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If you're a diabetic looking to purchase term life insurance, it's essential to understand the impact of your condition on your premiums.
Most term life insurance companies consider diabetics to be high-risk applicants, which can lead to higher premiums.
As a diabetic, you can expect to pay 2-5 times more than a non-diabetic for a term life insurance policy.
However, there are steps you can take to minimize the impact of your diabetes on your premiums.
Understanding Term Life Insurance for Diabetics
If you have diabetes, you can still get term life insurance, but the type of coverage and cost will depend on the type of diabetes you have and how well you're managing it.
Typically, insurers consider several factors when determining your eligibility for term life insurance, including your age, the type of diabetes you have, and how well you're managing it.
Your age is a significant factor, as insurers will likely want to know your current age and when you were first diagnosed with diabetes.
The type of diabetes you have can also impact your ability to get term life insurance, with some types being more manageable than others.
How well you're managing your diabetes is crucial, as insurers will look at the severity of your condition and the types of treatments you're using.
If you're actively managing your diabetes with medical supervision and keeping it under control, you may have a better chance of getting coverage.
However, as a person with diabetes, you'll likely pay a higher premium compared with someone without such a condition.
Here are the key factors insurers consider when determining your eligibility for term life insurance as a diabetic:
- Your age: Insurers will likely want to know your current age and when you were first diagnosed with diabetes.
- The type of diabetes: Your ability to get coverage may depend heavily on the type of diabetes you have.
- How it's managed: Insurers will also likely look at the severity of your diabetes and how you're currently controlling it.
Cost and Rates
The cost of term life insurance for diabetics can be higher than for non-diabetics. This is because insurance providers consider diabetes a risk factor that can shorten life expectancy.
The type of diabetes you have plays a significant role in determining your life insurance rates. Type 1 diabetes is considered more dangerous and riskier than Type 2, resulting in higher premiums.
A 30-year-old male with Type 2 diabetes can get a 20-year term life policy worth $500,000 for $35 a month, while the same person with Type 1 diabetes will pay almost twice as much at about $62 a month.
The age at which you are diagnosed with diabetes also impacts your life insurance rates. The younger you were diagnosed, the lower your odds of getting approved and the higher your cost will be if you are.
Managing your diabetes well is key to getting a good rate. If you don't put the time and effort into following your doctor's plan and keeping your blood glucose levels stable, your rate will be higher or your application may be postponed.
Here are some estimated monthly premiums for a 20-year term life policy worth $500,000 for diabetics:
Available Policies and Options
Most types of life insurance policies are available to diabetics, but their policies may cost more due to the health condition.
You can take out term life insurance, whole life insurance, or other types of policies, but the cost will vary based on your diabetes.
People with diabetes can qualify for a policy that considers their health profile, and working with the right life insurance companies for diabetics can make a big difference.
Even if your diabetes is under control, some providers may have strict standards that you don’t meet, but others have better options that may be just what you’re looking for.
Available Policies
You have several options for life insurance policies as a diabetic. Term life insurance policies are typically the least expensive option, providing the largest death benefit per premium dollar.
Diabetics can take out most types of life insurance policies, but their policies may just cost more. Many term policies can convert to permanent life insurance before the term expires without requiring additional medical underwriting.
Permanent policies, such as whole life insurance or universal life insurance, are generally more expensive but are designed to cover you for life. These policies also build cash value that can be used for future expenses.
If you've been turned down for life insurance before due to diabetes, don't be discouraged. In many cases, finding coverage comes down to working with the right life insurance companies for diabetics.
A term policy will give diabetics more affordable life insurance protection with a larger death benefit compared to a permanent policy.
No Exam vs. Full Underwriting Policies
No exam vs. full underwriting policies can be a crucial decision when choosing a life insurance policy. You can opt for a medically underwritten policy, which requires health history information, a diabetes-related questionnaire, and a physical exam, but rates are usually lower if you qualify.
A medically underwritten policy can take more time to process, but it's worth it for the lower rates. Typically, these policies are available for more than $500,000 of term life protection or $50,000 for whole life.
You can also choose a no-medical-exam term life insurance policy, which is not available for more than $500,000 of term life protection or $50,000 for whole life. With these policies, you may still have to fill out a diabetes-related questionnaire and grant permission for the life insurance company to request your health records.
Higher premiums are the trade-off for a no-medical-exam policy, but it may allow you to get coverage you wouldn't qualify for otherwise. Be aware that lying about your health issues on the insurance application can result in your coverage being canceled or denied when you pass away.
