A diabetes diagnosis does not disqualify you from life insurance — but a lot of applicants assume it does and never apply. In practice, most people with prediabetes, gestational diabetes, Type 1, or Type 2 diabetes can qualify for coverage, often without a medical exam. What changes is the rate, and how much it changes depends heavily on your A1C level, time since diagnosis, whether you’ve had diabetes-related complications, and how consistently you manage the condition. Underwriting standards vary significantly between carriers, so the «best» insurer for a newly diagnosed Type 1 applicant in their 20s looks different than the best fit for someone with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes in their 50s. Here’s how the major insurers compare in 2026.
Quick Answer: Best Life Insurance for Diabetics
| Company | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Banner Life | Best Overall | Ranks well for both term and no-exam term policies |
| Nationwide | Best Customer Experience | High satisfaction ratings, low complaint index |
| John Hancock | Best for Diabetes Management | Aspire program rewards healthy habits with wellness perks |
| Guardian Life | Best for Pre-Existing Condition Flexibility | Broader underwriting flexibility than many competitors |
| Prudential | Best for Well-Controlled Type 2 | Competitive rates for applicants with strong A1C control |
| Protective Life | Best Affordable Rates | Frequently competitive pricing for manageable health conditions |
| Mutual of Omaha | Best for Complications / Final Expense | Options for applicants with diabetes-related complications |
| Pacific Life | Best for Type 1 / Younger Applicants | Solid options for younger Type 1 diabetics in good control |
*Underwriting decisions depend heavily on your specific A1C levels, diabetes type, time since diagnosis, and any complications — always confirm your actual rate class directly with the carrier.
How Diabetes Affects Life Insurance Underwriting
A few factors matter far more to underwriters than the diagnosis itself:
- A1C levels. Well-controlled A1C (generally under 7-7.5%, though thresholds vary by insurer) puts you in a much better position than poorly controlled levels, regardless of diabetes type.
- Type 1 vs. Type 2. Type 2 diabetes, especially when diagnosed later in life and well-managed through diet, medication, or insulin, is typically underwritten more favorably than Type 1, which insurers often view as higher risk, particularly if diagnosed in childhood.
- Time since diagnosis. A longer track record of stable management generally works in your favor — insurers want to see consistency, not just a single good A1C reading.
- Complications. Diabetes-related complications like neuropathy, retinopathy, or cardiovascular issues can move an applicant into a higher-risk (and higher-cost) underwriting class, or in some cases limit options to guaranteed-issue coverage.
- Overall health beyond diabetes. Blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and tobacco use are all factored in alongside diabetes management — a diabetic non-smoker with well-controlled blood pressure will typically underwrite better than one managing multiple conditions at once.
Banner Life — Best Overall
Banner Life is frequently ranked as the best overall choice for diabetics, scoring well for both traditional term life and no-exam term policies. It’s especially competitive for applicants with well-managed Type 2 diabetes, though those with higher A1C levels or diabetes-related complications may see less favorable pricing.
Pros:
- Strong performance across both term and no-exam term products
- Particularly competitive for well-managed Type 2 diabetes
- Reliable customer service reputation
Cons:
- Less competitive for applicants with higher A1C levels or complications
- Full underwriting for the best rates requires detailed health disclosure
Best for: Applicants with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes who want a strong all-around starting quote.
Nationwide — Best Customer Experience
Nationwide earns top marks for customer experience among insurers evaluated for diabetic applicants, with strong satisfaction ratings and a comparatively low complaint index. It’s a solid choice for diabetics who want a smooth, well-supported application process even if it isn’t always the single cheapest quote.
Pros:
- Highest-rated customer experience among diabetes-focused comparisons
- Digital application tools for eligible applicants
- Strong overall financial strength
Cons:
- Not typically the cheapest option compared with Banner Life for identical health profiles
- No-exam eligibility age caps may exclude some older diabetic applicants
Best for: Diabetics who prioritize a smooth, low-friction application and service experience.
