Life insurance and diabetes

Yes, it is possible to get life insurance if you have diabetes.

If you're ever unsure about the requirements of a life insurance policy, consider speaking to an independent financial advisor.

Insurers count diabetes as a pre-existing condition and may increase the cost or change the terms of their insurance policies to cover any extra risk. When making these changes, your insurer will look at the type of diabetes you have, how well it is managed, and your overall medical history. They may request access to your medical records or ask for a medical examination to get a complete picture of your health.

Type of diabetes

Insurers will consider whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in childhood and usually requires lifelong insulin therapy. Because of this, if you have type 1 diabetes, you may have to pay higher premiums.

Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be managed with lifestyle changes and medication, so insurers may consider it to be less of a risk.

Severity and control

Your insurer will also consider how severe your diabetes is and how well it is controlled.

A key measure of this control is your HbA1c level. HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) indicates your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months.

If your diabetes is well-managed, with regular monitoring and well controlled HbA1c levels, you might qualify for better rates.

Yes, it’s crucial to tell your insurer about your diabetes. Failing to provide accurate information could lead to your policy being cancelled or any claims denied. Hiding the truth about your diabetes could even be considered fraud.

Being upfront about your condition ensures that your policy is valid and reliable, and it’s the best way to make sure that your loved ones get the support you intend in the event of a claim.

Unfortunately with diabetes, you will not be covered for critical illness cover.  You can find out more about the conditions we cover here.

If you have diabetes, there’s still a good chance you will be able to buy life insurance. Here’s how you can find the right policy for you:

• Shop around and compare quotes from different companies to get the best rates and coverage options that fit your needs.
• Be honest. Make sure you give complete and accurate details about your diabetes and overall health. This honesty will help you avoid problems with your policy later on.
• Compare insurance companies. Some insurers are better at handling high-risk conditions like diabetes and can offer more suitable coverage. For example, Aviva has extensive experience handling pre-existing conditions.
• Consider an Over 50s Life Insurance plan. If you’re over 50, these plans might not require medical details and can be easier to get. They usually offer guaranteed acceptance, although the coverage amounts might be lower. Aviva offers an Over 50 Life Insurance plan with no medical checks, providing guaranteed lifelong protection.

To start exploring your options and possibly find a policy that meets your needs, visit the Aviva life insurance products page. In most cases, you can get life insurance with us even if you have medical conditions.

You can also use our life insurance calculator to help you work out how much life insurance you might need. It only takes a few minutes, but it could make a huge difference to your life insurance journey.