Finding the right life insurance when you have diabetes can feel overwhelming. Many insurance companies see diabetes as a high-risk condition, which can lead to higher premiums or even denial of coverage. But don’t worry—several insurers specialize in offering affordable and fair policies for diabetics.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best life insurance options for diabetics in 2025, explain how diabetes affects your rates, and share tips to help you secure the best policy.
How Diabetes Affects Life Insurance Rates
Life insurance companies assess risk based on your health, age, lifestyle, and medical history. Since diabetes can lead to complications like heart disease, kidney problems, or nerve damage, insurers may charge higher premiums. However, not all diabetics are treated the same—your rates depend on:
- Type of diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
- How well you manage your condition (A1C levels, medication, doctor visits)
- Age at diagnosis (Those diagnosed younger may face higher rates)
- Overall health (Weight, blood pressure, cholesterol)
- Lifestyle habits (Smoking, alcohol use, exercise)
The better controlled your diabetes is, the lower your premiums will be.
Types of Life Insurance for Diabetics
1. Term Life Insurance
- Best for: Affordable coverage for a set period (10, 20, or 30 years).
- Pros: Lower premiums, straightforward coverage.
- Cons: No cash value, expires if you outlive the term.
2. Whole Life Insurance
- Best for: Lifelong coverage with a cash value component.
- Pros: Fixed premiums, builds savings over time.
- Cons: More expensive than term life.
3. Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
- Best for: Diabetics with severe complications who can’t qualify for traditional policies.
- Pros: No medical exam, guaranteed approval.
- Cons: Higher premiums, low coverage amounts (usually $25,000 or less).
4. Simplified Issue Life Insurance
- Best for: Those who want coverage without a full medical exam but still answer health questions.
- Pros: Faster approval than traditional policies.
- Cons: Slightly higher premiums than fully underwritten policies.
Best Life Insurance Companies for Diabetics in 2025
1. Mutual of Omaha
- Why it’s great: Offers competitive rates for well-controlled diabetes.
- Best for: Term and whole life policies.
- Approval chance: High if your A1C is below 7.5 and you have no major complications.
2. Prudential
- Why it’s great: Known for lenient underwriting for Type 2 diabetics.
- Best for: Term life with flexible options.
- Approval chance: Good if you manage diabetes with diet/exercise or oral meds (not insulin).
3. AIG (American International Group)
- Why it’s great: Offers policies for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics.
- Best for: Those with slightly higher A1C levels (up to 9.0 may still qualify).
- Approval chance: Moderate to high with stable health.
4. Banner Life (Legal & General America)
- Why it’s great: Competitive pricing for diabetics with good control.
- Best for: Long-term term life coverage.
- Approval chance: Best for non-smokers with A1C under 8.0.
5. Colonial Penn (Guaranteed Acceptance)
- Why it’s great: No medical exam, guaranteed approval.
- Best for: Seniors or those with severe diabetes complications.
- Approval chance: 100% (but limited coverage amounts).
How to Get the Best Life Insurance Rates as a Diabetic
- Control Your Blood Sugar – Keep your A1C below 7.0 for the best rates.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight – Losing extra pounds can improve your premiums.
- Quit Smoking – Smokers pay 2-3x more for life insurance.
- Compare Multiple Quotes – Each insurer evaluates diabetes differently.
- Work with a Specialized Agent – They know which companies are diabetic-friendly.
- Consider Group Insurance – Employer-sponsored plans may not require medical underwriting.
Final Thoughts
Having diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t get affordable life insurance. By managing your health, shopping around, and choosing the right insurer, you can find a policy that fits your needs and budget.
Best Overall for Diabetics: Mutual of Omaha (great rates for well-controlled diabetes)
Best for Type 2 Diabetics: Prudential (lenient underwriting)
Best No-Exam Option: Colonial Penn (guaranteed approval)
Before applying, check your latest lab results, compare quotes, and speak with an independent agent who works with high-risk cases. With the right approach, you can secure the protection your family deserves.
