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🛡️ Critical Illness Cover

Critical Illness Cover for Diabetics

4.3 million people in the UK live with diabetes. Getting critical illness cover is harder than life insurance, but it is possible. Well-managed diabetes gets better terms, and a specialist broker finds insurers others miss.

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Family with diabetes getting critical illness cover protection
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Why Critical Illness Cover Is Harder to Get with Diabetes

If you have diabetes and have looked into critical illness cover, you may already know that it is significantly harder to obtain than life insurance. There is a straightforward reason for this: diabetes directly increases your risk of the very conditions that critical illness cover pays out for.

Diabetes raises the likelihood of several serious conditions that are covered by most CIC policies:

  • Heart attack, diabetes doubles the risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease
  • Stroke, diabetics are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to suffer a stroke
  • Kidney failure, diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the UK
  • Loss of limbs, diabetic neuropathy and poor circulation can lead to amputation
  • Loss of sight, diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in working-age adults

Because these conditions are more likely in diabetic patients, insurers charge higher premiums, apply exclusions for diabetes-related conditions, or in some cases decline cover entirely. However, this does not mean cover is unavailable, it means you need a specialist broker who knows which insurers are most sympathetic to diabetic applicants.

Key fact: Well-managed diabetes is the single most important factor in securing critical illness cover. Insurers focus heavily on your HbA1c levels, duration of diabetes, and whether you have any complications. Demonstrating good control can be the difference between being declined and getting competitive terms.

For a comprehensive overview of how critical illness cover works, see our complete guide to critical illness cover. For more on how pre-existing conditions affect your options, read our guide to CIC with pre-existing conditions.

Underwriting Comparison

Type 1 vs Type 2 vs Pre-Diabetes: CIC Underwriting Outcomes

Insurers treat each type of diabetes differently. Here is what you can typically expect when applying for critical illness cover.

FactorType 1 DiabetesType 2 DiabetesPre-Diabetes
Likelihood of coverPossible, but more difficultGood chances, especially ifMost insurers will cover
Typical premium loading100–200% above standard50–100% above standard rates0–50% above standard rates
Diabetes-related exclusionsLikely, heart, stroke,Possible, depends onUnlikely if HbA1c is well
Key underwriting factorDuration, HbA1c,HbA1c, BMI, medication,HbA1c, lifestyle changes
HbA1c target for best termsBelow 58 mmol/mol (7.5%)Below 53 mmol/mol (7.0%)Below 42 mmol/mol (6.0%)
Specialist broker essential?Yes, critical for findingYes, for best termsRecommended but not

These are general guidelines. Every insurer assesses diabetes differently, and individual outcomes depend on your full medical history. A specialist broker can present your case for the best possible terms.

Important: Being declined by one insurer does not mean you are uninsurable. Different insurers have very different underwriting criteria for diabetes. A specialist broker who works with the whole market can often find an insurer willing to offer cover that a high-street broker would miss. Read more about critical illness cover with pre-existing conditions.
Your Situation

Find Your Diabetes Scenario

Your specific situation determines what cover is available and at what cost. Find the scenario closest to yours below.

✅

Well-Managed Type 2 Diabetes

If your HbA1c is below 53 mmol/mol, you have no complications, and you are managing through diet, exercise, or medication like metformin, you have the best chances. Many insurers will offer cover, potentially with moderate premium loadings and few or no exclusions.

Good chances, compare whole market
💉

Type 1 Since Childhood

Longer duration means higher risk in the insurer’s eyes, but good management matters enormously. If you have maintained low HbA1c levels and have no complications after years of living with Type 1, specialist insurers may offer cover with exclusions for diabetes-related conditions.

Specialist broker essential
🆕

Recently Diagnosed Type 2

A recent diagnosis can actually work in your favour because you are less likely to have developed complications. If your HbA1c is under control and you are following a management plan, insurers may view your application more favourably than someone with long-standing diabetes.

Apply early for best terms
⚠️

Diabetes with Complications

If you have developed complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, or cardiovascular issues, cover becomes more difficult but is not necessarily impossible. A specialist broker can identify insurers who will consider your application, potentially with specific exclusions.

