Here’s a detailed guide on the best life insurance options for people with diabetes in 2025 — what to expect, which insurers are more favorable, what you can do to improve your chances & rates, and common pitfalls to avoid. If you want, I can also pull up options specific to Pakistan after this (if “life insurance in your country” matters).
Life Insurance & Diabetes — What Insurers Look For
Before we go into specific companies & policies, it helps to understand what insurance underwriters are evaluating when someone with diabetes applies. How you manage your condition can make a big difference.
Key Factors:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Type of diabetes (Type 1 vs Type 2) | Type 1 is generally considered more challenging (earlier onset, insulin dependence) → tends to lead to higher premiums or risk classifications. Type 2, when well controlled, is viewed more favorably. Progressive+2Policygenius+2 |
| Control of condition (HbA1c levels, fasting glucose, insulin usage, complications) | Better-controlled diabetes (low HbA1c, fewer complications) reduces risk. Underwriters will look at lab results and medical records. JohnHancock+2Ramsey Solutions+2 |
| Duration since diagnosis | If you’ve had it longer, there’s more chance of complications. If recently diagnosed and under good control, underwriting tends to be more favorable. Policygenius+1 |
| Other health conditions | High blood pressure, obesity, kidney issues, cardiovascular disease make underwriting stricter. Policygenius+1 |
| Lifestyle factors (smoking, weight, diet, exercise) | Non-smoker status, healthy weight, regular exercise help lower premiums. Underwriters like “good overall health” even with diabetes. Progressive+1 |
Types of Life Insurance Policies That Work Best for People With Diabetes
People with diabetes may have access to most policy types, but some are easier / cheaper to qualify for than others. Here’s a comparison:
| Policy Type | Pros for Diabetics | Cons / What to Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| Term Life | Usually cheapest. Covers fixed period (e.g. 10–30 years). If health is good, you can get reasonably competitive rates. Policygenius+1 | After term ends, renewals can become expensive. Also, if complications arise during term, getting new coverage may be tougher. |
| Permanent Life (Whole Life, Universal Life) | Forever coverage + cash value. If you’re looking for long-term guarantees. Some insurers have diabetes management/risk reduction programs that may help. Policygenius+1 | Costs a lot more. Premiums will be higher. Underwriting is stricter. If complications (e.g. kidney disease, neuropathy) are already present, may be declined or quoted at worse risk classes. |
| Simplified Issue / No Medical Exam | Faster approval, less invasive. Good if medical exam data (lab tests etc.) is not ideal. Policygenius+1 | You’ll generally pay higher premium. Coverage amount tends to be lower. Possible higher risk class. Some health questions still apply. |
| Guaranteed Issue / Final Expense | Guaranteed acceptance regardless of medical condition. Helps cover funeral / small obligations. Useful for people with severe complications. Policygenius+1 | Very expensive relative to benefit. Benefit amounts are small. Premiums don’t go down. Often worse health class. |
| Group Life Insurance (via work) | Some group policies don’t require strict medical underwriting; can sometimes get decent coverage. Policygenius+1 | Amount of coverage might be limited. If you leave job, you can lose coverage or need to convert at higher rates. |
Top Insurers & Programs Favorable to People with Diabetes (2025)
These are companies that have been reported to have good policies, underwriting practices, or special programs for people with diabetes. This is mostly U.S.-oriented, but many of the principles carry over globally.
