Can You Get Life Insurance with Well-Controlled Diabetes?

If you have well-controlled diabetes, it's possible to get life insurance, but it may be more challenging and expensive than for people without diabetes. The key to getting affordable life insurance with diabetes is to demonstrate that your condition is well-managed.

The type and severity of your diabetes, as well as the length of time you've had the condition, will play a significant role in determining the premium you'll pay for life insurance. Insurers will assess your risk level based on factors such as your A1C levels, medication use, and medical history.

In general, people with well-controlled diabetes can qualify for life insurance if they:

• Have an A1C level of 7% or lower
• Are taking medications that are regularly monitored and controlled
• Have a normal or near-normal BMI
• Have no other serious health conditions, such as heart disease or kidney disease
• Have a clean medical history, with no episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis or severe hypoglycemia

How Insurers Assess Diabetes Risk

When assessing the risk of insuring someone with diabetes, insurers consider the following factors:

• The type of diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is generally considered less severe than type 1 diabetes, which requires insulin injections.
• The A1C level: A1C levels between 7% and 9% are considered well-controlled, while levels above 9% may indicate less well-managed diabetes.
• Medication use: Insurers may view people who take oral medications, such as metformin, as less risky than those who require insulin injections.
• Medical history: A history of complications, such as kidney disease or vision problems, may increase the risk level.
• Lifestyle factors: Insurers may view people who exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight as less risky.

Life Insurance Options for People with Well-Controlled Diabetes

While it may be more challenging to get life insurance with well-controlled diabetes, there are still options available. These include:

• Term life insurance: This type of insurance provides coverage for a specified period, such as 10 or 20 years.
• Whole life insurance: This type of insurance provides lifetime coverage and a cash value component.
• Guaranteed issue life insurance: This type of insurance is available to people with pre-existing conditions, but may have higher premiums and limited coverage.
• Final expense life insurance: This type of insurance is designed to cover funeral expenses and other final costs.

Conclusion

While it may be more challenging to get life insurance with well-controlled diabetes, it's not impossible. By demonstrating that your condition is well-managed, you can qualify for affordable life insurance. It's essential to work with a licensed insurance agent or broker who understands the nuances of life insurance and diabetes to find the best coverage options for your needs.