Updated: October 6, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Based on our analysis, Mutual of Omaha has the best life insurance for type 1 diabetics. John Hancock offers the best life insurance for type 2 diabetics.
Health risks and medical history can make buying life insurance challenging. Ethos Life is the best option for people looking for a company that allows approval without medical exams.
Prudential offers the best policy for people with complicated medical histories.
Mutual of Omaha and John Hancock offer the best life insurance for type 1 diabetics and type 2 diabetics, respectively. The best provider for you depends on your needs and circumstances. Some companies offer lower rates, while others have more personalized offers for people with diabetes. Here are the best life insurance companies for different coverage needs:
Mutual of Omaha | Type 1 Diabetics | 4.5 | $68 (men) $59 (women) | $818 (men) $714 (women) |
John Hancock | Type 2 Diabetics | 4.2 | $78 (men) $59 (women) | $940 (men) $712 (women) |
Prudential | Complicated Medical History | 4.2 | $72 (men) $58 (women) | $866 (men) $698 (women) |
Ethos Life | No Medical Exam | 4 | $72 (men) $54 (women) | $861 (men) $649 (women) |
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Diabetes is a chronic condition that can increase the risk of several health complications, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. You'll want to find a life insurance company that understands the health risks associated with diabetes and offers coverage that meets your needs. This guide covers factors to consider, coverage add-ons and average costs. We'll help you choose a policy that fits your needs.
Getting the best life insurance as a diabetic takes more than applying to any company. Proper preparation and timing can save you hundreds of dollars in premiums.
Focus on achieving the best possible A1C levels before starting your application process. Aim for an A1C below 7.5%, as this demonstrates excellent diabetes control to insurers. Work with your doctor to stabilize your medication regimen and maintain consistent glucose monitoring.
Document at least six months of stable control, including regular specialist visits and preventive care like annual eye exams and kidney function tests. This preparation period shows insurers you're committed to managing your condition proactively.
Not all insurers treat diabetic applicants equally. Research each company's specific approach to diabetes cases and look for specialized programs. Some insurers exclude diabetics from their preferred rate classes entirely, while others may offer competitive rates for well-controlled cases.
When comparing life insurance companies for diabetics, focus on their underwriting guidelines policy types offered, financial strength and reputation. By taking the time to research and compare different life insurance companies, you can find the best coverage to protect your family and loved ones.
Work with an agent who has extensive experience placing life insurance for diabetics. Experienced agents understand which companies are most likely to approve your application at favorable rates and can guide you away from insurers with restrictive diabetes policies. They can also help you present your health information in the most favorable light and prepare you for the underwriting process. Independent agents who work with multiple carriers often provide better options than captive agents representing only one company.
Apply when your diabetes is most stable and well-controlled, not immediately after a diagnosis, medication change, or hospitalization. Avoid applying during stressful life events or when dealing with other health issues that might temporarily affect your blood sugar levels. Schedule your medical exam when you're feeling well and your glucose levels are stable.
If you've recently had diabetes-related complications, wait until your condition has stabilized and you have several months of improved management documented.
Gather all relevant medical documentation before starting your application, including recent A1C results, medication lists, and specialist visit records. Be completely honest about your diabetes history, as insurance fraud can void your policy later.Â
Prepare for detailed questions about your diagnosis date, treatment evolution, any complications you've experienced, and your daily management routine. Having this information organized and readily available speeds up the underwriting process and demonstrates that you're well-informed about your condition.
Don't limit yourself to traditional fully underwritten policies. Explore simplified issue or guaranteed issue options if your diabetes is poorly controlled, as these may provide coverage when traditional policies won't.
Consider starting with a smaller coverage amount that requires less intensive underwriting, then applying for additional coverage later when your health management improves. Also, evaluate whether term or permanent life insurance better fits your needs and budget, as permanent policies may offer living benefits that can be particularly valuable for diabetics.
These steps help you get the best possible rates and terms, regardless of whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes or how long you've been managing your condition.
A1C is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar (glucose) levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It's also called the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test.
