TL;DR
A complete guide to getting life cover as a diabetic in the UK, including which insurers offer the best rates and how HbA1c levels affect premiums Navigating the world of life insurance can feel daunting, and even more so when you are managing a long-term health condition like diabetes. A common myth we encounter is that having Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes makes getting affordable life insurance impossible. This is simply not true.
A complete guide to getting life cover as a diabetic in the UK, including which insurers offer the best rates and how HbA1c levels affect premiums
Navigating the world of life insurance can feel daunting, and even more so when you are managing a long-term health condition like diabetes. A common myth we encounter is that having Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes makes getting affordable life insurance impossible. This is simply not true.
While a diabetes diagnosis does mean insurers will look at your application more closely, the UK protection market has evolved significantly. In 2026, obtaining comprehensive and affordable life, critical illness, or income protection cover is more achievable than ever before for people with diabetes.
The key is understanding what insurers are looking for and how to present your case in the best possible light. This definitive guide will walk you through every step of the process. We’ll break down how your HbA1c levels affect premiums, which insurers are more favourable, and provide real-world cost examples to demystify the process.
At WeCovr, we specialise in helping clients with pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes secure the protection they need. Our expert advisers understand the underwriting criteria of every major UK insurer, ensuring you get the right cover at the most competitive price.
Can You Get Life Insurance with Diabetes? The Definitive 2026 Answer
Yes, you can absolutely get life insurance if you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Millions of people in the UK with diabetes have successfully secured life cover to protect their families and mortgages.
Insurers' decisions are based on a detailed risk assessment, not the diagnosis alone. They want to understand how well your diabetes is managed and whether it has led to any other health complications.
The final premium you pay will depend on several key factors:
- The type of diabetes you have (Type 1 or Type 2).
- Your age at diagnosis.
- Your latest HbA1c reading and overall control.
- The presence of any diabetes-related complications.
- Your overall health profile, including BMI, smoking status, and blood pressure.
A well-managed condition with no complications can often result in premiums that are much lower than you might expect.
How UK Insurers Assess Diabetes: The Underwriting View
To an underwriter, diabetes isn't a "yes" or "no" question; it's a spectrum of risk. Their goal is to build a complete picture of your health to accurately price a policy. Here are the core factors they scrutinise.
1. Type of Diabetes: Type 1 vs. Type 2
Insurers view Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes differently, primarily due to their typical age of onset and underlying mechanisms.
- Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body cannot produce insulin. It's usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood. From an insurer's perspective, the earlier onset means a longer potential duration of the condition, which can statistically increase the long-term risk of complications.
- Type 2 Diabetes: A condition where the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or the body's cells don't react to insulin properly. It's far more common, accounting for around 90% of cases, and is often linked to lifestyle factors and diagnosed later in life. If diagnosed at age 50 with good control, it's considered a lower risk than Type 1 diagnosed at age 15.
Key Insight: While Type 1 applications are assessed more cautiously, excellent control and a lack of complications can still lead to favourable terms from the right insurer.
2. The HbA1c Reading: Your Most Important Number
Your Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) level is the single most important piece of data for an insurer. It provides a reliable measure of your average blood glucose levels over the past 2–3 months. It tells underwriters a story about your long-term control.
A lower, more stable HbA1c reading is the best way to secure lower premiums. It demonstrates to the insurer that you are actively and successfully managing your condition, reducing the likelihood of future complications.
Here’s how insurers typically interpret HbA1c levels:
| HbA1c Level (mmol/mol) | Interpretation by Insurers | Likely Impact on Premiums (Loading) |
|---|---|---|
| Below 48 | Excellent Control. Seen as very well-managed, close to a non-diabetic level. | Standard rates may be possible, or a very low loading (e.g., +50%). |
| 48 - 58 | Good Control. Within the target range for most people with diabetes. This is a very positive sign for underwriters. | A moderate loading is likely (e.g., +75% to +100%). |
| 59 - 75 | Fair Control. Indicates some challenges with management. Insurers will be more cautious. | A significant loading is expected (e.g., +125% to +175% or higher). |
| Above 75 | Poor Control. Seen as a high risk for developing complications. | Very high loading, potential for postponement, or decline, especially if other risk factors are present. |
Note: These are illustrative examples. The final decision depends on the insurer and your full health profile.
