While a diabetes diagnosis no longer automatically disqualifies applicants from term life cover, insurers are now more likely to assess risk based on disease management, age, and complications, leading to tailored premiums rather than outright rejection.
A diabetes diagnosis does not automatically shut the door on term life cover, but it can change how insurers assess an application. In practice, the issue is less about the label and more about control: how stable blood sugar readings are, whether there are complications, and how long the condition has been managed. That means many applicants with diabetes can still secure cover, although they are often asked for more medical detail than a standard applicant. According to specialist insurance writers, insurers are now far more likely to price the risk than to refuse it outright.
The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes remains central to underwriting. Type 1 is generally treated as the higher-risk condition because it usually begins earlier and requires insulin from the start. Type 2 is often viewed more favourably, particularly when it has been diagnosed early and is well managed through lifestyle changes or medication. Even so, underwriters usually look beyond the diagnosis itself. Age, duration of the condition, body mass index, blood pressure, family history and any related illness can all influence the final decision, according to insurance advisers.
Medical evidence carries heavy weight. Insurers commonly ask for fasting and after-meal blood sugar results, HbA1c readings, lipid profiles, kidney function tests and urine tests for early signs of kidney damage. In some cases, they may also request an ECG, an eye examination or a deeper heart assessment, especially where the applicant is older, has had diabetes for longer or is asking for a larger sum assured. Industry guidance says HbA1c is often the single most important measure because it shows average blood sugar control over the previous two to three months.
Premiums are also likely to rise for many applicants, though the increase varies widely. A person with recently diagnosed, well-controlled diabetes and no complications may face only a modest extra charge, while someone with retinopathy, nephropathy or neuropathy may be charged more heavily or face exclusions tied to the complication. Some insurers also offer simplified issue or guaranteed acceptance products, but these usually come with higher costs, waiting periods or reduced benefits. Because underwriting standards differ from one company to another, a rejection from one insurer does not necessarily mean the same result elsewhere. Full disclosure remains essential: leaving out diabetes may weaken a future claim and defeat the purpose of buying cover in the first place.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to inform and educate, not to recommend or endorse any financial product, investment or strategy. Please consider your own financial circumstances and seek professional advice where appropriate before making financial decisions.