The test shows the percentage of hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells) that has sugar attached to it. Since red blood cells live about 120 days, the A1C gives a longer-term view of blood sugar levels than a daily test.
A1C Ranges and What They Mean
Life insurance companies review A1C levels as part of the underwriting process. A higher A1C suggests less stable blood sugar control, which can lead to higher premiums or even policy denial. Conversely, a lower A1C within the target range can improve your eligibility for better rates.
Life insurance companies use a risk-based classification system to determine premiums. For people with diabetes, this system considers factors like A1C levels, age at diagnosis, type of diabetes, treatment method, and presence of complications.
Insurers usually use five main health classifications, ranging from the best rates to higher-risk categories. Here's how each classification applies to diabetics:
Preferred Plus (Super Preferred)
This rating offers the lowest premiums, but is nearly impossible for diabetics to get. Some insurers exclude all diabetics from this tier. A few may consider type 2 diabetics diagnosed after age 40 with exceptional control, no complications, and A1C consistently under 7.0.
Preferred
Rare for insulin users, but some well-controlled type 2 diabetics on oral medications may qualify. Typical underwriting criteria include:
Standard Plus
More common for diabetics with moderate control and no severe complications. Criteria may include:
Standard
Often the baseline for diabetic applicants. Insurers may accept:
Table Ratings (Substandard)
If diabetes is poorly controlled or complications are advanced, insurers apply table ratings. These add 25% per table level to the base premium (e.g., Table 2 = +50%). Reasons include:
Life insurance riders can add valuable benefits to your diabetic life insurance policy. Available riders vary by company and policy type.
Explore all rider options, but pay particular attention to living benefits. These benefits, also called accelerated benefit riders, allow you to withdraw money from the death benefit while still alive. If you’re diagnosed with a chronic, critical, or terminal illness, you can access the death benefit and use the money in any way you choose.
A guaranteed-insurability rider is another option to consider. This rider lets you buy more life insurance at specific ages or life events, like getting married or having a baby. Your health isn’t a factor, so you can increase your insurance even if your health has worsened since you took out the life insurance policy.
The waiver of premium for disability is another valuable rider. With this rider, the insurer pays your premiums once you meet the qualifying criteria, usually after a waiting period. If you become disabled, this rider can prevent your life insurance from lapsing if you can't afford the premiums.
The cost of life insurance for people with diabetes varies by company, coverage amount, age and overall health. To understand how much you might pay for life insurance for diabetics, MoneyGeek gathered several term life insurance quotes to provide a range of expected premiums.
The cost information below is a monthly estimate generated for nonsmokers with type 2 diabetes with a $250,000 and $500,000 policy.
| 10 years | $22 | $262 |
| 15 years | $27 | $319 |
| 20 years | $32 | $388 |
| 25 years | $50 | $594 |
| 30 years | $56 | $669 |
| 35 years | $89 | $1,072 |
| 40 years | $137 | $1,653 |
*Estimates based on sample profiles. Your rates may vary based on your specific health profile, state, and insurer underwriting.
Rates vary because life insurance providers weigh cost factors differently. Comparing quotes from multiple companies can help when looking for the best life insurance policy for diabetics. Use our life insurance rate calculator below to get accurate estimates based on your needs.
We’ll give you a suggested amount of cover to buy in just 3 easy steps. — it's free, no personal information required, no spam.
Rates updated:
Oct 08, 2025
When shopping for the best life insurance for diabetics, research and compare different life insurance companies and the factors insurers consider when determining eligibility. Be prepared to provide the following information when you apply for life insurance as a diabetic:
This is the age you were when you were diagnosed with diabetes. Typically, the older you are when you're diagnosed, the better your life insurance rate will be.
Most diabetes cases in America are type 2, and insurers typically offer better rates than those provided to type 1 diabetics. This is primarily because type 2 is more easily controlled through diet and lifestyle choices, whereas type 1 is insulin-dependent. Most carriers won’t approve applicants with gestational diabetes unless they apply for guaranteed-issue life insurance.
