Life Insurance for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Living with diabetes brings daily challenges, and when you start thinking about protecting your loved ones financially, life insurance may feel like another hurdle to overcome. The good news is that having diabetes does not mean you cannot get life insurance. With the right guidance and preparation, you can still secure cover to give your family peace of mind.
Whether you have type 1, type 2, or another form of diabetes, insurers will treat it as a pre-existing condition, which can affect the application process and the cost of your premiums. Understanding how insurers assess diabetes and what information they need can make the whole process smoother. This is where Kerr and Watson can help. As a mortgage and protection brokerage, we guide you through every stage, compare policies across the market, and help you find the best cover for your needs.
If you are ready to take the first step or want personalised advice, contact Kerr and Watson for a friendly conversation about your options.
Can you get life insurance if you have diabetes?
Yes, you can. Many insurers provide life insurance specifically for people living with diabetes, though the process can be more detailed than a standard application. Some mainstream providers may also offer quotes, but specialist insurers often have more experience handling diabetes-related risks and can offer more suitable cover.
Because diabetes is a long-term condition, insurers will ask for extra information to assess your overall health and the potential risks. This usually includes recent medical records, blood glucose test results, and details about how well you are managing your condition.
How insurers assess diabetes
When you apply for life insurance, insurers will look at several factors to decide your eligibility and premium. These may include:
- The type of diabetes you have, such as type 1 or type 2
- When you were diagnosed and how long you have been managing the condition
- Your most recent HbA1c reading, which shows how well your blood sugar is controlled
- Whether you use insulin or other medication
- Your weight and body mass index (BMI)
- Any diabetes-related complications, such as nerve damage, kidney issues, or vision problems
- Other health conditions like high blood pressure or raised cholesterol
- Lifestyle choices, including smoking, diet, and exercise habits
Providing clear and accurate information helps insurers to assess your application fairly and reduces the risk of delays or a policy being declined.
Find out Your Options
Life insurance for type 1 diabetes
If you have type 1 diabetes, the application process can be more complex. Because type 1 usually begins in childhood or early adulthood and requires lifelong insulin use, insurers will consider it a higher risk. They may ask for detailed medical records and information about your daily management routine, including blood glucose monitoring and insulin usage.
This does not mean you will be refused cover, but premiums are likely to be higher than for someone with type 2 diabetes. Kerr and Watson will work with insurers that understand type 1 diabetes and can help you find a policy that offers strong protection without unnecessary exclusions.
Life insurance for type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes usually develops later in life and can often be managed or some people may be able to achieve remission with lifestyle changes such as improving your diet, exercising regularly, and reducing alcohol consumption. Because type 2 can be controlled effectively, insurers tend to view it as lower risk compared to type 1, especially if there are no complications.
If you have type 2 diabetes and demonstrate good control through consistent HbA1c results and healthy habits, you may be able to secure cover at a more affordable rate. Kerr and Watson can help you compare policies and guide you through the questions insurers are likely to ask.
Other types of diabetes and gestational diabetes
While type 1 and type 2 are the most common forms, there are other types of diabetes, such as gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy, and rarer forms like MODY or steroid-induced diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is usually temporary, and many insurers will take this into account. You may find it easier to wait until after pregnancy to apply, but if you need cover right away, Kerr and Watson can help you find insurers who will consider your situation and potentially review your premiums once your blood sugar levels return to normal.
What information you need to provide
To make the process as straightforward as possible, it is worth gathering key information before starting your application. This may include:
- The type of diabetes you have and when you were diagnosed
- Your most recent HbA1c result
- Details of any medication or insulin you use
- Information about other health conditions or complications
- Your height, weight, and BMI
- Hospital admissions or referrals related to diabetes within the last few years
Insurers may also ask for permission to contact your GP or request a medical examination to confirm details. Kerr and Watson will explain exactly what is needed and ensure everything is submitted correctly to avoid unnecessary delays.
Why premiums may be higher
Because diabetes is a pre-existing condition, insurers see a higher risk of future health complications such as heart disease, kidney problems, or nerve damage. This means premiums are usually higher than for someone without diabetes. Factors that can increase your premium include a high HbA1c reading, being overweight, smoking, or having other medical conditions.
Some insurers offer specialist diabetes life insurance policies that review your premium regularly. If your health improves, for example through better blood sugar control, your premium may be reduced at future reviews. Kerr and Watson can help you find these policies and explain how they work.
Types of life insurance for people with diabetes
There are several types of life insurance to consider. Choosing the right one depends on what you want the policy to achieve.
Term life insurance provides cover for a set number of years and pays a lump sum if you die during that time. It is often used to protect a mortgage or provide for dependants.
Decreasing term insurance is commonly used for repayment mortgages, with the payout reducing over time in line with the mortgage balance.
Whole of life insurance provides cover that lasts for your entire life, guaranteeing a payout whenever you die.
Family income benefit pays your beneficiaries a regular income rather than a one-off sum, which can help with ongoing expenses.
Over-50s life insurance has fewer medical requirements and may be suitable if you are older or have more complex health needs.
Kerr and Watson will take time to understand your priorities and recommend the most suitable type of cover for your situation.
Other protection to consider
Life insurance is just one part of a comprehensive financial safety net. You might also want to consider:
- Critical illness cover, which pays out a lump sum if you are diagnosed with a serious illness such as a heart attack, stroke, or certain types of cancer.
- Income protection, which provides a regular income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
While diabetes itself may not be covered as a critical illness, these policies can protect you against other serious health issues and give you extra peace of mind.
Conclusion
Having diabetes does not mean life insurance is always out of reach.
At Kerr and Watson, we are committed to guiding you through every step of the process, from gathering the right information to choosing a policy that suits your needs.
Contact us for tailored advice and whole-of-market solutions.
