Final Expense Life Insurance For Diabetics
last updated on January 6, 2026Diabetes is one of the most common health conditions life insurance insurers see, and it is also one of the most misunderstood by final expense life insurance shoppers.
Many people assume diabetes automatically disqualifies them from life insurance. It doesn’t.
At the Final Expense Guy, we have an amazing track record of helping diabetics get the exact coverage they are looking for at a price they can afford.
The information in this article will help you find the right insurer without delay.
(If you’d like to get answers before reading, call the Final Expense Guy directly at 888-862-9456)
HOW MOST DIABETICS QUALIFY FOR COVERAGE
Insurers divide applicants into two broad categories: Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetics usually develop the condition early in life and use insulin daily.
Type 2 diabetics often control it with oral medication, diet, or low-dose insulin.
Both types can qualify for final expense coverage if one’s medical condition is stable.
Underwriters focus on a few key details:
- A1C level (a measure of blood sugar control)
- Current medications and whether dosages have changed recently
- Complications such as neuropathy, kidney disease, or circulatory problems
- Hospitalizations related to diabetes in the last year
If these factors show consistency and control, approval for first-day coverage is very likely.
First-day coverage means complete protection from the moment the policy starts.
Nearly all insurers offering diabetic-friendly final expense plans use simplified underwriting.
That means the decision depends on your answers and a quick check of a prescription database rather than a medical exam. When handled correctly, around 97 percent of diabetic applicants qualify for first-day coverage with at least one carrier.
Diabetes rarely prevents someone from getting life insurance. What matters is finding the right type of policy with the right carrier.
Most diabetics fit into one of four categories:
- First-Day Coverage – immediate protection from the first premium payment.
- Modified Start – partial coverage that increases after the first year.
- Two-Year Waiting Period – refund of premiums, plus a small interest payment if death occurs early.
- Declined – extremely rare, reserved for uncontrolled or severe complications.
Across thousands of applications, roughly 97 percent of diabetics qualify for first-day coverage with at least one reputable insurer. The remaining few usually need to stabilize medication or reapply after a recent hospital stay.
Each insurer asks simple questions like:
- Have you been hospitalized for diabetes in the past year?
- Do you take insulin or oral medication?
- Have you experienced amputations, blindness, or kidney failure from diabetes?
If you see an ad claiming “guaranteed approval for diabetics,” just know that they will force you into a 2-year waiting period plan.
First-day coverage is still available for nearly everyone who maintains basic diabetic health stability.
UNDERWRITING QUESTIONS DIABETICS GET ASKED
Most people with diabetes are surprised by how simple the life-insurance application process actually is.
You don’t need to take an exam or give blood. Instead, you’ll answer a few medical questions, and the insurance company runs a quick prescription history check.
These questions help the insurer understand how stable your condition is.
The goal isn’t to disqualify you but rather to confirm that your diabetes is under control. Here’s what you can expect to answer on most simplified-issue final expense applications.
Typical diabetic underwriting questions include:
- How old were you when first diagnosed with diabetes?
- Do you take insulin, oral medication, or both?
- Have you been hospitalized for diabetes in the past 12 months?
- Has a doctor ever told you that you have neuropathy, kidney disease, or circulation issues related to diabetes?
- Have you had any amputations or complications from poor circulation?
- What other medications do you take regularly?
Some companies only care whether you use insulin, while others are more concerned with what age you started using insulin (long-term diabetics tend to have more health problems later in life).
If your prescriptions and A1C levels have remained consistent, you’re usually in good shape for first-day coverage.
Here are some common diabetic underwriting outcomes:
DIABETIC AMPUTATION: A diabetic amputation within 12 or 24 months requires either graded coverage or guaranteed issue with a 2-year waiting period. Amputations older than 24 months caused by diabetes may still qualify for first-day coverage or benefits.