John Hancock — Best for Diabetes Management
John Hancock’s Aspire program is specifically built around chronic condition management, combining traditional life insurance coverage with wellness tools and rewards for healthy lifestyle habits — including tracking activity and diabetes management metrics. This is a distinctive option for diabetics who are actively managing their condition and want a policy structure that can reward that effort over time.
Pros:
- Aspire program specifically designed around chronic condition management
- Potential for ongoing rewards tied to healthy habits, not just a one-time underwriting decision
- Strong A+ financial strength rating and long operating history
Cons:
- Program structure is more involved than a standard term policy application
- Best suited to applicants willing to engage with ongoing wellness tracking
Best for: Diabetics who actively manage their condition and want a policy that can reward continued healthy habits.
Guardian Life — Best for Pre-Existing Condition Flexibility
Guardian has a reputation for broader underwriting flexibility across various pre-existing conditions, including diabetes, compared with some stricter competitors. It’s worth a direct quote here if you’ve been offered a higher-than-expected rate elsewhere, particularly if your diabetes is accompanied by other manageable health factors.
Pros:
- Underwriting flexibility across multiple pre-existing conditions, not diabetes alone
- Strong A++ financial strength rating
- Broad product range, including term and permanent options
Cons:
- Sold primarily through independent agents rather than instant online quotes
- Not always the cheapest option for the very best-controlled applicants
Best for: Diabetics managing additional health conditions who want an insurer known for underwriting flexibility.
Prudential — Best for Well-Controlled Type 2
Prudential is frequently competitive for applicants with strong A1C control and a consistent management history, and it offers a broader product lineup including permanent coverage options for diabetics who want lifelong protection rather than term. Its underwriting process weighs consistent management favorably.
Pros:
- Competitive rates for well-controlled Type 2 diabetics
- Broad product lineup, including permanent coverage
- Underwriting that rewards consistent, documented management
Cons:
- Underwriting process can be more detailed and slower than simpler no-exam options
- Less favorable for applicants with inconsistent A1C history
Best for: Type 2 diabetics with a strong, consistent management track record who want permanent coverage options too.
Protective Life — Best Affordable Rates
Protective Life is regularly cited as one of the more affordable options across various health-related risk factors, including diabetes, making it a strong starting quote for budget-conscious applicants who want to see a competitive baseline before comparing specialized programs elsewhere.
Pros:
- Frequently competitive pricing for manageable health conditions
- Straightforward term product lineup
- Solid financial strength ratings
Cons:
- Fewer specialized diabetes-management programs than John Hancock’s Aspire offering
- Full underwriting required for the most competitive rates
Best for: Diabetics who want a strong affordable baseline quote before shopping specialized programs.
Mutual of Omaha — Best for Complications / Final Expense
For diabetics managing complications — neuropathy, retinopathy, cardiovascular issues — that limit options at more selective insurers, Mutual of Omaha offers a range of final expense and simplified-issue products that don’t require the same level of favorable underwriting as fully underwritten term policies.
Pros:
- Options available even for applicants with diabetes-related complications
- Fast claims reputation on smaller final expense policies
- Wide range of coverage amounts, including simplified and guaranteed-issue products
Cons:
- Not competitive for large term coverage compared with Banner Life or Prudential
- Simplified/guaranteed-issue products cost more per dollar of coverage than fully underwritten term
Best for: Diabetics with complications who need guaranteed options rather than the lowest possible term rate.
Pacific Life — Best for Type 1 / Younger Applicants
Pacific Life offers solid options for younger Type 1 diabetics in good control, an underwriting segment some insurers price more conservatively than well-managed Type 2 cases. It’s worth a direct quote for Type 1 applicants who’ve been diagnosed for a shorter period but maintain strong management metrics.
Pros:
- Reasonable underwriting flexibility for younger, well-managed Type 1 applicants
- Strong financial strength ratings
- Competitive term pricing for otherwise healthy applicants
Cons:
- Type 1 diabetes generally still prices higher than equivalent Type 2 profiles across the industry
- Full underwriting required, so the process takes longer than no-exam options
Best for: Younger Type 1 diabetics with strong management history who want a specialized quote rather than a generic one.