3. Age at Diagnosis and Duration
The age you were diagnosed matters. Someone diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at age 60 who has it well-controlled will likely get better terms than someone diagnosed with Type 1 at age 10, even if their current HbA1c is the same. This is because the latter has lived with the condition for much longer, increasing the cumulative risk exposure.
4. Diabetes-Related Complications
The absence of complications is a huge factor in your favour. Insurers will ask specific questions about, and check your medical records for:
- Retinopathy: Damage to the eyes.
- Neuropathy: Nerve damage, often in the feet or hands.
- Nephropathy: Kidney disease or damage (they will check for protein in urine).
- Cardiovascular Issues: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of heart attack or stroke.
Having one or more of these will lead to higher premiums or, in severe cases, a decline. Being able to confirm you have no complications is a major advantage.
5. Your Overall Health and Lifestyle
Insurers don't just look at your diabetes in isolation. A diabetic applicant with a healthy profile can be a better risk than a non-diabetic with an unhealthy lifestyle. Key factors include:
- Body Mass Index (BMI): A healthy BMI (typically 18.5-29.9) is highly favourable.
- Smoking Status: Being a smoker will dramatically increase your premiums, often more than the diabetes itself. A diabetic smoker is considered a very high-risk applicant.
- Blood Pressure & Cholesterol: Well-controlled readings are essential.
- Alcohol Consumption: Your weekly unit intake will be assessed.
Pro-Tip: Managing your weight is one of the most powerful actions you can take to improve your life insurance application. As part of our commitment to client wellbeing, WeCovr offers complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered nutrition and calorie tracking app, to help you on your journey.
2026 Life Insurance Costs for Diabetics: Example Premiums
To give you a clearer idea of potential costs, we've created some illustrative scenarios. These are not quotes but realistic examples based on our market knowledge.
The examples are for a non-smoker seeking £250,000 of level term life insurance over a 25-year term.
| Applicant Profile | Age | Estimated Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Rate (No Diabetes) Healthy individual, normal BMI, no medical issues. | 40 | £18 - £22 |
| Well-Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosed at 50. HbA1c of 45 mmol/mol. Healthy BMI. No complications. Regular check-ups. | 55 | £65 - £85 |
| Well-Controlled Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosed at 22. HbA1c of 55 mmol/mol. Healthy BMI. No complications. | 40 | £45 - £60 |
| Fairly-Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosed at 35. HbA1c of 65 mmol/mol. Raised BMI (32). Taking medication for high blood pressure. | 40 | £70 - £95 |
| Poorly-Controlled Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosed at 15. HbA1c of 80 mmol/mol. Raised BMI. History of protein in urine. | 30 | Likely Decline/Postpone |
As you can see, good management makes a world of difference. The 40-year-old with well-controlled Type 1 diabetes can still get very affordable cover to protect their family.
Which UK Insurers are Best for Life Insurance with Diabetes?
This is the most common question we're asked, and the answer is: it depends entirely on your specific circumstances.
There is no single "best" insurer for everyone with diabetes. The market is dynamic, and insurers' underwriting philosophies (their "risk appetite") change.
- Legal & General and Aviva have historically been very competitive for well-controlled diabetics, often offering some of the best rates.
- Royal London is known for its thorough underwriting and can be a good option for more complex cases.
- Aviva (formerly AIG Life) and Zurich also have strong propositions and will assess each case on its merits.
- The Exeter is a specialist friendly society that can be excellent for Income Protection applications.
The Adviser's Edge: The crucial takeaway is that trying to guess the best insurer yourself is a recipe for frustration. You might apply to an insurer with very strict criteria for your profile and get declined, when another would have accepted you with a reasonable premium.
This is where an expert protection adviser becomes invaluable. At WeCovr, we have an in-depth, up-to-date understanding of each insurer's stance. We can conduct pre-application enquiries on your behalf (anonymously) to gauge which insurer will offer the most favourable terms before you submit a full application. This saves you time, stress, and protects your application history.
A Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process
Applying for life insurance with diabetes is a structured process. Here’s what to expect:
Step 1: Speak to an Expert Adviser
This is the most important step. A specialist adviser will discuss your health, finances, and protection needs. They will manage your expectations on cost and help you gather the necessary information.
