Life insurance and diabetes

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

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.

If you're ever unsure about the requirements of a life insurance policy, consider speaking to an independent financial adviser. If you don't currently have a financial adviser, you can find one at unbiased.co.uk. Please be aware that you may be charged for their services.

Life insurance for type 1 and type 2 diabetics

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 usually 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, how well it is controlled and whether you have any complications.

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.

Insurers will factor in whether you have any conditions known to be complications of, or associated with, diabetes, such as gastroparesis (giving rise to bloating or vomiting), diabetic nerve damage (peripheral or autonomic neuropathy), diabetic foot problems, chronic kidney disease, eye disease or cardiovascular disease.

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. 

As for what you need to tell your insurer, you’ll need to let them know things like:

• When you got diagnosed with diabetes.
• When your last diabetic review was.
• The type of treatment you use, whether it be insulin pumps, injections, tablets or diet.
• Whether you’ve had any hospital stays (this doesn’t include your regular diabetic clinic appointments).
• The results of your latest HbA1c test.
• Any additional symptoms you have such as eye problems, kidney issues, abnormal urine test results, or any pain or numbness in your hands or feet.

Unfortunately, with diabetes you will not be covered for critical illness cover with us.

Some UK insurers may offer critical illness cover for people with diabetes. However, cover is not guaranteed.

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, we have extensive experience handling pre-existing medical 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. We offer an Over 50 Life Insurance plan with no medical checks, providing guaranteed lifelong protection. Full cover after one year.