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🩺 Diabetic Life Insurance

Life Insurance for Diabetics from £9/month

4.3 million people in the UK live with diabetes, and the vast majority can get life insurance. Well-managed diabetes often qualifies for near-standard rates. Let us find the right cover for you.

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Family protected by life insurance for diabetics in the UK
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Answer a few simple questions and compare life insurance quotes from insurers who specialise in covering people with diabetes, no pressure, no obligation.

Can You Get Life Insurance with Diabetes?

Yes, and in most cases, it is more affordable than you might expect. Around 4.3 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with diabetes, and the overwhelming majority can secure life insurance cover. Having diabetes does not automatically mean you will be declined or face extortionate premiums.

Insurers assess diabetes applications based on several key factors:

  • Type of diabetes, Type 2 is generally viewed as lower risk than Type 1, particularly when diet-controlled or managed with oral medication.
  • HbA1c levels, this blood test measures your average blood sugar control over the past 2–3 months. An HbA1c below 8% (64 mmol/mol) is considered well-managed by most insurers. Below 7% typically qualifies for the best rates.
  • Complications, conditions such as retinopathy, neuropathy, or kidney problems can increase premiums, but many people with minor complications can still get cover.
  • Date of diagnosis, how long you have lived with diabetes and how stable your management has been over time.

The key takeaway is that well-managed diabetes with no complications frequently qualifies for near-standard rates. The difference between a good and bad outcome often comes down to which insurer you apply to, which is why comparing the whole market is essential.

Key fact: UK life insurers paid out £5.32 billion in individual claims in 2024, with a 97.9% acceptance rate. Having diabetes does not reduce the likelihood of your claim being paid, provided you have disclosed your condition honestly.

For a comprehensive look at how pre-existing conditions affect your options, see our guide to life insurance with pre-existing conditions.

Diabetes Comparison

Type 1 vs Type 2 vs Pre-Diabetes: How Insurers See You

Your type of diabetes significantly affects how insurers assess your application. Here is how the three main categories compare.

FactorType 1 DiabetesType 2 DiabetesPre-Diabetes
Typical premium impact50–150% loading25–50% loadingStandard or near-standard
Availability of coverWidely available withWidely available, oftenAlmost always standard rates
HbA1c thresholdBelow 8% preferredBelow 8% preferredN/A, standard screening
Insulin requirementAlways, from diagnosisSometimes, depends onNo
Complications impactSignificant, increasesModerate, depends onMinimal, rarely an issue
Best approachSpecialist broker essentialCompare whole marketStandard application fine

Premium loadings are indicative and vary by insurer, age, and individual circumstances. A specialist broker can find the most competitive terms for your situation.

Important: Never withhold your diabetes diagnosis from an insurer. Non-disclosure can invalidate your entire policy, leaving your family with no payout when they need it most. Honest disclosure with the right insurer is always the better strategy. Learn more in our pre-existing conditions guide.
Your Situation

Find Cover That Fits Your Situation

Every person with diabetes is different. Here is how cover typically works for common scenarios.

✅

Well-Managed Type 2, No Complications

If your Type 2 diabetes is controlled through diet, exercise, or oral medication and your HbA1c is below 7%, you are in the best position. Many insurers will offer near-standard rates with minimal or no loading.

Near-standard rates likely
💉

Type 1 Diagnosed in Childhood

Long-standing Type 1 diabetes with a solid track record of management is viewed more favourably than a recent diagnosis. If your HbA1c has been consistently below 8% and you have no complications, competitive cover is available.

Specialist broker recommended
📅

Recently Diagnosed Type 2

A recent diagnosis does not mean you cannot get cover. Some insurers may postpone for 3–6 months until your treatment is established, but others will offer terms immediately. A broker knows which insurers act quickly.

Cover available immediately with some insurers
⚠️

Diabetes with Complications

Complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, or nephropathy will increase your premiums, but cover is still available in most cases. The severity and how well the complications are managed are what matter most to insurers.

Cover available, higher loading expected
📊

Diabetes Plus Other Conditions

Having diabetes alongside other conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity does not automatically mean a decline. Insurers assess the overall picture, and a specialist broker can present your application to the most sympathetic underwriter.