How We Chose These Companies {#how-we-chose}
InsureAtlas’s rankings are based on publicly available information: each carrier’s disclosed underwriting approach to diabetes and chronic condition management, third-party financial-strength ratings (AM Best), and published consumer research comparing pricing, customer satisfaction, and complaint data specifically for diabetic applicants. No insurer can pay to appear higher on this list, and our rankings are not based on affiliate commission rates. Because underwriting decisions for diabetics depend heavily on individual A1C levels, diabetes type, time since diagnosis, and any complications, we strongly recommend getting quotes from at least two or three carriers — and working with an agent experienced in diabetes-specific underwriting if your case is more complex.
How to Get the Best Life Insurance Rate as a Diabetic
Get your A1C as stable as possible before applying. Insurers weigh consistent, well-documented management heavily — a strong recent A1C reading combined with a stable history works in your favor more than a single good number alone.
Don’t assume you’ll be declined. The vast majority of applicants with prediabetes, gestational diabetes, Type 1, or Type 2 diabetes can qualify for some form of coverage — the question is usually about rate class, not eligibility.
Disclose complications honestly. Misrepresenting or omitting complications on an application can jeopardize a claim later — work with an insurer or agent that has clear programs for your specific health profile instead.
Consider a specialist agent for complex cases. If you’ve had diabetes for a long time, have complications, or were previously declined, an independent agent who works with multiple carriers can help identify which insurer’s underwriting guidelines fit your specific profile.
Ask about wellness-linked programs if you’re actively managing your condition. Programs like John Hancock’s Aspire are built specifically around rewarding continued healthy habits, which may benefit diabetics with strong management routines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Type 1 diabetics get life insurance? Yes. Type 1 diabetics can qualify for term, whole, and guaranteed-issue life insurance, though pricing is typically higher than for Type 2 diabetes, especially if diagnosed in childhood. Well-controlled A1C levels and a stable management history improve pricing.
Does gestational diabetes affect life insurance rates? Gestational diabetes that resolves after pregnancy is generally viewed more favorably than ongoing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, and many applicants in this situation qualify for standard or near-standard rates once documentation confirms resolution.
What A1C level do I need for the best life insurance rates? Thresholds vary by insurer, but an A1C generally under 7-7.5%, combined with a consistent management history, typically qualifies for more favorable underwriting classes. Higher or more variable A1C levels usually move applicants into higher-cost rate tiers.
Can I get no-exam life insurance if I have diabetes? Often, yes, particularly for well-controlled Type 2 diabetes without complications. Coverage amounts under no-exam programs are usually capped lower than fully underwritten policies, and the specific eligibility depends on the insurer’s underwriting guidelines.
What if I’ve been declined for life insurance because of diabetes? A decline from one insurer doesn’t mean you’re uninsurable — underwriting guidelines vary significantly between carriers. Guaranteed-issue or simplified-issue policies, like those offered by Mutual of Omaha, are also worth exploring if you’ve had complications that limited your options elsewhere.
Bottom Line
Banner Life is a strong first quote for most diabetics, particularly those with well-managed Type 2 diabetes, while John Hancock’s Aspire program stands out for applicants who want a policy structure built around ongoing condition management. If you’ve had complications or were declined elsewhere, Mutual of Omaha’s simplified and guaranteed-issue products are worth exploring rather than assuming coverage isn’t available. Whatever your profile, get quotes from at least two or three insurers — underwriting guidelines for diabetes vary more between carriers than almost any other health condition, so the right company for your specific A1C level and diagnosis history can make a meaningful difference in your premium.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, medical, or insurance advice. Coverage availability, rates, and underwriting requirements for diabetes vary by state, insurer, and individual health profile, and are subject to change. Always confirm current policy details directly with the insurance company or a licensed agent before purchasing.