The short answer is yes — and often at better rates than you’d expect.
Being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes doesn’t close the door on life insurance. Millions of Americans with diabetes carry coverage through major carriers, sometimes at rates close to what a healthy applicant would pay. The key is knowing how underwriters think, what they’re looking at, and how to put your best application forward.
Here’s what you need to know.
How underwriters view Type 2 diabetes
Insurance underwriters aren’t just seeing a diagnosis — they’re looking at the full picture of how well your diabetes is managed.
The condition itself isn’t the disqualifier. Poorly controlled diabetes with complications is a very different risk profile than a well-managed case caught early. Underwriters are trained to tell the difference, and the best ones at independent brokerages review dozens of diabetic cases every month.
The three things they focus on most are control, complications, and time.
The numbers that matter most: A1C, medications, and years since diagnosis
A1C level is the single most important data point in a diabetic life insurance application. It reflects your average blood sugar over the past two to three months, and underwriters use it as a proxy for how well you’re managing the condition day-to-day.
Generally speaking:
- A1C below 7.0 is considered well-controlled and opens the door to preferred or standard rates at most carriers
- A1C between 7.0 and 8.0 typically lands in a standard or slightly substandard rate class
- A1C above 9.0 will limit your options, though coverage is still available
Medications also matter, but not always in the way people assume. Being on insulin doesn’t automatically mean a bad rate — it matters more how long you’ve been on it, whether it’s stabilizing your numbers, and what your overall health looks like. Oral medications like metformin are viewed very favorably.
Years since diagnosis plays a significant role too. A diagnosis at age 45 with 10 years of clean records is viewed very differently than a recent diagnosis with an unclear trajectory. Carriers want to see a track record of stability.
What else carriers look at
Beyond the diabetes-specific data, underwriters are building a complete health profile. They’ll review:
Your last two to three years of medical records. They’re looking for consistency — stable A1C readings, regular doctor visits, no missed labs.
Complications. Diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, or cardiovascular disease related to diabetes will each affect your rate class, and some combinations will limit options to a smaller pool of carriers. This is where an independent broker earns their keep, because not all carriers weigh complications the same way.
BMI and blood pressure. High blood pressure or obesity alongside diabetes raises the combined risk profile. Getting even one of these additional factors under control before applying can move you into a better rate class.
Tobacco use. Smoking with diabetes is viewed very unfavorably across the board. If you’ve quit within the past 12 months, it may still show up in your labs. Carriers typically want to see 12 months nicotine-free before reclassifying you as a non-smoker.
What rates actually look like compared to standard
People are often surprised by how affordable coverage can be — and how much it varies by carrier.
A 50-year-old male with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes (A1C around 6.8, on oral medication, no complications) might qualify for standard rates at one carrier and substandard rates at another, for the exact same policy. The difference in premium between those two carriers for a $500,000 20-year term policy could be $50 to $150 per month.
That spread is exactly why working with an independent broker matters. A broker with access to 30 or more carriers can identify which ones are most favorable for your specific profile and shop your case simultaneously — something a captive agent at a single company simply can’t do.
The worst-case scenario for most applicants with managed diabetes isn’t a denial — it’s a table rating, which is a premium surcharge above standard rates. A Table 2 rating, for example, might add 25 to 50 percent to a base premium. Not ideal, but far from unaffordable, and often negotiable if your broker pre-screens your case with the right carriers.
What you can do to improve your odds before you apply
You have more control over your outcome than you might think.
Get your A1C in order. If your last reading was above 8.0, it’s worth having a conversation with your doctor about whether lifestyle adjustments or a medication review could bring it down before you apply. Even moving from 8.2 to 7.6 can shift your rate class meaningfully.
Keep your doctor appointments. Underwriters want to see consistent, documented care. Gaps in your medical records — missed annual exams, no labs for 18 months — raise flags. A clean, consistent medical history tells a story of someone taking their health seriously.
Don’t wait. Life insurance rates are based on your current age and current health. The longer you wait, the older you’ll be at application — and if your health picture changes in the meantime, your options narrow. Applying while your diabetes is well-managed is almost always better than waiting to see if things improve further.
Work with a broker who knows diabetic cases. This is not the situation for a direct-to-consumer app or a quote aggregator. An experienced independent broker can pre-screen your case informally with underwriters before a formal application ever goes in — protecting your record and ensuring you’re matched to the right carrier from the start.
Get a free quote — no obligation, no pressure
At Term Insurance Brokers, we’ve helped hundreds of clients with Type 2 diabetes find coverage that fits their budget and their health profile. We work with more than 30 top-rated carriers and know which ones take the most favorable view of diabetic applicants.
There’s no cost to get a quote and no obligation to buy. We do the shopping, you make the decision.
Call us at 888-972-0024 or visit terminsurancebrokers.com to get your free quote today.
Term Insurance Brokers is an independent brokerage licensed in 35+ states. We are not affiliated with any single insurance company.