Whole-of-market comparison essential
🏠

Diabetes & Mortgage Protection

If you need life insurance to protect your mortgage and you have diabetes, both decreasing term and level term policies are available. Your mortgage lender cannot force you to use their insurer, so comparing through a specialist broker is the smart move.

Mortgage cover available with diabetes

Not sure which insurer is best for your type of diabetes?

Get matched with an FCA-regulated adviser who specialises in diabetic life insurance. They know which insurers offer the most competitive rates for your exact situation.

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Costs Explained

How Much Does Life Insurance Cost with Diabetes?

Costs depend on your diabetes type, HbA1c levels, complications, and age. Here is a typical breakdown for a 35-year-old non-smoker with £200,000 of level term cover over 20 years.

£12–£18/mo
Well-Managed Type 2
HbA1c below 7%, no complications, diet or tablet controlled. Near-standard rates from the most competitive insurers.
£20–£35/mo
Type 1 or Higher-Risk Type 2
Insulin-dependent, HbA1c between 7–9%, or minor complications. Loadings vary significantly between insurers.
Worth knowing: The difference between the cheapest and most expensive insurer for diabetic applicants can be substantial. One insurer might charge double what another charges for the same person. That is why comparing the whole market through a specialist broker is not optional, it is essential. See our full guide to life insurance costs.

If you have been declined by one insurer, do not give up. Different insurers have very different attitudes to diabetes, and a specialist broker will know exactly where to place your application for the best outcome.

Simple Process

How It Works

1

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Quick questions about your life and health. Done in 60 seconds.

2

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3

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Real Reviews

What Our Customers Say

James P.
James P.
Leeds • Type 2 Diabetes
★★★★★
“Thought I'd be paying a fortune”

I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes three years ago and assumed life insurance would be out of reach. My adviser found me £200,000 of cover for £14 a month. I could not believe the difference between insurers.

Sarah H.
Sarah H.
Bristol • Type 1 Diabetes
★★★★★
“Finally found someone who understood”

I have had Type 1 since I was 12 and had been declined twice before. The adviser I was matched with knew exactly which insurer to approach. I am now fully covered and paying less than I expected.

David M.
David & Angela M.
Manchester • Type 2 Diabetes
★★★★★
“Mortgage cover sorted in days”

We needed mortgage life insurance and I have Type 2 diabetes. Our adviser found us joint cover that included my diabetes with barely any loading. The whole thing was done in less than a week.

Priya S.
Priya S.
Birmingham • Type 2 Diabetes
★★★★★
“My HbA1c made all the difference”

I was nervous about applying with Type 2 diabetes, but my adviser said my HbA1c of 6.2% put me in a great position. I got £300k of cover for £18/month with only a 25% loading. Having my latest blood results ready sped everything up.

Mark T.
Mark T.
Glasgow • Type 1 Diabetes
★★★★★
“Type 1 since childhood, fully covered at 38”

I've been insulin-dependent since age 8 and always assumed cover would be unaffordable. My adviser found an insurer that specialises in Type 1 applicants. Paying £26/month for £200k, more than I hoped for but far less than the first quote I got elsewhere.

Louise C.
Louise C.
Cardiff • Pre-Diabetes Life Insurance
★★★★★
“Pre-diabetes barely affected my premium”

I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes and panicked that I wouldn't get affordable cover. My adviser reassured me that most insurers treat pre-diabetes very differently from full diabetes. I got standard rates, £11/month for £250k. So glad I didn't wait until it progressed.

Learn More

Related Guides

Dive deeper into the topics that matter for diabetic life insurance.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Your options explained

How Much Cover Do I Need?

Calculate the right amount

How Much Does It Cost?

UK pricing breakdown

Life Insurance & Critical Illness

Combined cover options

Life Insurance for Mortgages

Protect your home

Life Insurance in Trust

Speed up payouts & save tax
Got Questions?