Specialist broker critical
🧬

Diabetes Plus Family Cancer History

Having diabetes alongside a family history of cancer means you face two sets of underwriting questions. The good news is that cancer is not a diabetes-related condition, so even if diabetes-related conditions are excluded, cancer cover is typically still included.

CIC still covers non-related conditions
🏠

Diabetics Needing Mortgage Protection

Protecting your mortgage is critical, especially with a pre-existing condition. Many diabetics successfully combine life insurance with critical illness cover for their mortgage. Even with exclusions, CIC covers non-diabetes-related conditions like cancer that could prevent you from working.

Life insurance + CIC for mortgage

Been declined elsewhere? A specialist broker can often find cover.

Get matched with an FCA-regulated adviser who specialises in diabetes underwriting and has access to every UK insurer, including those that standard brokers miss.

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Costs Explained

How Much Does Critical Illness Cover Cost for Diabetics?

Diabetics typically pay more than standard rates. Here is what you might expect for £100,000 of cover over 25 years, based on a 35-year-old non-smoker.

£45–£90/mo
Well-Managed Type 2
HbA1c below 53 mmol/mol, no complications, managed with diet or metformin. Expect 50–75% premium loading above standard rates.
£60–£150/mo
Type 1 or Complex Type 2
Insulin-dependent or Type 2 with higher HbA1c. May include exclusions for diabetes-related conditions. 100–200% premium loading typical.
Worth knowing: Even with exclusions for diabetes-related conditions, critical illness cover still protects you against non-related conditions like cancer, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease, which account for the majority of all CIC claims. See our full guide to critical illness cover costs.

Your actual premium depends on your specific diabetes management, HbA1c levels, duration, complications, BMI, and smoking status. A specialist broker can present your medical history in the best possible light and negotiate with multiple insurers to find the most competitive terms.

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Real Reviews

What Our Customers Say

Andrew H.
Andrew H.
Leeds • Type 2 Diabetes
★★★★★
“Thought I couldn't get covered”

I was diagnosed with Type 2 three years ago and my bank said they couldn't help. My adviser found me critical illness cover from a specialist insurer with only a small loading. Wish I had come here first instead of wasting months.

Karen W.
Karen W.
Cardiff • Type 1 Diabetes
★★★★★
“A broker who actually understands diabetes”

I have had Type 1 since I was 12. My adviser knew exactly which insurers to approach and how to present my well-managed HbA1c. I got cover with exclusions for heart and kidney conditions, but cancer and everything else is covered. That is what matters most to me.

Raj T.
Raj T.
Birmingham • Type 2 Diabetes
★★★★★
“Mortgage protection sorted despite diabetes”

We needed life insurance and critical illness cover for our new mortgage. Being diabetic, I expected the worst. Our adviser got us both policies from the same insurer at a reasonable rate. My HbA1c being well-controlled made all the difference.

Lisa M.
Lisa M.
Manchester • Type 2 Diabetes
★★★★★
“Diet-controlled diabetes and got standard terms”

My Type 2 is managed entirely through diet and exercise. My adviser explained this made me a much better prospect for insurers. I got £100,000 of critical illness cover with only a small premium loading and no exclusions at all. Really pleased with the outcome.

Steve C.
Steve C.
Glasgow • Type 2 Diabetes
★★★★★
“Declined by two insurers, then my broker found cover”

I had already been declined twice before finding a specialist broker. They tried four different insurers and got me £75,000 of cover with a diabetes exclusion. It is not perfect, but I am still covered for cancer, stroke, and MS. That peace of mind is everything.

Priya N.
Priya N.
London • Type 1 Diabetes
★★★★★
“My HbA1c of 48 helped me get a great deal”

I have had Type 1 diabetes for 15 years but my HbA1c has always been well controlled at around 48 mmol/mol. My adviser used this to negotiate with insurers and got me £120,000 of cover for £58 a month. Having that protection for my two children means the world.