While treatment plans vary, how well you manage your diabetes is important to a life insurance provider. If your diabetes and blood sugar are well-controlled through medication, regular doctor's visits, plus a healthy lifestyle and diet, you stand a better chance of getting the best life insurance rates for diabetics.
The health history of your parents and siblings can also affect your life insurance eligibility and rate. If immediate family members died before age 60, had diabetes themselves or have complex health histories, a life insurance company could view you as too risky to insure, especially with genetic factors involved.
When applying for life insurance, other health and lifestyle factors make a big difference in the cost and availability of coverage. If you have high blood pressure or are overweight, your rates could skyrocket or even make you ineligible for coverage. Alcohol use is another determining underwriting factor since excessive consumption can lead to diabetes-related complications such as retinopathy, a diabetic eye disease.
If you have diabetes, there are a few ways to lower the cost of your life insurance policy:
Having your life insurance application denied because of diabetes can feel overwhelming, but there are options you can explore to secure the financial protection you need.
If traditional life insurance isn't available, consider the following alternatives to ensure financial protection for your family:
Group Life Insurance Through Your Employer: Often the best option if denied individual coverage. Group life insurance typically has simplified underwriting requirements and generally accepts eligible employees, though specific terms vary by employer and insurer. Coverage usually equals one to three times your salary, and premiums are often subsidized.
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance: Requires no health questions or medical exam. Coverage typically ranges from $2,000 to $25,000, with a two-year waiting period before full benefits (typically pays only premiums plus interest if death occurs within first two years). This is best suited for diabetics with multiple complications.
Also read: Best Guaranteed Acceptance Life Insurance Companies
Final Expense Insurance: Designed to cover funeral and end-of-life costs. Provides modest coverage, usually $2,000 to $40,000, with simplified underwriting. Policies are easier to qualify for and can be issued within days.
With 11.6% of Americans living with diabetes, finding the right life insurance for diabetics can be challenging, but coverage is available. Life insurance companies assess various factors, such as the severity of your condition, the type of diabetes and your treatment plan, to determine if you qualify for coverage.
We've analyzed thousands of life insurance quotes to help you find the best coverage for people with diabetes.
Diabetics often face additional challenges when seeking approval for affordable life insurance. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about life insurance for people with diabetes.
Yes. People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes can qualify for life insurance. Approval and rates depend on age at diagnosis, treatment plan, and how well you manage your condition.
Yes. People with type 2 diabetes can buy life insurance. Insurers review your A1C levels, treatment stability, and health history, with well-controlled cases often receiving more competitive rates.
Yes. People with type 1 diabetes can get life insurance, but approval is more difficult than for type 2. Applicants with stable blood sugar control and good overall health have better chances at affordable coverage.
Life insurance for diabetics costs more than average. Premiums depend on diabetes type, age, and control of the condition. Strong management lowers costs, while complications or poor control increase them.
Guaranteed-issue life insurance is the easiest option. It requires no health questions or medical exam, but coverage is capped at around $25,000, and premiums are higher than traditional policies.
Yes. A lower A1C shows better diabetes control, which can help you qualify for lower premiums. Higher A1C levels often lead to higher costs or possible policy denial.
Finding the best life insurance for diabetes patients can feel overwhelming, especially when you're worried about coverage denials or sky-high premiums. That's why we built our research specifically around what matters most to people managing diabetes: which companies actually approve applications and offer fair rates. Our methodology cuts through industry jargon to identify insurers that provide real financial protection for diabetic applicants and their families.
How We Analyzed Life Insurance for Diabetics
We evaluated major life insurance carriers using a comprehensive scoring system that weighs the factors most important to diabetic applicants. Our analysis combines industry data from trusted sources with our own rate research to ensure accurate rankings.
Our Rating Components
Additional Data Sources:
Sample Profile
Selecting Category Winners
For rankings requiring unique product offerings for diabetic applicants, we conducted qualitative research to confirm product availability, then selected winners based on overall rating scores and affordability metrics.
This approach ensures our recommendations reflect real-world experiences for people with diabetes seeking life insurance coverage that fits their health situation and budget.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
