-expected rates with the right carrier. However, if you are interested in a no-medical exam life insurance policy, we represent the major no-exam companies as well.

Best Life Insurance Options for Type 1 Diabetics

When you’re managing Type 1 diabetes, the type of life insurance you choose is just as important as the company you apply with. The wrong type could cost you more, or set you up for a frustrating decline. The right one? It can give you affordable, long-term peace of mind and crucial financial protection for your loved ones, covering potential medical bills or other expenses.

Here are the most diabetic-friendly types of life insurance for people with Type 1 diabetes:

Guaranteed Universal Life (GUL)

Best for: Lifelong coverage at a lower cost than whole life

• GUL offers permanent protection with level premiums and no market risk.
• It’s less focused on cash value and more on guaranteeing a death benefit, making it ideal for applicants with insulin-dependent diabetes.
• Many Type 1 diabetics qualify here even if they’re declined for term.

Pro tip: GUL is one of the most consistent approvals I’ve seen for Type 1 clients who want lifetime coverage without breaking the bank.

Term Life Insurance

Best for: Temporary needs like income replacement or mortgage protection

Coverage lasts 10, 20, or 30 years — and premiums are lower than permanent insurance.

Type 1 diabetics can qualify, but you’ll need:

• A strong A1C history (preferably under 7.5)
• No recent complications.
• A well-documented follow-up routine with your doctor

If you’re younger, healthy, and haven’t had complications, some carriers will approve you at Standard or Table 2 rates — still very affordable.

Whole Life Insurance

Best for: Building cash value + lifelong coverage

• Whole life offers guaranteed death benefits, guaranteed premiums, and cash value accumulation.
• Premiums are higher, but approval may be easier for Type 1 diabetics applying for smaller face amounts.
• Strong option for legacy planning or long-term wealth transfer — especially if you want to leave a tax-free benefit to your family.

Final Expense / Burial Insurance

Best for: Older adults, or those with complications or denials elsewhere

• This is a simplified issue with a whole life policy, usually with no exam and minimal health questions.
• Coverage amounts typically range from $10,000 to $50,000.
• Good fallback if you’ve been denied term or GUL due to complications or poor A1C.
• Even if you’ve been declined before, final expense insurance policies often approve Type 1 diabetics quickly, especially with stable medication and no hospitalizations.

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

Best for: Last-resort option when all others are off the table

• No health questions, no exam, and guaranteed approval.
• 2-year graded benefit period (if you pass away within the first two years, your beneficiaries only get a refund of premiums plus interest).
• Lower coverage amounts (up to $25,000–$40,000) and higher premiums — but it’s still protection.

As the rating classifications vary significantly from insurer to insurer, your best approach in finding the most affordable policy if you have Type 1 diabetes is to use an independent life insurance agent. At Abrams Insurance Solutions, we know how every life insurance company will most likely rate a client who has diabetes, and we will guide you to apply with the best and least expensive company for your circumstances.

Independent agents can access numerous life insurance providers, and we know which ones are the most liberal when it comes to diabetes.

If you have any questions about Type 1 Diabetes or other health concerns and how they affect life insurance, call Abrams Insurance Solutions at 858-703-6178. Remember that we work for you and not the insurance companies. Our goal is to help you get approved for the affordable life insurance policy available.

Get Your Custom Diabetic Life Insurance Strategy

💡Want a deeper look at the best life insurance companies for diabetics? Don’t miss our full breakdown here: Life Insurance for Diabetics: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Approved and Protected.

✅Have Type 2 diabetes? Here’s what you need to know about how life insurance companies rate you — and how to get approved: How Type 2 Diabetics Are Rated By Life Insurance Companies

What to Do Before Applying (and What to Avoid)

Want the best shot at approval — and a fair rate? Don’t wing it. Get prepared with these dos and don’ts:

What to Do:

• Get Your Most Recent A1C Test Results: Ideally from the last 90 days. Underwriters want proof that your condition is currently stable and that your blood sugar level is well-managed.
• Gather Your Medication and Doctor History: Be ready to list insulin type, dosage, and any related meds. Know your primary care or endocrinologist’s info.
• Track Your Routine: Document how often you monitor glucose. If you use a CGM (like Dexcom or Libre), that’s a plus. These lifestyle choices demonstrate good management.
• Work with an Independent Advisor: Captive agents only represent one company. Independent advisors (like me) pre-shop your profile to find the best match before you submit a formal application.

What to Avoid:

• Applying Online Without Human Guidance: Instant quote engines can’t evaluate complex health conditions like diabetes. You risk being automatically declined or overcharged.
• Omitting or “Smoothing Over” Health Details: Life insurance underwriting uses third-party databases (MIB, Rx history). Inconsistencies can cause delays or denials.
• Waiting Until You Have Complications: Rates only go up as health declines, and your life expectancy may be reassessed. Even if you’re “not ready,” starting the process early locks in better options for life insurance. Also, be aware that while gestational diabetes typically resolves after pregnancy, a history of it could be a factor in future insurance considerations, so it’s always best to disclose your full medical history.

Final Thoughts: Life Insurance Is Possible With Type 1 Diabetes

If you’ve been told — or assumed — that life insurance is out of reach because of Type 1 diabetes, here’s the truth:

It’s not only possible. It’s doable — and often more affordable than you think.

Yes, the application process is more nuanced. Yes, the underwriting is stricter. But with the right preparation, strategy, and advisor, you can secure a policy that provides financial protection for your family, builds long-term security, and gives you peace of mind.

You manage your health every single day. Therefore, you deserve a life insurance strategy that respects and rewards that effort.

💡 Next Step: Don’t Apply Blind

Most declines I see aren’t because someone is uninsurable.

They’re because someone applied to the wrong company with the wrong strategy.

That’s why I specialize in helping people with Type 1 diabetes find the right policy — whether it’s term, GUL, no-exam, or final expense insurance.

Let’s Make It Simple

Choose what fits best for you:

Use the form on the right to request your free, no-obligation quote 👉

OR

No pressure. No sales tactics. Just clear answers and smart options for life insurance tailored to your situation.

Because life insurance shouldn’t be harder just because you have Type 1 diabetes, and with the right help, it won’t be.