Step 2: Gather Your Medical Information
To help your adviser find the best terms, have the following details ready:
- Your exact diagnosis (Type 1 or Type 2).
- The date of your diagnosis.
- Your last three HbA1c readings.
- Details of any medication you take (e.g., Metformin, insulin type and dosage).
- Your current height and weight (to calculate BMI).
- Your latest blood pressure and cholesterol readings.
- Information on any complications (retinopathy, neuropathy, etc.).
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Your adviser will help you complete the form. It is legally essential that you provide full and honest answers. Failing to disclose your diabetes or any related conditions (non-disclosure) could result in your policy being voided and a future claim being denied.
Step 4: Underwriting – The Insurer's Review
Once submitted, an underwriter will assess your application. For diabetes, they will almost always do the following:
- Request a GP Report (GPR): The insurer will write to your GP (with your permission) to get a full report on your medical history, confirming your diagnosis, control, and any complications. This is a standard and vital part of the process.
- Possible Nurse Screening: For larger sums assured or more complex cases, the insurer might arrange for a nurse to visit you to take blood and urine samples, and measure your height, weight, and blood pressure. This is free of charge.
Step 5: Receiving the Decision ("Offer of Terms")
After the review, you'll receive one of four outcomes:
- Accepted at Standard Rates: The best-case scenario, usually for exceptionally well-controlled Type 2 diabetes diagnosed later in life.
- Accepted with a Loading: The most common outcome. Your premium is increased by a set percentage (e.g., +100%) to reflect the additional risk.
- Postponed: The insurer may decide to delay a decision for 6-12 months if your control is currently poor or your diagnosis is very recent. They want to see a period of stability before offering cover.
- Declined: This happens if the risk is considered too high, usually due to very poor control combined with significant complications.
Types of Protection Available for People with Diabetes
Your options extend beyond standard life insurance. Depending on your needs and health, you can consider a range of products.
Term Life Insurance
This is the most common and affordable type of life insurance. It pays out a lump sum if you die within a set term.
- Level Term Insurance: The payout amount remains the same throughout the policy term. Ideal for providing a family lump sum or covering an interest-only mortgage.
- Decreasing Term Insurance: The payout amount reduces over time, usually in line with a repayment mortgage. It's the cheapest form of life cover.
- Family Income Benefit: Instead of a single lump sum, this pays out a regular, tax-free monthly income to your family for the remainder of the policy term. This can be a more manageable and affordable option, sometimes viewed more favourably by underwriters for diabetic applicants.
Whole of Life Insurance
This policy guarantees a payout whenever you die, as long as you continue paying the premiums. It's primarily used for two purposes:
- Inheritance Tax (IHT) Planning: A policy can be set up to pay out an amount equal to your expected IHT bill, ensuring your estate can be passed on intact.
- Guaranteed Legacy: To leave a fixed sum to loved ones or a charity.
Important Clarity on Whole of Life Policies: It's vital to understand how modern policies work.
- Modern Pure Protection Plans: The vast majority of Whole of Life policies sold today in the UK are for pure protection. They have no cash-in or investment value. You pay a premium for a guaranteed death benefit. If you stop paying premiums, the cover ceases, and you get nothing back. These plans are transparent, relatively affordable, and perfect for IHT and legacy planning. At WeCovr, we focus exclusively on comparing these straightforward protection plans from across the market.
- Older Investment-Linked Plans: You may have heard of older 'with-profits' or 'unit-linked' whole of life policies. These were complex and expensive products where part of your premium bought life cover and the rest was invested. They could build a 'surrender value', but this was dependent on investment performance and high charges often meant early surrender values were less than the total premiums paid. These plans are rarely recommended in modern financial planning.
Critical Illness Cover
This pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specific serious illness listed in the policy, such as some forms of cancer, heart attack, or stroke.
- Availability for Diabetics: Obtaining critical illness cover is more challenging and expensive than life cover. Insurers are concerned that diabetes increases the risk of conditions like heart attack and stroke.