DIABETIC COMA: A diabetic coma inside 12 or 24 months requires either graded coverage or guaranteed issue with a two-year wait. Shock coma older than 24 months with full recovery and no neurological decline may qualify for first-day coverage, but only with companies that accept older critical events with stable follow-up.
DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY: Having diabetic nephropathy within 12 or 24 months requires either graded coverage or guaranteed issue with a 2-year waiting period. Long-term nephropathy older than 24 months rarely gets first-day approval unless kidney function has been stable, there is no dialysis, and medication levels have not changed.
DIABETIC NEUROPATHY: Having diabetic neuropathy within 12 or 24 months requires either graded coverage or guaranteed issue with a 2-year waiting period. Older neuropathy past 24 months may still qualify for first-day coverage or benefits.
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY: Having diabetic retinopathy within 12 or 24 months requires either graded coverage or guaranteed issue with a 2-year waiting period. Retinopathy diagnosed within the past 24 months may still qualify for first-day coverage or benefits.
DIABETIC SHOCK: Having diabetic shock inside 12 or 24 months requires either graded coverage or guaranteed issue with a two-year wait. Shock coma older than 24 months with full recovery and no neurological decline may qualify for first-day coverage, but only with companies that accept older critical events with stable follow-up.
SAMPLE DIABETIC UNDERWRITING QUESTIONS BY COMPANY
WHEN TO AVOID APPLYING (TEMPORARY DIABETIC DECLINE SCENARIOS)
Even though most diabetics qualify for immediate coverage, there are a few situations where it’s smarter to wait before applying.
These aren’t permanent declines. They’re short-term health events that can make an insurer postpone your application for 30 to 90 days until your condition stabilizes.
Temporary decline scenarios include:
- A recent diabetic-related hospitalization within the last 90 days.
- An emergency room visit for uncontrolled blood sugar or an insulin reaction.
- A new diagnosis of neuropathy or kidney disease within the previous three months.
- Ongoing wound care, infection, or foot ulcer caused by diabetes.
When any of these issues occur, insurers want to see that your condition has returned to a stable pattern. Just call the Final Expense Guy, and I’ll walk you through your options.
Once your doctor confirms that your blood sugar levels are back under control and medications are consistent, your approval odds rise dramatically.
If you apply too soon, a decline or modified offer could stay on your insurance record for a year. Now can be the difference between a two-year waiting period and instant first-day coverage.
COMMON DIABETIC LIFE INSURANCE MISTAKES
Many diabetics end up buying the wrong life insurance policy because of misleading advertising.
The most common mistake is responding to offers that promise “guaranteed approval” without explaining the fine print.
A guaranteed-issue policy may sound simple, but it always includes a 2-year waiting period before the full benefit is available. If you die during that period, your family will only receive a refund of the premiums paid, plus a small amount of interest.
For most diabetics, that’s a rotten deal because first-day coverage is still available from better companies.
Another trap comes from TV commercials and mailers claiming “no health questions.” Those words are a red flag.
Companies that skip those health questions charge much more because they accept everyone, even applicants with serious, life-threatening medical issues.
Some marketers use phrases like “state-regulated diabetic benefit” when there is no such program.
The state regulates insurance companies, not your eligibility. When you see language that sounds official or government-related, it’s a marketing scam to try to get your personal information.
Hidden premium increases are another problem.
Some call-center policies start low and increase in price every five years. Others expire at age 80 or 90. Always read the section labeled policy duration and premium schedule before agreeing to anything.
If a salesperson avoids direct answers or rushes you to “sign today,” that’s a sign you’re dealing with a quota-driven call center, not a licensed professional focused on your situation.
DIABETES UNDERWRITING VS GUARANTEED ISSUE POLICIES
The difference between simplified-issue and guaranteed-issue life insurance determines how much you pay and when your coverage begins.
Simplified-issue final expense policies are designed for applicants with manageable health conditions, including most individuals with diabetes.
