Arranging life insurance for someone who has diabetes is not usually a cause for concern. Once an application has been made, insurers will generally request some information from your doctor. This will provide the insurance company with all the medical information they need in order to make an underwriting decision. Once assessed, cover will usually be offered with a premium increase.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a lifelong condition which causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high. If the condition is well controlled, either by diet or through medication, such as tablets or insulin, then the person shouldn’t see much of a decline in general health. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to someone becoming very ill, with organ failure, eyesight problems and amputations becoming a real risk.

There are 2 types of Diabetes:

Type 1: usually present since childhood and not related to lifestyle, the immune system destroys the cells that create insulin.
Type 2: usually because of lifestyle, the body does not create or make effective use of insulin.

“An estimated 4.5 million people are living with Diabetes in the UK”*

Have you been having problems finding affordable life insurance because of your history of Diabetes? Call us to speak to an expert adviser on 0800 644 4468.

*Diabetes UK 2017

How much will insurance cost for people with diabetes?

  • Life Insurance

    Prices vary depending on the age of the applicant, the sum assured, the level of control in relation to the diabetes as well as any other illnesses or complications.

    We have carried out some research for a non-smoker, looking for life cover, who has Diabetes but no other complications:

    Type 2 Diabetes

    A 50 year old looking for £100,000 of cover to end at age 75 would pay £30.96 per month.

    A 60 year old looking for £100,000 of cover to end at age 75 would pay £60.98 per month.

    A 70 year old looking for £100,000 of cover to end at age 75 would pay £111 per month.

    Type 1 Diabetes

    A 50 year old looking for £100,000 of cover to end at age 75 would pay £51.02 per month.

    A 60 year old looking for £100,000 of cover to end at age 75 would pay £100 per month.

    A 70 year old looking for £100,000 of cover to end at age 75 would pay £181 per month.

    Please note that the premiums provided are indicative only and based on this specific example, which is shown for information purposes only. Your own circumstances will determine whether the amount payable is more or less than the figure quoted.

    Premiums correct as of Dec 2018.

  • Critical Illness Cover

    Unfortunately insurers do not currently offer critical illness cover for most people with Diabetes. If you are over 55, diagnosed after age 50, a non-smoker and have the condition very well controlled, then you can expect:

    A 60 year old looking for £30,000 of cover to end at age 70 would pay around £175 per month.

    Please note that the premiums provided are indicative only and based on this specific example, which is shown for information purposes only. Your own circumstances will determine whether the amount payable is more or less than the figure quoted.

  • Income Protection

    Type 2 Diabetes

    Prices vary depending on the age of the applicant, the monthly benefit needed, the level of control in relation to the diabetes as well as any other illnesses or complications.

    We have carried out some research for a non-smoker looking for cover, who has Diabetes but no other complications:

    A 50 year old looking for £1,000 a month benefit, after a deferred period of 3 months, would pay £72.84 per month for a full income protection plan or £38.58 for a less comprehensive policy.

    With income protection cover, it is vitally important to obtain some advice due to the many variables and different products available.

    Type 1 Diabetes

    Unfortunately insurers do not currently offer income protection policies to people with type 1 diabetes.

    Premiums correct as of Dec 2018.

    Please note that the premiums provided are indicative only and based on this specific example, which is shown for information purposes only. Your own circumstances will determine whether the amount payable is more or less than the figure quoted.

What is needed to make an application?

During the application process, the insurer will generally ask for the date you were diagnosed, what treatment you’re taking, whether there are any complications and what your latest HbA1c reading was. The insurer will then usually write to your doctor to request additional information before making a decision on the policy.

Can I obtain critical illness or income protection with diabetes?

Critical illness

Critical illness cover is generally not available to type 2 diabetics. There are however some scenarios where a couple of insurers would be willing to accept an application with a premium increase. In order to qualify for this, the applicant must be over 55, diagnosed after 50, a non-smoker and have the condition very well controlled.

Unfortunately insurers do not currently offer critical illness cover to people with type 1 diabetes.

Income protection

It is possible to arrange income protection insurance for someone who has very well controlled type 2 diabetes only. The insurer will add an increase to the premium due to the general rule that people with diabetes are more likely to be off of work due to sickness for a prolonged period.

Would you like some advice?

Contact one of our team now to get impartial & helpful advice

Call 0800 644 4468Mobiles call01737 336 990