Diabetic Amputation Burial Insurance
A diabetic amputation doesn’t automatically disqualify you from burial insurance, but applying the wrong way can cost your family thousands. These diabetic amputation-approved policies I help people with pay out quickly to cover burial or cremation costs, or provide a tax-free legacy for your loved ones.
Diabetic Amputation Burial Insurance Key Insights
- The 24-month timeline: This specific timeframe is the most critical factor because carriers view surgeries beyond two years as stable, manageable risks.
- Trinity Life and Family Benefit Life: These are top-tier choices that offer immediate first-day coverage if your amputation occurred more than 24 months ago from today.
- CICA Life: This carrier serves as an excellent alternative for high-risk cases that do not involve any daily anxiety or depression medications.
- Comorbidities: These health details matter because issues like COPD or congestive heart failure can change which specific insurance company is best for you.
- Gerber Life: This company provides a guaranteed safety net if recent health complications or daily living restrictions prevent you from getting other approvals.
I’m always on the lookout for more insurance companies that will offer affordable protection for diabetic amputation. Because of this, most people I help will have no trouble qualifying for and affording an instant approval policy.

Diabetic Amputation Medical Definition & Health Risks
Insurers classify the risk level of diabetic amputation by reviewing your recent medical history. Diabetic amputation is the surgical removal of a body part to stop severe infections caused by high blood sugar. Poor control of diabetes can lead to permanent nerve damage and slow-healing wounds that eventually require surgery.
Life Insurance Companies Ask These Diabetic Amputation Questions
Different life insurance companies ask different questions to decide which applicants with diabetic amputation they may approve.
- Aetna Decline – Have you ever received, or been advised to receive, an organ or bone marrow transplant, or an amputation due to any disease or complications of diabetes?
- Aetna Modified – Within the past 2 years, have you been diagnosed with, received, or been advised to receive treatment or medication for complications of diabetes such as diabetic coma, insulin shock, retinopathy (eye disorder), nephropathy (kidney disorder), or neuropathy (nerve or circulatory disorder)?
- Aflac Decline – Have you ever received, or been advised to receive, an organ or bone marrow transplant, or an amputation due to any disease or complications of diabetes?
- Aflac Modified – Within the past 2 years, have you been diagnosed with, received, or been advised to receive treatment or medication for complications of diabetes such as diabetic coma, insulin shock, retinopathy (eye disorder), nephropathy (kidney disorder), or neuropathy (nerve or circulatory disorder)?
- CICA Life Level – In the past 10 years, have you opted to not seek treatment, have not taken medication, or have not followed the prescribed treatment plan following a medical diagnosis by a member of the medical profession for any one or more of the following: uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, stroke or TIA, paralysis, congestive heart failure, heart disease, cardiomyopathy, lung disease including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or emphysema, liver cirrhosis or failure, kidney (renal) failure or insufficiency, or chronic kidney disease including dialysis?
- Family Benefit Life Decline – During the past 24 months, have you been treated by a medical professional for insulin shock, diabetic coma, or amputation caused by disease, or have you ever taken insulin shots prior to age 40?
- Family Benefit Life Level – Have you ever been diagnosed as having multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, chronic kidney disease or failure, systemic lupus, hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis of the liver, liver disease, liver failure, or lung impairments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or fibrosis?
- Guarantee Trust Life Graded – Have you EVER been advised by a member of the medical profession to have an amputation due to complications from diabetes?
- Liberty Bankers Life Decline – Have you, the Proposed Insured, ever been diagnosed, treated, tested positive for, or been given medical advice by a member of the medical profession for diabetes at age 9 or younger?
- Liberty Bankers Life Decline – Have you, by a member of the medical profession, within the prior 2 years, been diagnosed with, or received, or been advised to receive treatment or medication for uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, a diabetic coma or insulin shock, amputation due to diabetic complications, schizophrenia, alcohol or drug abuse, illegal use of drugs, or dependency on prescription medication?
- Liberty Bankers Life Modified – Within the past 2 years have you, the Proposed Insured, been diagnosed, treated, tested positive for, or been given medical advice by a member of the medical profession for complications of diabetes such as nephropathy (kidney), neuropathy (nerve, circulatory), retinopathy (eye)?
- Liberty Bankers Life Preferred – Have you, the Proposed Insured, by a member of the medical profession, ever been diagnosed with, or received, or been advised to receive treatment or medication for insulin dependent diabetes?
- Mutual of Omaha Graded – Has the Proposed Insured ever been diagnosed by a licensed medical professional with, received treatment by a licensed medical professional for, or been advised to seek treatment by a licensed medical professional for insulin shock, diabetic coma, amputation due to diabetic complications, End Stage Renal Disease or requiring dialysis?