Guaranteed-issue plans are meant for people with severe or unstable health who can’t qualify anywhere else.
Simplified-issue coverage asks a few health questions but usually approves diabetics for 1st-day coverage if you maintain stable A1C levels and use medication consistently.
Guaranteed-issue plans skip all questions, making them easy to qualify for but often up to 100% more expensive.
Here’s how the two types compare:
Simplified-issue coverage gives diabetics better value and faster approval.
Guaranteed-issue should only be a last resort when all other companies decline the application.
HOW TO GET FIRST-DAY COVERAGE AS A DIABETIC
Getting first-day coverage with diabetes is not as difficult as many people think.
The key is applying with a company that specializes in simplified-issue final expense plans. These companies evaluate your health based on stability, not perfection.
The process is simple.
You answer a few health questions, give consent for a prescription history check, and your application is reviewed instantly. There is no medical exam, no blood work, and no need to visit a doctor.
A broker like the Final Expense Guy helps you identify which insurer fits your profile.
Some companies look more favorably on insulin use, while others care more about the age you were diagnosed. The broker’s job is to correctly match those criteria.
Carriers such as Aetna, Family Benefit Life, Trinity Life, and Mutual of Omaha consistently approve diabetic applicants for first-day coverage. They recognize that many people live decades with well-managed diabetes and pose no higher risk than the general population.
Timing matters too. Avoid applying right after a hospital stay or a sudden change in medication. Wait until your doctor verifies that your A1C levels have stabilized.
Once approved, your rate is locked in for life, and your benefit never decreases. The coverage begins immediately after your first payment, giving your family financial protection from day one.
FIRST-DAY COVERAGE VS. WAITING-PERIOD PLANS
COST OF FINAL EXPENSE LIFE INSURANCE FOR DIABETICS
Pricing for diabetic life insurance depends on age, control level, and medication type.
A well-managed diabetic can often qualify for the same rates as someone without diabetes.
Age plays the biggest role in pricing.
Younger applicants pay less because the insurer expects to wait longer before paying out the death benefit. Medication use and A1C readings also influence the premium. The more stable your health, the better your rate will be.
Most diabetic-friendly companies keep their pricing competitive. Some carriers even offer special “standard diabetic” classifications that treat your application the same as a healthy applicant.
Rates for two-year waiting-period policies are always higher because those plans must offset the added risk of accepting everyone without health questions. The cost difference can be dramatic, and should be avoided if at all possible.
The table below shows sample pricing comparisons for a 65-year-old diabetic seeking a $10,000 policy from top-rated insurers.
These are realistic examples based on publicly available rate data.
SAMPLE MONTHLY RATES FOR DIABETICS (AGE 65, $10,000 COVERAGE)
Diabetic premiums remain affordable for most applicants, especially when compared to the long-term financial burden of leaving final expenses unpaid.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A DIABETIC DIES DURING A TWO-YEAR WAITING PERIOD
Two-year waiting-period policies are often marketed as “guaranteed acceptance,” but they come with serious limitations.
If you die from natural causes during that waiting period, your beneficiaries do not receive the full death benefit.
Instead, the insurance company refunds all premiums paid plus a small interest amount, usually around 10 percent.
This refund is far less than the coverage you intended to provide for your family. The only exception is accidental death, which pays the full benefit immediately because it falls outside the waiting-period clause.
This limitation catches many diabetics by surprise. Families often believe their loved one’s coverage was active from day one, only to discover that the policy included fine print about delayed benefits.
Final Expense Guy policies with first-day coverage avoid this problem entirely.
Once approved, the full death benefit is active as soon as the first premium clears. For diabetics, qualifying for first-day coverage is usually possible unless there are serious, uncontrolled complications or a recent hospital stay.
Two-year waiting-period plans can make sense in rare situations where all other insurers decline the application. Outside of that, they are an expensive way to buy peace of mind that doesn’t fully protect your family during the most critical time.
