What to Consider When Applying for Life Insurance with Diabetes
Living with diabetes does not automatically prevent you from taking out life insurance. Many people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are accepted for cover each year, although the application process may involve more health questions than a standard application.
Insurers assess each application individually. They may consider the type of diabetes you have, how long ago you were diagnosed, your recent blood glucose readings, your treatment and your general health. Understanding this process can help you prepare and avoid some of the common problems that cause applications to be delayed.
Why specialist support can make a difference
A specialist such as More Than Diabetes can help you compare insurers that have experience assessing applications involving diabetes. This matters because insurers can take different approaches to the same medical information.
One insurer may offer cover at a higher premium, while another may ask for further information before reaching a decision. Some insurers may be more comfortable with particular types of diabetes, treatments or health circumstances than others.
Applying to the first provider you find may therefore limit your options. Comparing several suitable insurers can give you a clearer idea of the cover and premiums that may be open to you.
Specialist support can also help you understand the questions being asked and prepare the information insurers are likely to need. This does not guarantee that an application will be accepted, but it can make the process more organised.
What information will an insurer ask for?
Life insurance applications usually begin with questions about your age, occupation, smoking status, height, weight and medical history. If you disclose diabetes, the insurer is likely to ask more detailed questions.
These may include:
- The type of diabetes you have
- The year you were diagnosed
- Your current treatment or medication
- Your latest HbA1c result
- Any recent changes to your treatment
- Your blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Any diabetes-related complications
- Details of hospital admissions
- Your smoking and alcohol habits
- Other medical conditions
You should answer every question fully and accurately. Leaving out information could affect a future claim or lead to the policy being cancelled.
It can help to gather your recent test results and medication details before starting an application. You may find this information in your NHS app, clinic letters or diabetes review records.
Why HbA1c results are important
HbA1c is a blood test used to measure your average blood glucose level over the previous two to three months. Insurers often ask for the most recent result because it provides useful information about how your diabetes is being managed.
A single result does not tell an insurer everything about your health. Insurers may also consider how your results have changed over time, any recent treatment changes and other risk factors.
A higher HbA1c result does not always lead to an automatic decline. It may result in a higher premium, a request for more medical evidence or a decision being postponed until more recent results are available.
Do not try to guess your latest reading. Providing an incorrect figure can slow down the application if it does not match the information later received from your GP.
Will the insurer contact your GP?
Some applications can be assessed using the information provided on the application form. In other cases, the insurer may request a report or medical records from your GP.
This is more likely if your diabetes is complex, your diagnosis was recent, your results have changed significantly or you have experienced complications. The insurer will need your permission before approaching your GP.
A request for medical information does not mean the application will be declined. It simply means the insurer needs more evidence before offering terms.
GP reports can add time to the application process. Responding promptly to any consent requests and checking that your GP surgery has received the request may help prevent unnecessary delays.
How diabetes can affect the cost of life insurance
The cost of life insurance is based on the insurer’s assessment of the likelihood of a claim during the policy term. Diabetes can increase certain health risks, so some applicants may pay more than a person without the condition.
The final premium can be affected by:
- Your age
- The amount of cover required
- The policy term
- Your diabetes type
- Your HbA1c history
- Your body mass index
- Your blood pressure
- Your cholesterol
- Your smoking status
- Existing complications
- Other medical conditions
This means two people with the same type of diabetes can receive different quotes. One person may have stable results and no complications, while another may have additional health factors that affect the insurer’s decision.
The NHS advises people with diabetes to attend their reviews and recommended tests, as these can help identify and treat complications at an earlier stage.
Choosing the amount and length of cover
Before comparing quotes, think carefully about what the policy needs to cover. Life insurance can provide a lump sum or regular payment to your dependants if you die during the policy term.
Common reasons for taking out cover include:
- Repaying a mortgage
- Replacing lost household income
- Supporting children
- Paying regular household bills
- Covering other debts
- Providing money for funeral costs
The amount of cover should be based on your own financial commitments rather than a general estimate. You should also consider how long those commitments are likely to remain.
For example, someone with 20 years remaining on their mortgage may choose a different term from someone whose main priority is supporting children until they become financially independent.
Should you apply again after being declined?
A previous decline does not necessarily mean every insurer will reach the same decision. Insurers have different underwriting rules, and your health information may also have changed since the earlier application.
Before applying again, find out why the previous application was unsuccessful. It may have been linked to a particular HbA1c reading, a recent diagnosis, missing medical information or another health condition.
Submitting several applications without understanding the reason can create further complications. A specialist adviser may be able to identify insurers whose criteria are more suited to your circumstances.
Review the policy before accepting it
Do not choose a policy based only on the monthly premium. Check the amount of cover, policy term, premium structure and any relevant conditions.
You should also confirm:
- When the cover begins
- Whether premiums are guaranteed or reviewable
- What happens if you miss a payment
- How to update beneficiary arrangements
- What information must be disclosed
- How the claims process works
Life insurance is a long-term financial commitment. Take time to read the policy documents and ask questions about anything you do not understand.
Preparing can make the application easier
Applying for life insurance with diabetes may require more detail, but preparation can reduce delays. Gather your medical information, think carefully about the cover you need and compare insurers that regularly assess people living with diabetes.
Most importantly, be open about your condition and any related health issues. Accurate information allows an insurer to make a fair assessment and helps reduce the risk of problems if a claim is made later.
This article provides general information and does not constitute medical or financial advice. Insurance eligibility and premiums depend on individual circumstances and insurer criteria.