- Mutual of Omaha Level – Has the Proposed Insured ever been diagnosed by a licensed medical professional with, received treatment by a licensed medical professional for, or been advised to seek treatment by a licensed medical professional for diabetes before age 45?
- Mutual of Omaha Level – Has the Proposed Insured ever been diagnosed by a licensed medical professional with, received treatment by a licensed medical professional for, or been advised to seek treatment by a licensed medical professional for; Diabetes at any age with complications or history of Retinopathy (eye), Nephropathy (kidney), Neuropathy (nerve), Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD or PAD), Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) or Stroke?
- Trinity Life Decline – During the past 24 months, have you been treated by a medical professional for insulin shock, diabetic coma, or amputation caused by disease, or have you ever taken insulin shots prior to age 40?
Diabetic Amputation Underwriting Basics
- Testing & Test Results: Underwriters look at your A1C levels and check for stable blood sugar readings over the last year. “Controlled” means your levels are steady with no recent spikes, while “uncontrolled” involves frequent ER visits or changing insulin doses.
The right medications can offer long-term stability, reducing the insurance company’s concern that you will die too soon and often allowing you to qualify for better coverage.
- Why it Matters: Stable test results prove that your condition is managed, which allows you to qualify for a lower “risk class” and better pricing.
Diabetic Amputation Prescription Medication Classes:
- Blood Glucose Regulators: Metformin or Glucophage taken daily to manage sugar.
- Insulin Therapy: Lantus, Humalog, or Novolog is used for insulin-dependent cases.
- Circulation Aids: Pletal or Trental is prescribed to improve blood flow to the limbs.
- Neuropathy Treatments: Gabapentin, Neurontin, or Lyrica are used to manage nerve pain.
Diabetic Amputation with Comorbidities
Having several health issues at once changes how insurance companies look at your life expectancy. When a doctor removes a body part, and you also have heart or kidney problems, insurers see a much higher risk. These secondary issues suggest that the diabetes has caused widespread damage to your organs and blood vessels.
It is important to secure coverage now before new complications arise that could limit your choices. Controlled diabetic amputation qualifies seniors for immediate level burial insurance coverage, even with secondary health issues.
Other Common Health Issues With Diabetic Amputation
Diabetic amputation results from long-term nerve damage, poor circulation, and uncontrolled infection, leading to permanent mobility loss, higher medical risk, and secondary complications that can affect underwriting decisions and policy selection when these related issues are present.
- Reduced mobility – Loss of a limb limits walking, standing, balance, and physical work capacity.
- Chronic pain – Phantom limb pain and nerve damage due to neuropathy cause persistent discomfort and functional limits.
- Infection risk – Surgical sites and remaining tissue carry higher risk of recurrent or systemic infection.
- Poor wound healing – Ongoing circulation problems slow recovery and raise complication risk.
- Cardiovascular strain – Advanced vascular disease increases risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Increased fall risk – Balance changes and prosthetic adaptation raise injury risk.
- Depression and anxiety – Sudden loss of function and independence strain mental health.
- Prosthetic limitations – Fit, skin breakdown, and endurance issues restrict daily activity.
- Higher amputation recurrence risk – Ongoing diabetes complications increase risk to remaining limbs.
- Reduced life expectancy – Diabetic amputation signals advanced disease with higher long-term mortality risk.
Understanding Diabetic Amputation Policy Types
Carriers offer different plan categories based on an applicant’s diabetic amputation and long & short-term health stability.
- Level: Level burial insurance offers 1st-day coverage and pays the full death benefit from day one. Trinity Life and Family Benefit Life are good choices if your amputation was more than 24 months ago.
- Graded: Graded burial insurance limits benefits during the 12 to 24 months for health or medical-related causes of death. Not many great graded options for a diabetic amputation.
- Guaranteed Issue: Guaranteed issue burial insurance requires no health questions but includes a 2-year waiting period before it pays out for health or medical-related causes of death. Gerber Life is a great company when all other efforts fail.
Sample Diabetic Amputation Rate Snapshot for $10,000 Coverage
Age and gender directly influence burial insurance premiums. Women usually pay lower rates because they have a longer life expectancy than men.. Here are some preferred rates, but your rates can vary based on which A-rated carrier is best for your situation.