BEST COMPANIES FOR DIABETICS
Several life insurance companies stand out for consistently approving diabetic applicants and for their superior financial strength.
These carriers combine competitive pricing with fair underwriting rules.
Top companies offering first-day coverage for diabetics:
- Aetna: Excellent balance of price and underwriting flexibility for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics.
- Family Benefit Life: Generous acceptance of insulin users and lenient lookback periods.
- Trinity Life: Known for approving applicants with long-term diabetes history and minor complications.
- Mutual of Omaha: Highly rated financially and widely accepted by seniors for its Living Promise plan. They can have a higher decline rate, so we are careful when using this company.
Each of these companies offers level-premium policies that never expire or increase in cost. They all provide lifetime coverage and transparent policy language that spells out exactly what is covered.
FINANCIAL STRENGTH AND CONSUMER COMPLAINT RATINGS
Each of these insurers offers long-term stability and a strong claim-paying history.
Their consistent A.M. Best ratings demonstrate the ability to meet financial obligations, while their low NAIC complaint indexes confirm good customer satisfaction and claim reliability.
For diabetics, these companies offer the most dependable and affordable way to get first-day coverage without the risks of waiting-period policies.
WHAT THE A.M. BEST RATING AND NAIC COMPLAINT INDEX MEAN FOR DIABETICS
Financial strength and complaint ratios matter more than any other detail when choosing a life-insurance company.
The A.M. Best rating and the NAIC complaint index are among the most reliable ways to gauge an insurer’s trustworthiness.
A.M. Best is an independent rating agency that evaluates the financial health of insurance companies. Ratings range from A++ to D, with A+ or A being the most stable categories. A high rating shows that the company has the reserves to pay claims promptly, even during difficult economic periods.
When you buy final expense insurance, the goal is long-term stability. You want to know that the company will still exist decades from now when your family files a claim. A strong A.M. Best rating confirms that reliability.
The NAIC Complaint Index measures consumer satisfaction. It compares the number of complaints a company receives to its market share. A score below 1.00 means fewer complaints than average. The lower the number, the better.
Both of these ratings protect buyers from hidden risks.
If a company has a poor financial grade or a high complaint ratio, it can signal problems such as slow claim payments or aggressive sales tactics.
For diabetics, the safest choice is a company that combines strong financial ratings, transparent underwriting, and a clean regulatory record.
This combination ensures your family won’t face delays or disputes when it’s time to collect the benefit.
DIABETIC LIFE INSURANCE SCAMS AND FALSE ADVERTISING CLAIMS
The diabetic insurance market attracts numerous misleading offers.
Many of these are not illegal but are intentionally deceptive in how they present coverage.
Recognizing them can save you thousands of dollars and prevent your family from being left without protection.
One common trick involves advertising “state-regulated diabetic programs,” despite the fact that there are no state program that pays for diabetic life insurance.
States regulate the companies, not your eligibility or pricing. These mailers and Facebook ads are created by marketing firms that buy your information from public records and resell it to call centers.
Another misleading tactic is “guaranteed acceptance for everyone.”
These plans sound safe, but usually come with a two-year waiting period and higher premiums. For diabetics with controlled conditions, this is unnecessary and costly.
Some ads claim to include “free benefits” such as discounts, gift cards, or memberships.
These are marketing hooks with no insurance value, so beware of possible SCAMS that use this verbiage. If the company cannot provide a state license number or a copy of the policy details before payment, do not proceed.
A growing issue involves robocall centers posing as licensed agents.
They collect personal information and forward it to multiple insurance agencies. This often results in unwanted calls and misleading quotes that do not match your health situation.
Always verify that you are speaking with a licensed independent agent who represents multiple carriers. You can confirm a license by searching the website of your state Department of Insurance.
A legitimate agent will be transparent about waiting periods, policy limits, and carrier ratings.
