Life Insurance for Diabetics | Diabetic Life Insurance | Life Insurance Diabetes

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are insurable — but the rating you receive depends heavily on how well the condition is controlled, how long ago it was diagnosed, and whether complications have developed. Carrier selection matters enormously here: the spread between the best and worst offer for the same diabetic applicant can be several table ratings or more.

What Underwriters Evaluate for Diabetes

Life insurance underwriters reviewing a diabetes history will request and analyze the following factors. Each one directly affects your rate class:

Type 1 vs. Type 2 — Type 1 (insulin-dependent from childhood or adolescence) is viewed as higher risk due to longer duration and greater complexity of management. Type 2 (typically adult-onset) varies widely depending on control and treatment regimen. Both are insurable; Type 2 with diet/exercise control only often qualifies for the best offers.

HbA1c (A1C) Level — The single most important lab value underwriters review. A1C below 7.0 is ideal and may qualify for standard or better rates at select carriers. A1C of 7.0–8.0 is manageable — typically Table 2–4. A1C above 8.5–9.0 results in higher table ratings or declines at many carriers. Trend over time matters as much as the most recent reading.

Age at Diagnosis & Duration — Earlier onset generally signals longer disease duration and greater cumulative risk. A 45-year-old diagnosed at 40 is viewed far more favorably than one diagnosed at 20. Longer duration with no complications is a positive signal; longer duration with complications is significantly penalized.

Complications — Neuropathy, nephropathy (kidney damage), retinopathy (eye damage), or cardiovascular complications each add meaningful rating. Multiple complications, or complications combined with other risk factors, can push a case to decline. No complications is a key positive underwriting factor.

Treatment Regimen — Diet and exercise only is the most favorable. Oral medications (metformin, etc.) are viewed positively. Insulin use — especially multiple daily injections — increases the rating. GLP-1 agonists (Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity) are increasingly common and most carriers treat them similarly to other oral/injectable medications when A1C is well-controlled.

Comorbidities — Obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease alongside diabetes compounds risk significantly. Well-controlled blood pressure and cholesterol offset some of the diabetes-related rating. BMI is evaluated independently and can add additional table ratings.

Understanding Table Ratings for Diabetics

Most diabetic applicants receive a substandard (table-rated) offer rather than a standard one. Table ratings use numbers 1–10 or letters A–J. Each full table step adds approximately 25% above the standard rate:

Table Rating	Premium vs. Standard	Typical Diabetic Profile
Standard	Base rate	Type 2, diet/exercise only, A1C under 6.5, diagnosed after 40, no complications, no other risk factors — select carriers only
Table 2 (B)	+50%	Type 2, oral medications, A1C 7.0–7.5, well-controlled, no complications, diagnosed after 35
Table 4 (D)	+100%	Type 2 on insulin or A1C 7.5–8.5; or Type 1 with excellent control, no complications, shorter duration
Table 6 (F)	+150%	Type 1 or Type 2 with A1C above 8.5, early-stage complications, or insulin use with additional risk factors
Table 8–10 (H–J)	+200–250%	Significant complications (nephropathy, neuropathy), poorly controlled A1C, or multiple comorbidities
Decline	—	Active kidney failure, recent cardiovascular event plus diabetes, A1C consistently above 10–11 with complications

Carrier Guidelines: Diabetes Underwriting Comparison

Below are current general guidelines for how major carriers we represent approach diabetes. Always verify current guidelines with us before applying — these represent typical scenarios and individual cases vary.

Carrier	Type 2 Best Case	Type 1 Best Case	Table Shaving	Notes
Protective Life	Standard possible; A1C <7.0, diet/exercise, no complications	Table 4–6 minimum; excellent control required	Available on select permanent products	One of the most competitive carriers for well-controlled Type 2; strong overall pricing
Banner Life / Legal & General	Standard to Table 2; A1C <7.0, oral meds or less, no complications	Table 4+ depending on duration and control	Available on qualifying permanent products	Competitive term pricing; favorable for recent-onset well-controlled Type 2
Prudential	Standard possible for exceptional Type 2 profiles; otherwise Table 2–4	Table 4–8; highly dependent on A1C trend and duration	Available on PruLife permanent products	Strong for complex Type 1 cases; medical director review available for borderline cases
Pacific Life	Standard to Table 2 for well-controlled Type 2 without complications	Table 4–6; favorable for young-onset with consistent good control	Available on permanent products	Good option for applicants with strong lab trends; values improving A1C history
Transamerica	Table 2–4 typical; standard rare	Table 6–8; more conservative on Type 1	Available on select products	Competitive on pricing at table ratings; less favorable for recently diagnosed or higher A1C
North American Company	Standard to Table 2 for well-controlled Type 2; no complications required	Table 4–6 minimum	Available on permanent products	Solid option for Type 2; straightforward underwriting process
Lincoln Financial	Table 2–4 typical for Type 2 on oral medications	Table 6+ depending on control and duration	Available on qualifying permanent products	Competitive pricing at table ratings; complete medical records required
Mutual of Omaha	Table 2–4 for well-controlled Type 2	Table 6–8; conservative on Type 1	Available on permanent products	Strong final expense and simplified issue options for cases that don’t qualify for fully underwritten coverage