Life Insurance for Diabetics: Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the vast majority of people with diabetes can get life insurance. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are routinely covered by UK insurers. Your premiums will depend on how well your condition is managed, your HbA1c levels, any complications, and the type of diabetes you have. Well-managed diabetes with no complications often qualifies for near-standard rates.
The cost varies depending on your type of diabetes, HbA1c levels, treatment, and any complications. Well-managed Type 2 diabetes with no complications may only add 25–50% to standard premiums. Type 1 diabetes typically results in higher loadings of 50–150%. A healthy 35-year-old with well-managed Type 2 diabetes might pay from around £12–£18 per month for £200,000 of level term cover over 20 years. See our guide to life insurance costs.
Yes. Insurers generally view Type 2 diabetes as lower risk than Type 1, particularly when it is diet-controlled or managed with oral medication alone. Type 1 diabetes, which requires insulin from diagnosis, typically results in higher premium loadings. However, both types can be insured, and well-managed Type 1 diabetes with no complications can still secure competitive rates through specialist brokers.
Most UK insurers consider an HbA1c level below 8% (64 mmol/mol) as well-managed. Below 7% (53 mmol/mol) is considered excellent control and will typically qualify you for the best available rates. Levels above 10% (86 mmol/mol) may result in higher premiums or postponement until control improves. Each insurer has different thresholds, which is why comparing the whole market matters.
Yes, you must declare your diabetes diagnosis on every life insurance application. Failing to disclose a pre-existing condition could invalidate your policy entirely, meaning your family would receive nothing if you died. Honesty is always the best approach, insurers are experienced in covering people with diabetes and most will offer terms.
Yes, complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, or cardiovascular issues can increase your premiums or lead to exclusions. However, many people with minor complications can still get cover. The key is working with a specialist broker who knows which insurers are most sympathetic to your specific situation.
Yes, but some insurers may postpone your application for 3–6 months until your condition is stable and your treatment plan is established. Others will offer terms immediately. A broker who specialises in medical underwriting can identify which insurers will cover you straight away without penalising you for a recent diagnosis.
Guaranteed acceptance life insurance requires no medical questions and cannot decline you for any health reason, including diabetes. However, it is significantly more expensive, has lower maximum cover amounts (typically £25,000–£50,000), and usually includes a moratorium period of 1–2 years where death from pre-existing conditions is not covered. It should only be considered as a last resort after exploring all other options.
Yes, most people with diabetes can get mortgage life insurance. Both decreasing term and level term policies are available. Your mortgage lender cannot insist you use their recommended insurer, so comparing the market through a specialist broker is especially important to find affordable cover that protects your home. Read our guide to life insurance for mortgages.
If you already have a policy, your premiums are fixed for the term and will not change. However, if you are applying for a new policy, improving your HbA1c levels, losing weight, or demonstrating better diabetes management can significantly reduce the premiums you are offered. Some insurers will review your terms after 12–24 months of improved control.
Absolutely. A specialist broker understands which insurers are most favourable for diabetes, which medical questions each insurer asks, and how to present your application in the best light. This can mean the difference between a declined application and competitive cover. Lifecoverfor.com connects you with FCA-regulated advisers who specialise in medical underwriting.
Yes, many insurers offer critical illness cover to people with diabetes, though it may come with exclusions for diabetes-related conditions. Some insurers exclude complications like kidney failure or stroke if they are linked to your diabetes. A broker can help you find the most comprehensive critical illness cover available for your situation.
Insurers will typically ask about your type of diabetes, date of diagnosis, current HbA1c level, treatment (diet, tablets, insulin), any complications you have experienced, your BMI, whether you smoke, and any other medical conditions. Having your most recent HbA1c result to hand when applying will speed up the process.
Yes, income protection is available for people with diabetes, though it may include exclusions for diabetes-related absences from work. Some insurers offer full cover without exclusions if your diabetes is well-managed. Income protection pays a monthly benefit if you cannot work due to illness or injury and is particularly valuable for people with long-term conditions.
Yes, pre-diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose) is generally treated more favourably than a full diabetes diagnosis. Many insurers will offer standard or near-standard rates for pre-diabetes, especially if you are actively managing it through diet and exercise. However, you must still declare it on your application.

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