Protect yourself by reading every section labeled “waiting period” and “premium schedule.”
Avoid any policy that does not clearly list when the full benefit becomes active.
RED FLAGS WHEN BUYING LIFE INSURANCE WITH DIABETES
The biggest danger when shopping for diabetic life insurance is falling for shortcuts that sound convenient but end up costing more in the long run.
A few warning signs can tell you when to pause before signing.
If an agent refuses to tell you which company the policy comes from, that’s a red flag.
Every legitimate agent must disclose the carrier name and provide a copy of the proposal before any payment.
Watch for language such as “government-approved” or “special senior discount.” These phrases are used by marketing agencies, not licensed insurers.
The state regulates companies to ensure fair business practices, but it does not sponsor private life-insurance plans.
Avoid any offer that claims you can be “instantly approved with no questions asked.” Those are guaranteed-issue policies, which always have waiting periods.
Most diabetics can qualify for better, first-day coverage by answering a few short questions honestly.
If your quote seems far cheaper than others for the same benefit, verify that the premium is locked for life. Some call-center plans raise rates every five years or cancel coverage at age 80 or 90.
Another sign of trouble is high-pressure sales behavior. Licensed professionals explain coverage clearly and give you time to think.
Call-center agents are trained to push fast commitments before you have a chance to compare options.
The safest approach is to verify an agent’s license through your state Department of Insurance website and ask how many companies they represent.
Captive agents are tied to one insurer, which limits your choices and can increase your cost.
WHY DIABETICS SHOULD WORK WITH A LICENSED INDEPENDENT BROKER
An independent broker works for the client, not for a single insurance company.
That difference is critical when applying with diabetes because underwriting varies between carriers. A broker compares multiple companies side by side to find where your specific health profile fits best.
Independent brokers have direct access to top carriers that will view diabetes slightly differently. What one carrier declines, another may approve immediately.
Working with a broker also helps you avoid the high turnover and limited product selection of call centers. Those organizations often sell the plan that pays them the highest commission rather than the one that truly protects your family.
A licensed broker explains underwriting questions, eligibility rules, and policy guarantees before any paperwork begins. They provide written rate quotes, disclose A.M. Best ratings, and help you choose a policy that never expires or increases in cost.
Independent representation ensures that you get the lowest available rate for your health situation and age.
It also means you keep the same point of contact for future service instead of being routed to a random call queue.
CALL CENTERS VS. INDEPENDENT BROKERS
The difference between these two approaches determines how much coverage your family actually receives for the money you spend.
Working with an independent broker gives diabetics the best chance to qualify for affordable first-day coverage with a financially strong insurer.
FINAL VERDICT: BEST LIFE INSURANCE OPTIONS FOR DIABETICS
Diabetes does not have to stop you from getting affordable, immediate life insurance.
With stable A1C readings, consistent medication use, and honest answers on your application, you can qualify for full first-day coverage with several respected companies.
If your health is stable, avoid guaranteed-issue plans that delay benefits for two years. Those policies are built for extreme cases, not for most diabetics.
Paying higher premiums for limited coverage is unnecessary when better options exist.
Work only with a licensed independent broker who can compare real quotes side by side. A single conversation can save you hundreds of dollars and guarantee your family complete protection from day one.
The bottom line is simple: most diabetics qualify for first-day coverage if they apply through the right channel. Don’t wait until a medical event changes your eligibility. Lock in a policy while you’re still insurable!
Call 888-862-9456 or visit FEXGUY.com to review real first-day coverage options from the nation’s most trusted carriers.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: FINAL EXPENSE INSURANCE FOR DIABETICS
Does diabetes make you uninsurable for life insurance?
No. Diabetes does not make anyone automatically uninsurable. What matters most is how well your blood sugar and medication use are controlled.
