Diabetes – Type 2

Published 01/09/2025

Can You Get Life Insurance with Type 2 Diabetes?

According to the charity Diabetes UK it is estimated that more than 5.8 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, which is an all-time high.  Around 90% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. *

If you’ve been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, you might be wondering how it affects your chances of getting life insurance, income protection, or critical illness cover. The good news? Getting cover is possible, especially with the right advice and insurer. That’s where Future Proof can help.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and typically develops in adults over 40 but is now increasingly seen in younger adults and even children.

The condition occurs when the body:

• Doesn’t produce enough insulin
• Or doesn’t respond properly to insulin (known as insulin resistance)

Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels. When your body can’t use insulin effectively, blood sugar builds up, leading to a range of symptoms and potential long-term complications.

Common Symptoms:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

If untreated, it can lead to heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision issues. Fortunately, it’s a manageable condition—especially with proper lifestyle changes and medication.

What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?

While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, the following factors increase your risk:

• Genetics: Family history can play a major role.
• Lifestyle: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and being overweight are major contributors.
• Age: Risk increases with age, but young adults are increasingly being diagnosed.

How Does Type 2 Diabetes Affect Life Insurance?

The impact on your insurance application largely depends on your age, how long you’ve had diabetes, your HbA1c readings, and whether there are any complications.

Life Insurance

• Expect a premium loading of 50% to 250%.
• If you’ve had diabetes for less than 5 years and were diagnosed later in life, your application will generally be viewed more favourably.
• If you have complications like:
  • Neuropathy (nerve damage)
  • Retinopathy (eye damage)
  • Nephropathy (kidney damage)

then premiums will likely increase further—or cover may be declined.

• A history of heart attack or stroke? Cover may only be possible through specialist insurance providers.

At Future Proof, we work directly with insurers that don’t deal with the public—giving you access to exclusive policies designed for complex medical conditions

Critical Illness Cover

• Usually unavailable for individuals with Type 2 diabetes.
• However, if you are:
  • Over 50, and
  • A non-smoker,
    a couple of insurers may consider your application.

Income Protection Insurance

• Can be difficult, but not impossible.
• You may qualify if:
  • You’re over 30
  • A non-smoker
  • Have an HbA1c reading of 7.0 or lower
• Expect premium increases starting from 50% if approved.
  

Why Work With Future Proof?

Every insurer evaluates Type 2 diabetes differently. That’s why we anonymously check with multiple insurers on your behalf before submitting your application—so you know your chances upfront.

Our Promise:

• Honest, no-obligation advice
• You do not pay us directly at any stage in the process – we’re paid by the insurer if you take out a policy
• Access to specialist insurers for hard-to-cover conditions

Don’t Let Diabetes Stop You From Protecting Your Future

Whether you’re applying for life insurance, critical illness cover, or income protection, having Type 2 diabetes doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be declined. With tailored advice and the right insurer, many people with diabetes successfully get covered.

Request a callback from a Future Proof adviser today. We’ll guide you through the process, provide accurate quotes, and help you find the best cover available.

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