Term Life Insurance for Diabetics (Type 1 & Type 2)

By Gil G Edwards, RICP®, Founder & CEO, Termco · Licensed agent, NPN 676445 · Updated October 12, 2026

About 40 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, diagnosed or undiagnosed, according to the CDC's 2026 National Diabetes Statistics Report. If you're one of them and other people depend on your income, diabetes is not a reason to go without coverage. It is a reason to apply thoughtfully. Carriers vary a lot in how they treat the same diabetes history, so where you apply can matter as much as your numbers.

Can diabetics get term life insurance?

Generally, yes. Most life insurers offer term coverage to people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. What changes is the health class you're offered (and therefore the price), and in some cases whether an insurer wants more medical information before deciding. People with well-controlled type 2 diabetes and no complications are often offered standard rates, and some carriers may consider better classes for strong profiles. People with poorly controlled diabetes or serious complications may see higher ("rated" or "table") premiums, a postponement, or a decline from some carriers and an offer from others.

What underwriters look at

1. Type of diabetes

Type 2 is the most common type and is often managed with lifestyle changes, oral medications, GLP-1 medications, or insulin. Underwriters usually view it more flexibly, especially when diagnosed later in life. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition usually diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood and always treated with insulin. Because it typically means more years living with diabetes, some carriers are more conservative with type 1, though applicants with strong control and no complications can still find good options.

2. A1C and blood sugar control

Your hemoglobin A1C reflects your average blood sugar over roughly the past three months. It's usually the single most important number in a diabetes application. Underwriters look at your most recent result and the trend over time. A steady A1C in a well-controlled range tends to be viewed far more favorably than a high or rising one. Each carrier sets its own thresholds, so a result that's acceptable to one insurer may push you into a higher class at another.

3. Age at diagnosis and how long you've had it

Many carriers give better consideration when diabetes is diagnosed at an older age, because it means fewer years of potential complications. A 55-year-old diagnosed last year with type 2 is often viewed differently than a 30-year-old diagnosed at 12.

4. Treatment

Diet-and-exercise control, oral medication such as metformin, GLP-1s, and insulin are all common. Insulin use isn't automatically a problem, but some carriers look at dosage and stability. If you take a GLP-1 such as Ozempic or Mounjaro, see our guide to term life insurance on GLP-1 medications.

5. Complications and related conditions

Underwriters will ask about diabetes-related complications involving the kidneys (such as protein in the urine), eyes (retinopathy), nerves (neuropathy), and heart or blood vessels. They'll also look at blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and tobacco use. Each additional risk factor matters more when combined with diabetes, so improvements in these areas can help.

6. Regular care

Regular checkups, lab work and follow-up with your doctor show stable, managed diabetes. A gap in care can make an underwriter cautious, even if your numbers are good.

A simple illustration

Consider two hypothetical 45-year-old non-smokers applying for a 20-year, $500,000 policy:

Applicant A: type 2 diagnosed at 42, on metformin, steady A1C in a well-controlled range, normal blood pressure, no complications, regular checkups. Many carriers might consider this applicant for a standard class.
Applicant B: type 1 diagnosed at 15, on insulin, A1C above target, early kidney changes. Some carriers may offer a rated class, others may postpone or decline, and the gap between carriers can be large.

For both applicants, comparing carriers matters. This example is a simplified illustration, not a prediction of any offer.

No-exam vs. fully underwritten coverage

Many carriers now offer "accelerated" or no-exam term life, where a decision is made from your application answers and data checks such as prescription history. No-exam coverage isn't guaranteed: approval still depends on your health answers. With diabetes, accelerated programs may route you to full underwriting (with an exam and lab work), and that's not necessarily bad. If your labs and A1C are good, a full medical exam can be the way to prove it and earn a better class. A good agent will help you choose the path that fits your numbers.

What to have ready

Type of diabetes and the year you were diagnosed
Your last two or three A1C results, with dates
All medications and doses, including insulin and GLP-1s
Any complications, plus blood pressure and cholesterol readings if you know them
Height and weight, tobacco or nicotine use
Your doctor's name and the date of your last visit

Always answer application questions completely and honestly. Insurers commonly check prescription histories, medical records and the MIB database, and inaccurate answers can lead to a declined application or problems with a claim later.

Why the carrier you apply with matters

Life insurers don't share one rulebook. Each sets its own underwriting guidelines, and for common conditions those guidelines can differ meaningfully. One carrier may look mostly at your most recent readings, while another weighs your history over several years. One may treat a condition as a minor factor if it's well managed, while another applies a flat surcharge. Applying first to a carrier whose guidelines don't fit can mean a higher price than you needed to pay, and a decline on record can complicate later applications.

That's why Termco starts with a short, confidential conversation about your health before recommending where to apply. As an independent agency, we're not tied to one insurer, so we can point you toward carriers whose guidelines tend to fit your profile. There's no cost for this help. We're paid by the insurer you choose (see how Termco is paid).

Choosing the right amount and term

A condition shouldn't change the basic question: who counts on you, and for how long? Common starting points:

Income replacement: several years of the income your household relies on.
The mortgage: the remaining balance, and a term at least as long as the years left on the loan.
Kids: childcare and education costs, with coverage lasting until your youngest is independent.
Debts and final expenses: car loans, credit cards and funeral costs.

If a health condition makes coverage more expensive, it's usually better to adjust the amount or term than to go without. A licensed agent can show you how price changes across a few amounts and term lengths so you can choose what fits your budget.

Tips that may help

Apply when your numbers are steady. If your A1C is trending down after a treatment change, ask an agent whether waiting a few months for a better reading makes sense, weighed against the risk of being uncovered in the meantime.
Don't apply everywhere. Multiple applications can create a confusing record. A quiet pre-screen with an agent who knows each carrier's guidelines is usually smarter.
Lock in coverage for the right term. Size the term to how long people depend on you: until the kids are grown, the mortgage is paid, or retirement.

Illustrative only. Any rate or health-class example on this page is a simplified illustration, not a quote, offer or guarantee. Actual rates and approval depend on each insurer's underwriting of your full application.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I get term life insurance with type 1 diabetes?

Often, yes. Many carriers offer coverage to people with type 1 diabetes, especially with good A1C control, regular care and no major complications. Some carriers are more conservative than others, so comparing carriers matters.

Can I get term life insurance with type 2 diabetes?

Usually, yes. Type 2 diabetes that is well controlled, with no complications, is commonly insurable, and many applicants are offered standard rates. Your A1C, age at diagnosis, treatment and other health factors determine your class.

What A1C do life insurance companies want?

There is no single cutoff. Each insurer sets its own guidelines, and they consider your A1C trend along with complications, age at diagnosis and other health factors. Generally, a lower and stable A1C helps.

Does taking insulin disqualify me?

No. Insulin use alone does not disqualify you. Some carriers consider insulin dosage and control, so results vary by insurer.

Is no-exam life insurance available for diabetics?

Sometimes. Some accelerated underwriting programs accept applicants with well-controlled diabetes, but approval depends on your health answers and records, and many diabetics are routed to full underwriting.

Will my rates go down if my diabetes improves later?

Some carriers allow you to request reconsideration of your health class after a period of improvement. It is not guaranteed and depends on the carrier and policy.

Sources

This page is general information, not medical, legal or underwriting advice. Underwriting decisions are made by each insurer and vary by carrier and individual. Talk with your doctor about your health and treatment.

Term Life Insurance for Diabetics: Type 1 and Type 2