Insurers look for consistency, not perfection. If your A1C levels and prescriptions have remained steady, you can usually qualify for first-day coverage that pays the full benefit from the first day. If you want help finding which companies are most diabetic-friendly, the Final Expense Guy can match your health profile with carriers that approve diabetics for full coverage on day one.
Can you be denied life insurance for diabetes?
Denials for 1st-day coverage usually happen only when diabetes is poorly controlled or combined with severe complications such as kidney failure, ongoing infections, or recent hospital stays related to high or low blood sugar.
The Final Expense Guy helps clients time their applications strategically so they qualify for first-day coverage instead of being stuck with a waiting-period plan.
Does diabetes impact life insurance?
Yes, but control is the deciding factor. Diabetics with stable health and consistent treatment are often approved for the same lifetime coverage as non-diabetic applicants. Insurers mainly evaluate how long you’ve had diabetes, how it’s treated, and whether you’ve developed complications like neuropathy or kidney disease.
When the condition is under control, most diabetics pay standard rates for first-day coverage. The Final Expense Guy can identify which carriers treat diabetes as a manageable risk rather than a disqualifying condition.
What conditions make you uninsurable for life insurance?
You might face a temporary decline for first-day coverage if you’ve recently been hospitalized for diabetes complications, developed severe kidney issues, or have ongoing wounds or infections.
Once you’ve recovered and your blood sugar levels are back under control, you can seek hesp to reapply and possibly get approved. Working with the Final Expense Guy ensures your application is submitted at the right time and to the right carrier for the best outcome.
Do I need to tell life insurance about diabetes?
Yes, always. Life insurance companies require accurate health information to determine eligibility and rates. Simplified-issue final expense policies only ask a few basic health questions, such as whether you take insulin or oral medication and whether you’ve had recent hospitalizations.
If you hide your diagnosis, it could void your policy later. Being upfront helps your broker match you with a carrier that understands diabetic health and still offers immediate coverage. The Final Expense Guy helps clients present their medical history correctly to avoid problems at claim time.
What is a good A1C level for life insurance?
No exact number is required. What matters is stability and control. Insurers want to see that your A1C level has been consistent and that your medication routine hasn’t changed recently. Fluctuating results or frequent dosage changes raise concern, while steady control signals lower risk.
A stable A1C history indicates that your diabetes is well-managed, making first-day approval much easier. The Final Expense Guy can help you apply with companies that judge your overall pattern of control, not a single test result.
Does having diabetes disqualify you from life insurance?
No. Having diabetes doesn’t disqualify you. As long as your condition is under control, you can qualify for first-day coverage from strong, well-rated companies that specialize in simplified underwriting.
The Final Expense Guy can compare these options for you and make sure you’re approved for immediate protection.
How much is life insurance if you have diabetes?
Cost depends on your age, the type of medication, and your health stability. Well-controlled diabetics usually qualify for competitive rates similar to those of non-diabetic applicants. The more stable your condition, the better your pricing.
Because life-insurance rates are specific to each carrier and state, the only accurate way to know your price is through a licensed agent using verified rate software. The Final Expense Guy provides real quotes from multiple A-rated carriers so you can see your exact cost before you apply.
Do I need to tell my life insurance agent I have diabetes?
Yes, and it’s required. When applying or updating your policy, always disclose that you have diabetes. Concealing it could cause problems later if your family needs to file a claim. Simplified-issue insurers only ask a few short health questions and review your prescription history, so full honesty works in your favor.
A licensed broker like the Final Expense Guy can make sure your application reflects your situation accurately so you qualify for the best coverage available.
Does life insurance pay out for diabetes?
Yes. Life-insurance policies pay full benefits for deaths related to diabetes. The only time payment is limited is if there is a two-year waiting-period plan, which refunds premiums plus small interest instead of the full benefit if death occurs early. You can avoid that risk altogether by applying for first-day coverage through a diabetic-friendly carrier. The Final Expense Guy works with multiple insurers that pay the full amount immediately, giving your family true financial protection from day one.
