Life Insurance with Type 2 Diabetes: Get Covered & Best Rates in 2026

If you have type 2 diabetes, you may have been told — or assumed — that life insurance is out of reach. That’s simply not true. While diabetes does affect your life insurance application and premiums, millions of Americans with type 2 diabetes successfully obtain quality coverage every year. The key is understanding how insurers evaluate diabetes, which companies offer the most favorable underwriting, and what steps you can take to secure the best possible rates. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about getting life insurance with type 2 diabetes in 2026.

Can You Get Life Insurance with Type 2 Diabetes?

The short answer is yes — in most cases, you can absolutely get life insurance with type 2 diabetes. In fact, if your diabetes is well-controlled, you may qualify for Standard or even Preferred rates with certain carriers. The insurance industry has evolved significantly in how it evaluates diabetes risk. Modern underwriting looks at the full picture of your health, not just a diabetes diagnosis. Here’s what matters most:

• How well your diabetes is controlled: Your A1C level is the single most important factor. An A1C below 7.0% is generally viewed favorably, while levels above 8.0% may result in higher premiums or limited options.
• Age at diagnosis: Being diagnosed later in life (after 40 or 50) is viewed more favorably than being diagnosed in your 20s or 30s, as it suggests a slower disease progression.
• Treatment compliance: Insurers want to see that you’re following your doctor’s treatment plan — taking medications as prescribed, monitoring blood sugar regularly, and attending check-ups.
• Presence of complications: Diabetes-related complications like neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney disease, or cardiovascular issues will significantly impact your rates and options.
• Overall health profile: Your blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, and other health metrics all factor into the underwriting decision.

How Life Insurance Underwriters Evaluate Type 2 Diabetes

Understanding the underwriting process helps you know what to expect and how to prepare. When you apply for life insurance with type 2 diabetes, underwriters typically look at the following factors:

The A1C Scale: What Your Numbers Mean for Rates

Your hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) is the cornerstone of diabetes underwriting. It reflects your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months. Here’s how different A1C levels typically map to rate classes:

• A1C below 6.5%: Excellent control. May qualify for Preferred or Preferred Plus rates with diabetes-friendly carriers, especially if managed with diet and exercise alone or metformin only.
• A1C 6.5% – 7.0%: Good control. Typically qualifies for Standard Plus or Standard rates with most carriers.
• A1C 7.1% – 7.5%: Moderate control. Usually Standard rates, though some carriers may apply a mild table rating (substandard).
• A1C 7.6% – 8.0%: Fair control. Expect Standard to mild substandard (Table 1–2) ratings. Some carriers may decline.
• A1C 8.1% – 9.0%: Poor control. Substandard ratings (Table 2–4) or possible decline from stricter carriers. Simplified issue or guaranteed issue may be alternatives.
• A1C above 9.0%: Very poor control. Most traditional carriers will postpone or decline. Guaranteed issue life insurance may be your best option. See our guide on guaranteed issue life insurance.

Other Key Underwriting Factors

• Medication regimen: Being on metformin only is viewed most favorably. Insulin use, especially if started recently or at high doses, raises more concern. Multiple oral medications fall somewhere in between.
• Fasting blood glucose: Consistently under 120 mg/dL is ideal. Readings above 150 mg/dL raise red flags.
• BMI and weight management: Obesity is a common comorbidity with type 2 diabetes. A BMI under 30 is preferred, though some carriers are more flexible.
• Blood pressure and cholesterol: Well-controlled blood pressure (under 130/80) and healthy cholesterol levels improve your overall risk profile.
• Kidney function: Microalbuminuria or elevated creatinine levels indicate possible kidney involvement and will affect your rating.
• Smoking status: Diabetic smokers face a double penalty — both conditions independently increase premiums, and together they can make coverage very expensive or hard to find.

Best Types of Life Insurance for People with Type 2 Diabetes

Depending on your diabetes control and overall health, different policy types may be appropriate:

Term Life Insurance

Term life is the most affordable option and is available to many people with well-controlled type 2 diabetes. If your A1C is under 7.5% and you have no significant complications, you can likely qualify for a traditional term policy at standard or better rates. Term lengths of 10, 15, or 20 years are most common. For a full explanation of how term life works, read our guide to term life insurance.

Whole Life / Final Expense Insurance

If your diabetes is less well-controlled or you have complications, simplified issue whole life (final expense) insurance may be a good fit. These policies have death benefits typically ranging from $5,000 to $40,000, require no medical exam, and ask only a handful of health questions. Many carriers offering final expense insurance are more lenient on diabetes than traditional underwriters. Learn more in our burial insurance guide.