TRINITY LIFE & FAMILY BENEFIT INSURANCE RATES AGE 50–85
| AGE | $10,000 | $15,000 | $20,000 | $25,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | F: $21 M: $27 | F: $31 M: $39 | F: $40 M: $52 | F: $50 M: $64 |
| 55 | F: $26 M: $32 | F: $38 M: $47 | F: $49 M: $62 | F: $61 M: $78 |
| 60 | F: $32 M: $41 | F: $47 M: $61 | F: $62 M: $80 | F: $77 M: $100 |
| 65 | F: $41 M: $53 | F: $60 M: $79 | F: $79 M: $104 | F: $99 M: $130 |
| 70 | F: $52 M: $69 | F: $76 M: $102 | F: $101 M: $135 | F: $126 M: $169 |
| 75 | F: $71 M: $96 | F: $106 M: $143 | F: $140 M: $190 | F: $175 M: $237 |
| 80 | F: $104 M: $145 | F: $155 M: $217 | F: $207 M: $288 | F: $258 M: $360 |
| 85 | F: $155 M: $192 | F: $231 M: $287 | F: $307 M: $382 | F: $384 M: $477 |
Rates may vary based on age, gender, health, and state. Click the form on this page for the lowest rates from the best carriers.
Diabetic Amputation Underwriting & Medication History
Insurers check your prescription history to confirm that your health is stable and your conditions are under control. Taking your medications exactly as the doctor tells you is a positive sign that you are active in your own care. Regularly checking your sugar levels helps demonstrate to the company that you are a lower risk. Carriers view patients who follow their doctor’s advice as more likely to avoid hospitalization.
Maintenance medications are for daily control, while rescue treatments are for sudden emergencies. Your prescription history is how the insurance carriers verify medical stability.
Recent hospital stays or pending surgeries for a new amputation can delay your approval. Recent hospitalizations for crises trigger postponement rather than permanent decline.
| Health Profile | Coverage Type | Wait Period |
|---|---|---|
| Amputation > 24 Months | Level | None |
| Amputation < 24 Months | Graded / GI | 24 Months |
| Multiple Comorbidities | Guaranteed Issue | 24 Months |
Real Life Diabetic Amputation Success Stories
Real-world examples illustrate how seniors with diabetic amputation secure day-one protection with anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 for burial and final expenses.
Arthur’s Story:
Arthur was 67 and had his left foot removed over three years ago. He thought his history of surgery would make insurance too expensive. After reviewing his records, I found that he had no new health issues or hospital visits. I helped him apply with Trinity Life, and he was approved for $15,000 in first-day coverage. This gave him the lowest possible rate and immediate peace of mind for his family.
Sarah’s Story:
Sarah had a toe amputation last year and also manages congestive heart failure. Because her surgery was recent, most big-name companies wanted to make her wait two years. I got her approved through Gerber Life because they are very accepting of recent diabetic complications. She qualified for $10,000 in coverage with a fair rate and instant approval. She was relieved to have a plan that understood her situation without a long delay.
Diabetic Amputation Financial Ratings & Stability
Financial ratings identify why a carrier’s ability to pay death claims is the most important factor for your beneficiaries. A.M. Best ratings tell you if a company has the money to pay out your policy when the time comes. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) shows how well they treat their customers during the claims process. NAIC complaint scores help identify if other seniors have had trouble with the company’s service or billing.
Insurance Carrier Ratings & Comparisons
| Carrier | A.M. Best | BBB | NAIC Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aflac | A+ (Superior) | A+ | Low |
| CICA | B++ (Good) | A+ | Low |
| Colonial Penn | A (Excellent) | A+ | High (300% Above Avg) |
| Family Benefit Life | A+ (Superior) | A+ | Low |
| Guarantee Trust Life | A (Excellent) | A+ | Low |
| Senior Life | Not Rated | A+ | High (300% Above Avg) |
| Trinity Life | A+ (Superior) | A+ | Low |
Frequently Asked Questions: Diabetic Amputation Burial Insurance
Can you be denied burial insurance solely for having a diabetic amputation?
Insurance companies cannot deny you a permanent burial insurance policy solely because of an amputation, as the final expense market is specifically designed to cover seniors with complex vascular complications. While a “big name” term life company might treat a diabetic amputation as a total deal-breaker, it just does not make sense to let that stop you. Even if your medical records narrow your choices for immediate coverage, you can always qualify for a guaranteed-issue policy. These plans ignore your physical disabilities and medical history entirely. Your approval is certain as long as you meet the age requirements, ensuring your family is never left with a $15,000 funeral bill they cannot afford.
Does it matter for burial insurance if the diabetic amputation was a “minor” toe amputation or a “major” leg amputation?