Learn More

Related Guides

Dive deeper into the topics that matter for critical illness cover with diabetes.

What Is Critical Illness Cover?

Complete UK guide

CIC with Pre-Existing Conditions

Your options explained

Conditions Covered by CIC

Full list of covered illnesses

How Much Does CIC Cost?

UK pricing breakdown

CIC for Mortgages

Protect your home

Is CIC Worth It?

Pros, cons & real costs
Got Questions?

Critical Illness Cover for Diabetics: FAQ

Yes, but it is harder to obtain than life insurance. Diabetes increases the risk of the exact conditions that critical illness cover pays out for, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and loss of limbs. Insurers assess each application individually based on your diabetes type, HbA1c levels, management, and any complications. A specialist broker is essential to find the insurers most likely to offer cover.
Life insurance pays out on death, which is a relatively distant risk for well-managed diabetics. Critical illness cover pays out on diagnosis of conditions like heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure, all of which are significantly more likely if you have diabetes. Insurers price this higher risk into their premiums or may decline cover for some applicants, particularly those with complications.
Yes. Type 1 diabetes is generally viewed as higher risk by insurers because it typically involves longer duration of the condition and insulin dependence from diagnosis. Type 2 diabetes, especially when diet-controlled or well-managed with medication, may receive more favourable terms. However, both types can access cover, the key factors are your HbA1c levels, how long you have had diabetes, and whether you have any complications.
HbA1c is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. It is the single most important factor insurers consider when assessing diabetic applicants. An HbA1c below 58 mmol/mol (7.5%) is generally considered well-managed and will attract better terms. Higher levels indicate poorer control and may result in higher premiums, exclusions, or declined applications.
Many insurers will offer critical illness cover to diabetics but exclude claims for diabetes-related conditions such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, or loss of limbs. This means your policy would still cover non-diabetes-related conditions like cancer or multiple sclerosis. Some specialist insurers may offer cover without these exclusions, particularly for well-managed Type 2 diabetes, a specialist broker can find them.
Diabetics typically pay higher premiums than non-diabetics, often 50% to 200% more depending on the type of diabetes, HbA1c levels, duration, and complications. Well-managed Type 2 diabetes with no complications might see a 50–75% loading. Type 1 diabetes or diabetes with complications will face higher premiums or may be offered cover with exclusions only. See our guide to CIC costs.
Being declined by one insurer does not mean you cannot get cover. Different insurers have very different underwriting criteria for diabetes. A specialist broker who works with the whole market can often find an insurer willing to offer cover, potentially with exclusions or a premium loading. Never assume a single decline means you are uninsurable.
Absolutely. Insurers look at the full picture of your diabetes management. Factors that improve your chances include a low HbA1c level (below 58 mmol/mol), no diabetes-related complications, regular check-ups and monitoring, healthy BMI, non-smoking status, and stable medication. Demonstrating good management can be the difference between being declined and getting competitive terms.
Yes, and in some cases a recent diagnosis can work in your favour because you are less likely to have developed complications. Insurers will want to see your initial HbA1c reading and your treatment plan. If your diabetes is being managed through diet and lifestyle changes or medication, and your blood sugar levels are well controlled, you should be able to access cover.
Yes, strongly recommended. Standard comparison sites and high-street brokers often default to mainstream insurers who may decline diabetic applicants. A specialist broker knows which insurers are most sympathetic to diabetes, how to present your medical history for the best outcome, and can access the whole market to find the most competitive terms for your situation.
Yes. Many diabetics successfully take out critical illness cover alongside life insurance to protect their mortgage. The cover may come with exclusions for diabetes-related conditions, but this still provides valuable protection against non-related conditions such as cancer. A specialist broker can structure the right combination of life insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection for your mortgage needs.
Most policies cover a core set of conditions including cancer, heart attack, stroke, multiple sclerosis, kidney failure, major organ transplant, and coronary artery bypass surgery. Many modern policies cover 40 to 60 conditions in total. For diabetics, the key question is whether diabetes-related conditions are included or excluded from your specific policy. See our full list of conditions covered.

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