A Guide for People with Diabetes Looking for Affordable Coverage
Have diabetes and been frustrated trying to get life insurance? You’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.
At Special Risk Life Insurance, we help people with diabetes—six days a week. Whether you’re managing your condition or facing serious complications like neuropathy, retinopathy, insulin shock, or even an amputation, we’ve helped people just like you get covered affordably.
Why We’re Different (And Why That Matters to You)
We’re not tied to any one company. That’s the key.
At Special Risk Life, we’re an independent life insurance agency. We work with dozens of top-rated life insurance companies—some well-known, some less advertised (and less expensive). This gives us freedom to shop around on your behalf and find the carriers that are most friendly toward people with diabetes and other pre-existing conditions.
Companies like Banner Life, for example, are rock-solid. They just don’t dump millions into TV ads—and guess what? That keeps their premiums more competitive.
How Life Insurance Works for People with Diabetes
Life insurance for people with diabetes is different. It’s not plug-and-play.
Medical underwriting is involved in most policies, especially when health conditions are on the table. This is where experience matters. At Special Risk Life, we specialize in working with clients who aren’t in perfect health—“special risk” cases. And we know which companies will consider your case fairly.
You’ll likely be asked about:
- Other medical conditions
- Your prescriptions
- Recent lab work or complications
- Lifestyle choices (including your driving record!)
Don’t worry—we’ll walk you through everything. It’s our job to make the process painless and transparent.
Getting Life Insurance with Diabetes: 6 Insider Tips
Tip #1: Work with a Specialist
Not every insurance agent understands high-risk life insurance. In fact, many agents selling auto or home insurance on the side know very little about how underwriting works for people with diabetes.
We do. This is all we do.
If you’ve been quoted sky-high rates or declined by places like State Farm, it doesn’t mean you’re uninsurable—it means you haven’t worked with the right agent yet.
Tip #2: Ignore the Financial Gurus
Yes, even the ones with radio shows.
Those “financial experts” are great at budgeting tips, but their life insurance advice is often one-size-fits-all and dangerously outdated. They’re not in the trenches helping real people get approved for coverage with complex health conditions.
We are.
Tip #3: Don’t Trust Instant Quotes
Most online quote tools are built for healthy applicants. If you have diabetes, those “super cheap term rates” likely won’t apply to you.
That doesn’t mean you can’t get affordable coverage—you can. But it takes real underwriting and real strategy.
Our quote tools are great for comparison—but for a real offer, we submit an anonymous trial case on your behalf. That means we can test the waters with our companies to see who will make the most favorable offer before you apply. No obligations. No surprises.
Tip #4: Be Completely Transparent
Tell us everything. Your full medical history, medications, lifestyle, even any DUIs or risky hobbies.
Why? Because the #1 reason claims go unpaid is due to undisclosed info during the application process.
Every claim gets reviewed. Insurance companies don’t just cut checks—they investigate. If something was omitted, they can deny the payout during the first couple years. That’s why full honesty up front is essential. We’ll help you share it in the best possible light.
Tip #5: Talk About Your Wins
Do you exercise regularly? Have your A1C numbers improved? Are you in physical therapy? These are gold when it comes to underwriting.
We can use these positives to your advantage. A skilled agent can build a strong case and pitch it properly to underwriters. It makes a difference in your premium.
Tip #6: Know What You Need
Do you need coverage for a short time (term life) or permanently (whole or universal life)? The difference matters—especially when you’re a special risk case.
Term life is often harder to qualify for with diabetes, but it’s not impossible. Permanent insurance may offer more flexibility—but you need someone who can walk you through the trade-offs without bias.
What Conditions We Regularly Help With
We don’t just help people with diabetes. We also assist people with many other health concerns, including:
Minor or Common Issues:
- High blood pressure
- Mild depression or anxiety
- Slightly elevated cholesterol
- 10–20 pounds overweight
Moderate Risk Conditions:
- Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes
- History of cancer (in remission)
- Mild stroke or TIA
- Amputation due to diabetes
High-Risk Cases (Still Often Insurable):
- Internal cancers
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease/dialysis
- Mental health conditions
We’ve even helped people in high-risk occupations—like pilots or skydivers—get covered affordably.
Why This Matters (And Why We Get It)
This agency was founded by two people—one of whom lived with type 1 diabetes for over 40 years and faced many of the complications firsthand. We don’t take your situation lightly.
We know what it feels like to be told “no” or to be priced out of a policy you need. We built this agency to change that—for people just like you.
Final Thoughts
Getting life insurance with diabetes doesn’t have to be frustrating. It just takes someone who knows how to present your situation to the right insurer.
Let’s see what we can do for you. Call us today at 269-230-3464 or reach out by email. There’s no pressure and no judgment—just real solutions from people who know this process inside and out.