Most insurance underwriters treat any amputation caused by diabetes with the same level of scrutiny because they view the procedure as a sign of severe and systemic circulatory damage rather than a localized injury. Here is the part they do not tell you in the flashy commercials: whether it was a toe or an entire limb, the insurer is worried about the underlying vascular health of your heart and kidneys. However, some carriers are more lenient with a minor toe amputation if your health has remained stable for several years.
Is diabetic amputation considered a “terminal illness” by burial insurance companies?
Burial insurance companies do not classify an amputation as a terminal illness because the condition is a manageable complication rather than a diagnosis that guarantees death within 12 to 24 months. A terminal illness is a very specific legal term insurers use to trigger early payouts or flat-out denials. While an amputation is serious, it does not mean your life is over tomorrow. You remain eligible for standard or guaranteed-acceptance burial insurance. These permanent whole life policies are designed to remain in place for decades, providing a reliable pay-on-death fund to cover your final arrangements and any lingering medical debts.
Is burial insurance more expensive after a diabetic amputation?
Premiums are generally higher for applicants with a history of amputation because insurance companies categorize advanced diabetic complications as a higher risk to their bottom line. You can expect to pay roughly 20-40% (company dependent) more than a neighbor who manages their diabetes with diet alone. But since these policies are built for smaller amounts like $10,000 or $15,000, that increase usually only amounts to an extra $20 or $30 a month. Honestly, it is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your kids won’t have to pass a hat around at your funeral. Every dollar you spend now prevents your family from facing a massive financial crisis later.
What is the typical waiting period for burial insurance after a diabetic amputation?
Most seniors with a recent diabetic amputation will face a mandatory two-year waiting period for a natural death payout, which is a standard rule for high-risk or guaranteed-issue policies in 2026. If you pass away from health issues during these first 24 months, the company simply refunds every penny of your premiums plus 7-10% interest (on average) to your family. But remember, accidental death is covered for the full benefit starting on day one. Once you clear that two-year hurdle, the policy is fully vested and pays the full death benefit for any cause of death. Starting the clock today is the only way to ensure your family reaches that full protection as soon as possible.
How do burial insurance companies verify a history of diabetic amputation?
Insurance companies verify your history by performing a quick background check on your prescriptions and reviewing a digital report that flags surgical codes associated with wound care and amputation. Because these are simplified issue policies, you skip the needle pokes and the physical exams. However, the insurer uses high-tech databases to see if you have filled prescriptions for specialized antibiotics or visited a wound care clinic. Answering the health questions truthfully is vital because the company already has a good idea of what is in your medical file. They just want to see if you are an honest risk before they issue your permanent protection.
Can I be denied burial insurance for a diabetic amputation if I also use insulin?
You cannot be denied burial insurance even if you use high doses of insulin alongside an amputation history because guaranteed-acceptance policies can ignore all of your medication list entirely. While this combination might disqualify you from a “Day One” plan, a guaranteed-issue policy is a perfect fallback. These applications do not ask a single question about your insulin units or your surgery dates. Your history is not even disclosed, which means you cannot be turned down. It is a “bad deal” to assume you are uninsurable just because your diabetes has been tough to manage. There is always a seat at the table for you.
Does it matter to burial insurance if my diabetic amputation was more than two years ago?
The two-year mark is a critical milestone because some carriers will offer you immediate first-day coverage once you have had 24 months of health stability following your surgery. If your amputation is beyond 24 months and you have avoided new hospitalizations or complications, you look like a much safer bet to an underwriter. This saves your family a significant amount of money and gives you the satisfaction of knowing your protection is active from the very first minute.
How does the age of my amputation affect my burial insurance rates?
Underwriters often view an amputation that occurred later in life as a lower risk than one that happened at a young age, as it suggests a less aggressive form of the disease. If you had an amputation in your 60s or 70s, it tells the insurance company that you lived a long time before complications set in. However, an amputation at age 30 or 40 suggests a very aggressive case of diabetes that might impact your heart sooner. In 2026, being an older applicant with a recent streak of stability can actually work in your favor. It proves you are managing your “new normal” effectively, which helps me find a policy that fits your budget.
What happens if I have a second amputation while I have a burial insurance policy?
Once your policy is approved and active, a second amputation or any further decline in your health has zero effect on your coverage because your rates and benefits are locked in for life. This is the primary reason you need to get qualified for a permanent whole life policy today. The insurance company cannot raise your premiums or cancel your plan just because your diabetes gets worse. You have a “locked-in” promise that stays in force as long as you pay your monthly bill. It makes sure that no matter what happens to your health down the road, your family will have the cash they need to handle your final wishes with dignity.