- Potential Exclusions: Some insurers may offer cover but with a specific exclusion for claims related to diabetes. For example, a heart attack claim might be excluded. However, you would still be covered for dozens of other conditions like cancer, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson's.
- Is it Worth It? Even with an exclusion, the policy provides a huge amount of financial protection. An expert adviser can help you weigh the cost against the benefits and find the insurers most likely to offer inclusive cover.
Income Protection
This is arguably one of the most important types of insurance. It replaces a portion of your lost earnings with a regular, tax-free income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
- Availability for Diabetics: Similar to critical illness cover, this can be more difficult to secure. Underwriting is strict.
- Premium Loadings & Exclusions: You should expect either a premium loading or a specific exclusion for any claim related to your diabetes.
- The Deferred Period: This is the waiting period from when you stop working to when the policy starts paying out. Choosing a longer deferred period (e.g., 6 or 12 months) can make cover more affordable and accessible.
Specialist Cover for Directors & Business Owners with Diabetes
If you run your own business, your health is one of your greatest assets. A diabetes diagnosis doesn't change the need to protect your company. Specialist business protection policies are available, and they are highly tax-efficient.
Key Person Insurance
This is a life insurance or critical illness policy taken out by the business on a key employee or director. If that person passes away or becomes seriously ill, the policy pays out to the business, providing funds to cover lost profits, recruit a replacement, or repay loans.
- Underwriting: The underwriting process is the same as for a personal policy. The director with diabetes will need to provide their medical details. A well-managed condition is rarely a barrier to securing this vital cover.
- Tax Treatment: Premiums are usually an allowable business expense, making it a tax-efficient way to safeguard your company's future.
Shareholder or Partnership Protection
If you are a co-owner of a business, what happens if one of you dies? The deceased's shares would pass to their estate, potentially leaving their family as your new, and perhaps unwilling, business partner.
- How it Works: Each shareholder takes out a life insurance policy on the other shareholders, with the policies written into a business trust. A cross-option agreement is also put in place. If a shareholder dies, the policy pays out to the surviving shareholders, giving them the funds to buy the deceased's shares from their estate at a pre-agreed price.
- Underwriting with Diabetes: The diabetic shareholder will be underwritten personally. Again, good control is key to getting affordable cover and ensuring the business succession plan is securely funded.
Executive Income Protection
This is an income protection policy owned and paid for by a limited company for one of its employees or directors.
- Key Advantage: Unlike a personal policy, the premiums are paid by the business and are typically treated as a business expense, so they are not taxed as a P11D benefit-in-kind. If a claim is made, the benefit is paid to the company, which then pays it to the director via PAYE.
- For Diabetics: This can be an extremely attractive option. Even if the underwriting results in a premium loading due to diabetes, the tax efficiencies can mean the net cost is still significantly lower than a personal plan.
Final Summary: Key Takeaways for Your Application
- It Is Possible: You can get affordable life insurance with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
- Control is Everything: Your HbA1c reading is the most important factor. A consistently low reading will unlock the best premiums.
- Your Whole Health Matters: A healthy BMI, being a non-smoker, and having good blood pressure will massively help your application.
- Complications are Key: The absence of retinopathy, neuropathy, or nephropathy is a major positive.
- Honesty is Essential: Always provide full and accurate information on your application.
- Insurers Differ: The market is not uniform. Some insurers are far more favourable for diabetes than others.
- Use an Expert Broker: A specialist adviser at WeCovr knows the market inside-out. We can save you time, money, and stress by matching you with the right insurer from the start.
- Consider a Trust: Writing your policy in trust is a simple, free process that ensures the payout goes directly to your loved ones quickly and outside of your estate for Inheritance Tax purposes.
Don’t let a diabetes diagnosis prevent you from securing your family's financial future. With the right preparation and expert guidance, you can get the peace of mind you deserve.
Do I have to tell a life insurance company that I have diabetes?
Will my life insurance premiums increase if my diabetes gets worse after my policy has started?
Is it cheaper to get life insurance with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes?
Ready to Find Your Best Cover?
The path to affordable life insurance with diabetes is clearer than you think. Our expert advisers are ready to provide no-obligation, confidential advice tailored to your situation. Let us compare the whole market to find you the right protection at the best possible price.