Guidelines current as of 2025–2026. Carrier underwriting guidelines are subject to change. Verify with us before applying.

Table Shaving: Getting a Better Rate Than Your Health Suggests

What is table shaving? Several carriers offer a program where a substandard table rating on a permanent life insurance policy can be “shaved” to standard after the policy is in force, or issued at a better rate than the standard underwriting process would produce. This is available on select whole life and universal life products — not term. When it applies, a permanent policy that would otherwise be rated Table 4 may be issued closer to standard, making it cost-competitive with a rated term policy.

Who qualifies? Table shaving is typically available for applicants rated Table 2–6 on certain permanent products. It requires the applicant to otherwise meet full underwriting criteria — it is not a substitute for poor control or active complications. Carriers and products offering this program change over time; we identify the best current option for each client.

What You Can Do to Improve Your Outcome

Get your A1C as low as possible before applying. Even a modest improvement in A1C — from 8.0 to 7.2, for example — can shift your table rating by 2–4 steps. If your A1C has been trending down over the last two years, make sure that history is documented and available for underwriting review.

See your endocrinologist or PCP regularly. Active, documented follow-up care signals to underwriters that your diabetes is being managed proactively. Gaps in care are a red flag regardless of your lab values.

Control comorbidities. Keeping blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight well-managed removes additional rating factors that would otherwise stack on top of the diabetes rating.

Work with a specialist broker. Do not apply direct or through a non-specialist. Different carriers use completely different underwriting grids for diabetes — a case that is Table 6 at one carrier may be Table 2 at another for the same applicant. Carrier selection is the single biggest lever available to you.

Diabetic? Let’s Find Your Best Rate.

We specialize in high-risk life insurance cases and have placed coverage for many diabetic clients at the lowest available rates. Tell us your profile — A1C, type, duration, medications — and we’ll identify the most competitive carrier for your specific situation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can diabetics get life insurance?

Yes. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics can get life insurance. The rate you receive depends on your A1C level, how well the condition is controlled, time since diagnosis, and whether complications have developed. Well-controlled Type 2 diabetes with no complications can qualify for standard rates at select carriers.

What A1C level do I need to qualify for life insurance?

An A1C below 7.0 is ideal and may qualify for standard or better rates at select carriers. A1C of 7.0–8.0 typically results in Table 2–4 ratings. A1C above 8.5–9.0 results in higher table ratings or declines at many carriers.

How does diabetes affect life insurance rates?

Diabetic applicants typically receive substandard (table-rated) offers. Each table step adds approximately 25% above the standard premium. Type 2 diabetics with excellent control can sometimes qualify at standard rates, while Type 1 or poorly controlled cases may be rated Table 4–10 or higher.

Which life insurance company is best for diabetics?

The best carrier depends on your specific profile — A1C, type of diabetes, medications, and whether complications exist. Protective Life and Banner Life are often competitive for well-controlled Type 2. Prudential is strong for complex Type 1 cases. An independent broker can shop multiple carriers informally before you formally apply.

What is table shaving for diabetic life insurance applicants?

Table shaving is a program offered by select carriers where a substandard table rating on a permanent life insurance policy can be reduced — sometimes to standard — at policy issue. It applies to certain whole life and universal life products, typically for applicants rated Table 2–6, and can make permanent coverage cost-competitive with rated term.

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Understanding Your Rating: Life Insurance Risk Classifications | Table Ratings Explained (B–J) | Flat Extra Ratings

Authoritative Resources: Life insurance underwriting practices are regulated by the NAIC. Insurers may check your health history through the MIB Group — you can request your free annual MIB report at mib.com.