Can I get Life Insurance if I have Diabetes???

The month of November is known for lots of different reasons. But did you know that November is Diabetes Awareness month??? One questions that many people with Diabetes test to ask is: “ Can an individual with Type 1, or Type 2 Diabetes obtain affordable life insurance???”

Surprisingly there is a misconception about Life Insurance, and people with Diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, there are over 30 million people in America, with some form of Diabetes. Every year , 100,000 or more people with Diabetes, are going to search for life insurance. I likely starting point for this group of people would be to visit policyme.com.

The “myth” that people with Diabetes can’t get life insurance, or can’t be approved for affordable rates is not accurate. Recently Diabetes 365 conducted a survey, and discovered that about 70% of all people with Diabetes thought they wouldn’t even qualify for life insurance, so why bother looking into it. And about 50% of people with Type 2 Diabetes thought they would have to pay much higher premiums than somebody who did not have Diabetes.

Over the past Decade, Life Insurance companies have begun to focus on the Diabetes population, more so than in years prior. Medical advancements and modern technology are playing huge factors into the recent innovations that make life insurance more affordable for individuals with diabetes. Insurance companies are also now focusing on a persons “complete” health profile, compared to just viewing a person with Diabetes as being unhealthy.

An insurance company will consider the following, when reviewing an applicant:

  • What is your A1C level?
  • What is a typical fasting blood sugar level?
  • What medication(s) are you taking?
  • How often you see your physician?
  • What age were you diagnosed?
  • Any complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, or kidney disease?

How Come Rates Are Higher for People With Diabetes?

Surprise! Rates for people with Diabetes may not be more expensive, compared to a person who doesn’t have Diabetes. Certain people with Type 2 Diabetes may even receive a Standard Plus, or Preferred rating. Each company will view an individual Insurance companies see red flags when they come across an applicant with diabetes. So the better overall health a person is in, the better rates they pay.

Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes, may not always be as fortunate, when applying for life insurance. With an increased chance to develop Diabetes complications, insurance carriers may make rates more expensive, compared to people with Type 2. However, certain companies may not raise rates at all.

Life insurance Underwriters see the potential for kidney disease, heart attacks, stroke –all conditions that could be fatal and a huge investment risk for them. However recent studies have come out indicating that life insurance rates are more accessible for diabetics now than ever.

In addition to better rates, the Diabetes community are even able to qualify for Non Medical Exam type of products. Meaning a person with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes may qualify for a product, which they could be approved within a matter of minutes . Non Medical Exam Diabetes Life Insurance means an applicant doesn’t have to go thru a blood/urine test. They’d simply answer the application questions, and the companies underwrite the case, based off the information shared.

According to Diabetes Life Solutions, rates have actually hit an all time low for applicants with Diabetes. Life Insurance companies are finally understanding all the TRUE risks with the Diabetes community, and are actually making positive adjustments to their ratings.

Also, for the first time ever, juvenile children with type 1 Diabetes may qualify for life insurance, as opposed to waiting until they were a young adult to apply. Products like these were unheard of for the Diabetes community up until about 2 years ago. Historically, a child would have to wait until he was 18 or older, before an insurance company would even look at their risk profile. Getting life insurance for diabetics has actually never been easier, or faster.

I have Diabetes. Where Can I Find Coverage?

We got some more good news for you. There are lots of agencies/agents who can help! The key is to know how to find the best policy. Make sure you work with an independent agent, that represents several insurance carriers and are familiar with which companies are more apt to underwrite those who have diabetes. Please avoid to going to an agent or agency, that only offers one company.

Unlike a traditional insurance agent, independent brokers work with dozens of highly rated companies across the nation. This is important as they can then impartially “shop” your policy to many different companies. Why is this important? It’s important becauses all insurance companies will view your health profile differently. Once an agent has run your profile past several companies, they can present to you the various offers, and solutions from the companies. Not all companies underwrite diabetics the same.

Obtaining Diabetes Life Insurance probably isn’t as hard as you think. So please don’t be discouraged to open up a conversation with an insurance professional. An agent would be able to review all your options, and provide your family with the best possible solution