Getting term life insurance with diabetes is absolutely possible — millions of Americans carry it. But term life insurance diabetes shoppers face a different process: fewer carriers compete, your A1C number becomes a pricing factor, and preparation matters more than for the average buyer.
Here is what to expect in 2026, with real numbers for Type 1 and Type 2.
Term life insurance diabetes at a Glance
Term life insurance diabetes guide: 2026 rates for Type 1 and Type 2, how your A1C affects pricing, and which companies underwrite diabetes most favorably. Below, we break down term life insurance diabetes in detail so you can act with confidence.
Table of Contents
Type 2 Diabetes: Rates and Expectations
Well-controlled Type 2 diabetes (A1C under 7.0, diagnosed after 40, no complications, compliant with treatment) can qualify for Standard Plus or even Standard rates with the right carrier. A 45-year-old with well-controlled Type 2 might pay $140–$200/month for $500,000 over 20 years — roughly 50–80% above Preferred nonsmoker rates, but very much affordable.
Moderately controlled Type 2 (A1C 7.0–8.5) typically lands at Standard to Table 2–4 (rated premiums 50–100% above Standard). Poorly controlled diabetes (A1C above 9, complications like neuropathy or retinopathy) may face Table 4–8 ratings or declines from mainstream carriers.
Type 1 Diabetes: A Tougher Path
Type 1 diabetes is underwritten more strictly due to earlier onset and lifetime management complexity. Well-controlled Type 1 (stable A1C under 7.5, no complications, diagnosed in childhood with decades of management history) can get Standard to Table 2 with diabetes-friendly carriers. Expect $160–$260/month for $500,000 over 20 years at 40.
Poorly controlled Type 1 or Type 1 with complications (kidney issues, cardiovascular disease) faces steep table ratings or declines — though guaranteed-issue and simplified-issue products remain as backups.
Why A1C Is Your Most Important Number
Hemoglobin A1C — your average blood sugar over 2–3 months — is the single number underwriters weight most. General thresholds: under 7.0 is excellent, 7.0–8.0 is acceptable, 8.0–9.0 triggers table ratings, above 9.0 risks decline. Every half-point of A1C improvement can shift your rate class and save thousands.
If you are applying in 3–6 months, work with your doctor now to optimize: consistent medication, diet, exercise, and documented compliance. Bring recent lab work to show stability.
What Underwriters Examine Beyond A1C
Insurers look at the full diabetes picture: age at diagnosis (later is better), years since diagnosis, treatment type (metformin alone is viewed most favorably; insulin dependence adds scrutiny), complications (none is ideal; retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular issues each add ratings), height/weight (diabetes plus obesity compounds risk), blood pressure and cholesterol control, tobacco use (diabetes plus smoking is severely rated), and compliance history (missed appointments and erratic prescriptions hurt).
The Best Companies for Diabetic Applicants
Carrier selection is everything with diabetes. Prudential, Banner Life, and AIG have historically offered competitive diabetes underwriting. Some carriers specialize in impaired-risk cases and may beat mainstream quotes by 30%+. An independent agent with diabetes-case experience will know current appetites — underwriting guidelines shift, and last year’s best carrier may not be this year’s.
Get quotes from at least 5–6 carriers. Spreads for diabetic applicants routinely exceed 100% between the best and worst offers.
No-Exam Options With Diabetes
Accelerated no-exam underwriting is tougher with diabetes — algorithms often decline or rate poorly when diabetes medications appear in prescription records. A few carriers (Ethos, for example) write simplified-issue policies for diabetics up to certain face amounts. But for the best rates with diabetes, traditional underwriting with a human underwriter reviewing your actual control history almost always beats the algorithm.
If You Are Declined
A decline from one carrier is not a decline from all of them — reapply elsewhere, ideally through an impaired-risk specialist. Simplified-issue term (questionnaire, no exam) accepts many diabetics at higher rates. Guaranteed-issue whole life ($10,000–$25,000) accepts everyone with a 2-year graded benefit period. And group life insurance through an employer typically requires no medical underwriting at all.
Continuous Glucose Monitors and Underwriting
Here is a 2026 development working in diabetics’ favor: continuous glucose monitor (CGM) data. Underwriters increasingly accept CGM reports showing stable time-in-range as evidence of excellent control — sometimes more persuasive than a single A1C snapshot. If you wear a Dexcom or FreeStyle Libre, bring 90 days of time-in-range reports to your application; consistent 70%+ time-in-range with minimal hypoglycemia tells a compelling story. Some forward-thinking carriers now have formal CGM-data guidelines. Ask your agent whether your target carriers accept CGM reports — it is a small effort that can shift a borderline case into a better rate class.
FAQ
Can I get term life insurance with diabetes?
Yes. Well-controlled Type 2 diabetics routinely get standard or near-standard rates; Type 1 diabetics can get rated policies with diabetes-friendly carriers. Only severely uncontrolled cases with major complications face declines.
How much does life insurance cost with diabetes?
A 45-year-old with well-controlled Type 2 pays roughly $140–$200/month for $500,000 over 20 years — about 50–80% above healthy nonsmoker rates. Poorly controlled diabetes costs significantly more.
Does A1C affect life insurance rates?
Directly. Under 7.0 qualifies for the best available diabetic rates; each point higher typically adds a table rating (25–50% more premium per table). Optimizing A1C before applying saves real money.
Which life insurance company is best for diabetics?
It changes year to year, but Prudential, Banner Life, and AIG are consistently competitive. Work with an independent agent experienced in impaired-risk cases and compare 5–6 quotes.
For official guidance on term life insurance diabetes, see the Insurance Information Institute’s life insurance guide. And if this breakdown helped, the related guides below go deeper on term life insurance diabetes topics you can use right away.