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

If your diabetes is poorly controlled (A1C above 9.0%) or you have serious complications, guaranteed issue life insurance may be your only option. These policies require no medical exam and no health questions — acceptance is guaranteed. However, they come with limitations: lower death benefits (typically $5,000–$25,000), a 2–3 year graded death benefit period (if you die during this period, beneficiaries receive premiums paid plus interest rather than the full death benefit), and higher premiums. See our guaranteed issue life insurance guide for complete details.

Life Insurance Rates with Type 2 Diabetes: 2026 Cost Tables

The following tables show estimated monthly premiums for a 55-year-old male with type 2 diabetes at different A1C levels. These are based on 2026 industry averages.

Table 1: Estimated Monthly Premiums — $250,000, 20-Year Term Life (Male, Age 55, Non-Smoker)

A1C Level	Medication	Rate Class	Monthly Premium (Est.)
Below 6.0%	Diet/Exercise Only	Preferred	$85 – $110
6.0% – 6.5%	Metformin Only	Standard Plus	$100 – $130
6.6% – 7.0%	Metformin Only	Standard	$120 – $155
7.1% – 7.5%	Metformin + 1 Oral	Standard / Table 1	$145 – $195
7.6% – 8.0%	Multiple Orals	Table 1–2	$180 – $250
8.1% – 8.5%	Multiple Orals + Insulin	Table 2–4	$240 – $350
Above 8.5%	Insulin Dependent	Decline / Substandard	$350+ or Decline

Table 2: Estimated Monthly Premiums — $25,000 Final Expense Whole Life (Male, Non-Smoker)

Age	Well-Controlled Diabetes (A1C < 7.5%)	Moderate Diabetes (A1C 7.5% – 8.5%)	Poorly Controlled (A1C > 8.5%)
50	$45 – $60	$55 – $75	$70 – $95
55	$55 – $72	$68 – $90	$85 – $115
60	$68 – $88	$85 – $112	$108 – $142
65	$85 – $110	$108 – $140	$138 – $180
70	$110 – $142	$140 – $182	$178 – $232

Note: These are estimated ranges. Actual quotes depend on the full underwriting picture — including blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, kidney function, and other factors. Always get personalized quotes from multiple carriers.

Best Life Insurance Companies for People with Type 2 Diabetes in 2026

Not all insurance companies underwrite diabetes the same way. Some carriers are significantly more lenient than others. Based on industry analysis and agent experience, here are the top carriers for diabetics:

1. Prudential — Widely considered the most diabetes-friendly carrier. Prudential often offers Standard or better rates for well-controlled type 2 diabetes with A1C up to 7.0%. They look at the full picture and are more forgiving of mild complications than most competitors.
2. Lincoln Financial — Strong option for diabetics with A1C under 7.5%. Lincoln’s underwriting guidelines are favorable for applicants on metformin only or metformin plus one additional oral medication.
3. Banner Life / William Penn — Competitive rates for well-controlled diabetes (A1C under 7.0%). Banner is a good choice if your diabetes is managed with diet, exercise, and/or metformin only.
4. Pacific Life — Excellent for larger policies ($500,000+). Pacific Life takes a holistic approach and may offer competitive rates for diabetics with good overall health profiles.
5. Mutual of Omaha — Good for final expense and smaller whole life policies. Their simplified issue products are accessible to diabetics with moderate control.
6. AIG (American General) — Competitive for term and GUL products. AIG’s underwriting can be favorable for diabetics with A1C under 7.5% and no complications.
7. Foresters Financial — Strong final expense carrier with lenient underwriting for diabetes. Good option if traditional term coverage is unavailable.

Always verify a carrier’s financial strength through AM Best’s rating search and check consumer resources at the NAIC Consumer Information page.

10 Tips to Get the Best Life Insurance Rates with Type 2 Diabetes

Follow these actionable strategies to improve your chances of approval and secure the lowest possible premiums:

1. Lower your A1C before applying: Even a 0.5% reduction in A1C can mean the difference between a Standard and a substandard rating. Work with your doctor to optimize your diabetes management for 3–6 months before applying.
2. Work with an independent agent who specializes in impaired risk: Not all agents understand diabetes underwriting. Find one who regularly places diabetic cases and knows which carriers are most favorable for your specific profile.
3. Get your other health metrics in order: Control your blood pressure, improve your cholesterol, and work toward a healthy BMI. A strong overall health profile can offset diabetes concerns.
4. Be compliant with your treatment plan: Insurers check prescription records. Regular refills and consistent medication use demonstrate that you’re managing your condition responsibly.
5. Quit smoking: If you smoke and have diabetes, quitting is the single most impactful thing you can do to lower your premiums. Diabetic smokers pay 3–4 times more than diabetic non-smokers.
6. Document your diabetes management: Keep records of your blood sugar logs, A1C results, doctor visits, and any lifestyle improvements. Some carriers will consider a letter from your physician explaining your management plan.
7. Apply with multiple carriers simultaneously: Since each carrier underwrites diabetes differently, applying to 2–3 carriers at once (through your agent) lets you compare actual offers and choose the best one.
8. Consider a shorter term: If you’re having trouble qualifying for a 20-year term, a 10-year term may be easier to get and significantly cheaper. You can always re-evaluate when the term ends.
9. Don’t lie on your application: Misrepresenting your diabetes — or any health condition — is insurance fraud. If discovered during the contestability period (typically 2 years), the claim can be denied and premiums may not be refunded.
10. Re-evaluate after improving your health: If you’re approved at a substandard rate, work on improving your health and re-apply in 1–2 years. Many carriers will reconsider your rate class if your A1C and overall health have improved significantly.

What If You’re Declined for Traditional Life Insurance?

If you’re declined for a traditional term or whole life policy due to diabetes complications or poor control, don’t give up. You still have options:

• Simplified issue whole life: These policies ask limited health questions and don’t require a medical exam. Many diabetics with moderate control qualify.
• Guaranteed issue life insurance: No health questions, no exam, guaranteed acceptance. Death benefits are limited and there’s typically a graded period, but it’s coverage when nothing else is available.
• Group life insurance through an employer: Group policies often have guaranteed issue provisions during open enrollment, regardless of health status.
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance: While not a substitute for life insurance, AD&D provides coverage for accidental death and can supplement other coverage.
• Re-apply after improving your health: A decline isn’t permanent. If you can bring your A1C down, lose weight, or address complications, re-apply in 6–12 months.

Video: Life Insurance Options for People with Diabetes

Watch this helpful video explaining how diabetics can secure life insurance coverage:

Frequently Asked Questions About Life Insurance with Type 2 Diabetes

1. Will I be automatically declined if I have type 2 diabetes?

No. Most people with type 2 diabetes can qualify for life insurance. Automatic declines are rare and typically only occur with very poorly controlled diabetes (A1C above 10%), serious complications like end-stage renal disease, or a combination of diabetes with other severe health issues.

2. What A1C level do I need to get the best rates?

For the best (Preferred) rates, aim for an A1C below 6.5% with management through diet, exercise, and/or metformin only. An A1C between 6.5% and 7.0% typically qualifies for Standard Plus or Standard rates. Above 7.5%, expect substandard (table-rated) premiums.

3. Does using insulin automatically disqualify me?

No, but it does make underwriting more challenging. Insulin use signals more advanced diabetes. However, if your A1C is well-controlled on insulin and you have no complications, some carriers (notably Prudential and Lincoln Financial) may still offer Standard or mild substandard rates.

4. How long should I wait after improving my A1C to apply?

Most carriers want to see at least 6–12 months of stable, improved A1C levels. A single good A1C reading isn’t enough — they want evidence of sustained control. Work with your doctor to document consistent improvement over time.

5. Can I get life insurance if I have diabetes complications?

It depends on the type and severity of complications. Mild neuropathy or background retinopathy may still allow for coverage at substandard rates. More serious complications like kidney disease, severe neuropathy, or cardiovascular disease may lead to declines from traditional carriers, but guaranteed issue policies remain an option.

6. Is no-exam life insurance available for diabetics?

Yes. Simplified issue policies (no exam, limited health questions) are available to many diabetics, especially those with well-controlled diabetes. However, these policies typically cost more than fully underwritten policies and have lower coverage limits. Guaranteed issue policies (no exam, no health questions) are available regardless of diabetes status.

7. How much more will I pay compared to someone without diabetes?

With well-controlled diabetes (A1C under 7.0%, no complications), you may pay 10–30% more than someone without diabetes. With moderate control (A1C 7.0%–8.0%), expect to pay 50–100% more. Poorly controlled diabetes can result in premiums 2–4 times higher than standard rates, or may require guaranteed issue coverage.

Get Your Free Life Insurance Quotes Today

Having type 2 diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t get quality, affordable life insurance. The key is working with an agent who understands diabetes underwriting and knows which carriers will offer you the best rates for your specific situation. At LifeQuotesWeb, we specialize in helping people with diabetes find the right coverage at the right price.

Click below to get your free, no-obligation quotes from multiple top-rated carriers. Our licensed agents will help you navigate the underwriting process and find the best policy for your needs and budget.