| Insurer / Company | What Makes Them Good Choice for Diabetics | Best For / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| John Hancock (Aspire with Vitality) | They have a program specifically for Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes that rewards you for good management. Up to ~25% discounts, rewards for healthy behaviors, etc. JohnHancock+1 | If you’re willing to engage with wellness programs and maintain good metrics. |
| Legal & General America (Banner Life, William Penn) | Ranked highly in Policygenius for diabetics. They have competitive rates for both Type 1 and Type 2, especially if the condition is well managed. Policygenius | If you want good rates and don’t want too many restrictions. |
| Nationwide | Chosen in Investopedia’s “Best for Diabetics” list. Strong financial stability, good underwriting practices. Investopedia | If trust and stability matter as much as cost. |
| State Farm | Strong reputation, customer satisfaction, decent underwriting even for people with diabetes. Investopedia | If you value customer service and insurer reputation. |
| Aflac | Offers life insurance options with and without medical exams even for people with diabetes. Aflac | If you prefer simpler medical requirements or want an insurer that understands chronic conditions. |
How to Improve Your Chances & Lower Premiums if You Have Diabetes
Even though having diabetes means higher risk in the eyes of insurers, there are steps you can take to keep premiums reasonable and improve your classification:
- Control Key Health Metrics
- Keep HbA1c (or equivalent) within good range.
- Maintain good kidney function, healthy blood pressure, cholesterol.
- Keep weight in a healthy range.
- Avoid or Quit Smoking
The combination of smoking + diabetes is a red flag, and dramatically hikes premiums. - Demonstrate Stable Management Over Time
Insurers often look for a year or more of stable control (no major complications, stable meds) to give you better rates. Ramsey Solutions+1 - Regular Check-ups and Documentation
Medical records that show good doctor visits, lab test histories, lack of complications (like neuropathy, kidney disease, retinopathy) will help. - Be Mindful of Age of Diagnosis
If diagnosed later, for Type 2 especially, and well managed, your risk is lower vs someone with long history and complications. - Choose the Right Policy & Amount
Sometimes smaller coverage amounts or shorter term policies are easier / cheaper to get. Don’t over-insure beyond what you need. - Shop Around & Use an Independent Agent/Broker
Rates vary a lot by company. An agent who specializes in high risk or pre-existing conditions can help find better deals.
What to Watch Out For / Common Pitfalls
- Under-disclosure or errors in the application — be honest about diagnosis, medications, complications. Non-disclosure can lead to denial later.
- Assuming all insurers treat diabetes similarly — they do not. Some are much more forgiving than others.
- Waiting too long to apply — complications tend to accumulate over time, raising premiums.
- Letting policy lapse — once you have good coverage, keeping up with premiums protects your health classification.
- Ignoring riders or extra charges — permanent policies often have extra costs (cash value, fees) that may increase over time.
What to Expect on Pricing & Risk Classification
- Premiums will almost always be higher than someone without diabetes, though in good control they may be reasonable.
- Diabetes type matters (Type 2 < Type 1 for standard cases).
- You may end up in a substandard / rated class (meaning you pay more) depending on control, complications, etc.
- Policies with wellness programs or discounts can help offset cost.
Example Scenarios
These are illustrative (not actual quotes) but help you see what different profiles might pay or qualify for.
| Profile | Diagnosis | Good Control? | Best Policy Type | Expected Challenges / Risk Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 35, Type 2, diagnosed 3 years ago, good HbA1c, no complications, non-smoker | Type 2 | Yes | 20-30 year term life | Moderate rate increase; could get close to “standard” rates with good insurer. |
| Age 45, Type 1, uses insulin, some mild complications | Type 1 | Fairly managed but some complications | Term life or smaller permanent policy | Higher risk class; rates substantially above healthy non-diabetic but better options from companies with good underwriting. |
| Age 60, Type 2, long history, multiple comorbidities (hypertension, kidney issues) | Type 2 | Control present but health issues | Guaranteed issue / final-expense policy may be your best option | Significantly higher premiums; limited coverage amounts; stricter underwriting. |
Summary: Best Moves for Diabetics Shopping for Life Insurance in 2025
- Don’t assume “diabetes = no insurance.” Many insurers will offer good policies if you manage your health well.
- Focus on controlling your diabetes before applying, and maintain good health metrics.
- Use companies known to work well with diabetics: John Hancock Aspire, Legal & General America, Nationwide, State Farm, etc.
- Consider shorter term policies if cost is a concern; permanent policies if you want lifelong coverage (and can afford it).
- Use brokers or agents who understand underwriting for chronic conditions—they may find you better deals.
