Top 10 Life Insurance With Diabetes Tips

Managing diabetes is challenging enough without worrying about whether you can qualify for life insurance. The good news? Having diabetes doesn’t mean life insurance is out of reach. In fact, with the right strategy — and the right broker — you can often secure affordable, medically underwritten coverage, and in many cases, even qualify for first-day coverage with no waiting periods.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, on insulin, or managing other health conditions, there are options that can protect your family without relying solely on guaranteed issue policies.

The key is understanding how insurance companies view diabetes, what factors influence approval, and how to present your health in the best possible light. Below are 10 expert tips to improve your chances of approval, secure coverage quickly, and save money on life insurance with diabetes.

1. Understand How Insurers View Diabetes

Life insurance with diabetes isn’t “one size fits all.” Companies look closely at:

• A1C levels (a primary factor)
• Age at diagnosis
• Complications (neuropathy, retinopathy, insulin shock, amputations, etc.)
• Treatment history

If you’ve had complications, your options narrow, but you still may qualify — it’s just about matching with the right company.

Tip: Be familiar with your health history. Insurers will ask about doctor visits, medications, exercise habits, and diet. The more details you can share, the stronger your case for approval.

2. Compare Offers from Multiple Companies

Every life insurance company views diabetes differently. One may decline your application while another offers surprisingly good rates.

That’s why it pays to shop around through a high-risk life insurance broker instead of settling for the first quote. A good independent agent has access to dozens of carriers and knows which ones are most favorable toward diabetics.

3. Be Honest on Your Application

It’s tempting to leave out “small” details, but don’t. Insurance companies always check medical records, pharmacy reports, and lab results. If they find discrepancies, you risk being declined.

When it comes to life insurance underwriting, full disclosure is the best strategy. Transparency builds trust and helps underwriters make a fair, informed decision.

4. Apply When Your Health Is Stable

If you’ve just started insulin, had surgery, or experienced a complication, insurers may want to see stability before approving coverage. In many cases, waiting 6–12 months after treatment can lead to better rates.

Patience can pay off — especially when guided by a broker who knows which carriers are more flexible.

5. Show Proof of Good Health Habits

Insurers don’t just care about your diagnosis — they want to know how you manage it. Demonstrating healthy habits can improve your odds of approval:

• Following your doctor’s treatment plan
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy diet
• Using tools like continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to keep blood sugar under control

Proving you’re taking proactive steps tells insurers you’re a lower risk — even with diabetes.

6. Focus on Sustainable Nutrition (Not Crash Diets)

Forget fad diets. Insurers are looking for long-term stability, not short-term fixes. Eating healthier, controlling portions, and maintaining a stable weight all work in your favor.

Harvard research shows that both low-carb and low-fat diets can be effective if you can sustain them. You can read more about their findings here.

7. Check for Group Life Insurance Options

If you’re employed, group life insurance through work is worth exploring. These plans typically don’t ask health questions and accept all employees.

You may also find group coverage through associations or professional organizations. While the amounts are limited, it can provide affordable supplemental protection.

8. Work with a High-Risk Independent Agent

This is the single most important tip. A high-risk life insurance specialist knows which carriers are most favorable toward diabetics.

• Many diabetics are declined by local “captive” agencies (State Farm, Allstate, etc.) but approved with top-rated carriers through a broker.
• Independent agents have access to dozens of companies and can shop your case quickly and effectively.

Tip: If the agent you’re working with doesn’t specialize in high-risk cases, find one who does. It can mean the difference between a decline and an affordable policy.

9. Talk to Your Doctor First

Not sure if you’re insurable? Ask your doctor. They understand your health better than anyone and can often give insight into whether you’re likely to qualify for medically underwritten life insurance.

Their feedback can help set realistic expectations — and sometimes their notes in your medical records can influence underwriter decisions in your favor.

10. Consider Guaranteed Issue Only as a Last Resort

If all else fails, guaranteed issue life insurance (also called guaranteed acceptance) is available. But be cautious:

• Premiums are higher
• Coverage amounts are lower
• A two-year waiting period applies before full benefits are available

The good news? Many people with well-controlled diabetes don’t need guaranteed issue at all. They can often qualify for first-day coverage (no waiting period) with traditional life insurance carriers. Guaranteed issue should only be considered if all other options are off the table.

Conclusion: Life Insurance with Diabetes Is Possible

Diabetes doesn’t have to keep you from protecting your family. Not only can you secure life insurance, but in most cases you may even qualify for first-day coverage with no waiting period — often at far better rates than you’d expect.

The most important step? Don’t go it alone. Work with a high-risk life insurance expert who knows how to match your health history with the right carrier.

At Special Risk Life Insurance, we’ve helped diabetics across the country find affordable, immediate coverage for more than 20 years. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, on insulin, or managing other health conditions too, we know which insurers are most likely to approve your application.

 

📞 Call us today at 269-230-3464 or visit our personal quote page to get started.