Can Diabetics Get Life Insurance? With Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes?

Life Insurance for Diabetics can be a challenge but is not impossible. This article will give you an overview of the process and questions that will be asked. I will also discuss the types of insurance that are available: Term, Whole life and even No Medical Exam plans!

Life insurance can be available for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics.

The key to success is "Control".

This is what carriers are looking for. You must know your current A1C reading. Also, having a good overall history of your A1C readings is very helpful. Other important factors are your Height and Weight, age you were diagnosed, smoker or no smoker, medication taken etc.

What can you apply for?

Both Term and Whole Life insurance plans. It is always best to consider, for the best possible rates, a full medically underwritten plan. However, depending on your current health status, you may be able to apply through a carrier who will not require a medical exam.! Keep in mind that going this route will make the premiums more expensive.

Some carriers also offer simplified issue policies that simply require Yes and No answers to some questions. These are typically lower face amounts with a max of $25K in coverage. They are all generally graded life insurance plans.

All carriers will check the Medical Information Data Base ( MIB) along with a Pharmacy and DMV report.

What type of questions will they ask me?

Here is an overview:

Smoker? 

Date of Diagnosis 

Height / Weight 

Weight one year ago 

Dr's name who supervises your Diabetes 

How often do you visit the Dr 

Date of last visit 

Do you follow a strict diet 

Insulin use ( They may be able to work with Type 1 Diabetics) 

Do you take oral tablets - will need names and dosage amounts 

Any treatment change in the past 2 years 

How often do you check you blood sugar level 

Last Blood Sugar Reading and the Date the reading was taken 

Usual Blood Sugar reading and the date of this reading 

Last A1C reading and the date it was taken 

Have you experienced a Diabetic Coma, acidosis so severe that it required hospitalization 

Ever had insulin shock 

Missed any work do to diabetes or associated conditions 

They will ask if you have any other problems: Elevated Blood pressure, Heart Trouble etc.

Americans With Pre-Existing Health Conditions Don't Have Life Insurance

According to a new report from Genworth Financial, a large number of Americans with common, pre-existing conditions don't have life insurance. It is believed that the lack of insurance coverage is due to an inaccurate belief that because of their health issues insurance would be expensive, as well as their doubts over their insurability.

The study found that between 39% and 54% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 64 with common, self-reported pre-existing conditions hold no life insurance.

Some of the common and pre-existing health conditions that the respondents reported to be suffering from included, anxiety, asthma, depression, high cholesterol, hypertension, sleep apnea and weight issues.

In addition, over 118 million adults in the U.S. age 18 and above don't have life insurance coverage, which more than half the adult population (52%).

While many Americans are concerned that their health issues will drive up the cost of life insurance and make it unaffordable, this is not the case.

"We need to redefine the word 'healthy' in the context of insurance eligibility," says Janet Deskins, Genworth senior vice president for product development. "For adults with conditions such as anxiety, asthma, depression, high cholesterol and sleep apnea, life insurance can still be an affordable part of their overall financial plan, especially if they are actively taking steps to manage their condition."

The Genworth study also revealed that:

2012: Entire U.S. Adult Population 18+ (226 million)

52% are uninsured; approximately 118 Million

For those with Insurance, $152K is the average coverage amount

2011: Entire U.S. Adult Population 18+ (223 million)

51% are uninsured; approximately 114 million

For those with insurance, $155K is the average coverage amount

Within each of the populations identifying with the health conditions below*, a sizable portion is uninsured:

Anxiety: 15 million total, 8 million (53%) with no insurance

Asthma: 13 million total, 7 million (54%) with no insurance

Depression: 17 million total, 9 million (53%) with no insurance

High cholesterol: 26 million total, 10 million (39%) with no insurance

Hypertension: 25 million total, 10 million (40%) with no insurance

Overweight: 24 million total, 11 million (44%) with no insurance

Sleep apnea: 12 million total, 5 million (42%) with no insurance

Be sure you take steps in getting yourself covered to ensure you are protected and have a financial plan for your future. Take our insurance quiz below to find out how much you know.