Best Way to Buy
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If your work offers group life insurance, talk with your employer to see if you can get coverage in their plan, as it's likely to be your most affordable option.
You may only qualify for a limited coverage amount, so be sure to discuss your options with your employer.
Buying individually can be more expensive, but Guardian can put you in touch with a financial professional who can help you navigate the process.
Make sure to speak frankly with your agent and let them know about your diabetes, so they can advocate on your behalf.
Be prepared to discuss the steps you're taking to effectively manage your diabetes, as this can impact your insurance options.
It's essential to consult with a financial professional to understand what life insurance products are available for sale, as Guardian may not offer all products discussed.
Application and Approval Process
Applying for term life insurance with diabetes can be a straightforward process. You'll need to provide detailed information about your diagnosis, including your blood sugar levels and any medications you're taking.
Insurers will conduct a phone interview to gather more information about your diabetes history. This is a normal part of the application process, so don't be nervous!
During the phone interview, you can expect to answer questions about your diabetes, such as your first diagnosis date, whether you measure your glucose daily, and your last A1C reading.
Here's a list of some of the specific questions you may be asked during the phone interview:
- Date of first diagnosis/onset
- Glucose measurement frequency
- Last A1C reading and average for the last year
- Medications being taken
- Complications with eyes, kidneys, or feet
- History of amputations
- Dialysis status
By being prepared to answer these questions, you can help the insurance company understand your diabetes and make an informed decision about your term life insurance application.
Information Required for Application
When applying for life insurance with diabetes, you'll need to share some personal information about your condition. This is a standard part of the application process.
You can expect to answer questions about your diabetes history during a phone interview. This might feel a bit daunting, but it's a necessary step to get an accurate quote.
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To prepare for the call, you'll need to have some specific details at hand, such as the date of your first diagnosis or onset of diabetes. This will help the insurance company understand the extent of your condition.
You'll also be asked about your daily glucose measurements, your last A1C reading, and your A1C average for the last year. This information will give the insurance company a better idea of how well you're managing your diabetes.
The insurance company will also want to know about any medications you're taking, such as insulin. Be prepared to discuss any potential complications, like eye, kidney, or foot problems, or whether you've had any amputations.
Here's a list of the specific questions you can expect to answer during the phone interview:
- What was the date of your first diagnosis/onset?
- Do you measure your glucose daily?
- What was your last A1C reading and what was your A1C average for the last year?
- Are you taking insulin or other medications?
- Do you have any complications with your eyes, kidneys, or feet as a result of diabetes?
- Have you had any amputations?
- Are you on dialysis?
Having this information ready will help you feel more confident and prepared for the phone interview.
Why Timing Matters
Timing matters when it comes to buying life insurance, especially if you have diabetes.
About 96 million Americans have prediabetes, and 80% of those folks don't know it. This means that for more than 1 in 3 people, life insurance rates will skyrocket in a few years.
Getting married and having kids is a great reason to buy life insurance, but it's even more important to do it before you're diagnosed with diabetes. Joe's story is a great example of this - he bought a level, 25-year term life policy at 33 and didn't have to worry about his premiums changing when he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at 45.
If you wait until you're diagnosed with diabetes, you'll likely face higher premiums. In fact, Joe's life insurance would have cost him a pretty penny if he had waited to buy a policy after being diagnosed.
Health Classification Qualification
If you have diabetes, your health classification will significantly impact your term life insurance premiums. You can qualify for up to Standard, which means you'll pay average premiums, if you have type 2 diabetes.
Insurance companies view type 2 diabetes as less risky because it can be managed with certain treatments or medications. This is in contrast to type 1 diabetes, which always requires insulin therapy and is considered a higher insurance risk.
People with type 1 diabetes typically qualify for Substandard ratings, which are reserved for those with a complicated health history and offer higher-than-average rates. The younger you were at the time of your diabetes diagnosis, the less favorable your life insurance health classification will be.
Here's a breakdown of the health classification system used by life insurance companies:
Your health classification will depend on your age, type of diabetes, how it's managed, and your overall health. If you're younger, otherwise healthy, and actively managing your diabetes, you may have a better chance of getting coverage. However, as a person with diabetes, you'll likely pay a higher premium compared to someone without such a condition.
Insurance Companies and Policies
People with diabetes can take out most types of life insurance policies, but their policies may cost more due to their health condition.
Insurance companies consider various factors when you apply with diabetes, including blood sugar levels, medications, and treatment duration.
If you have diabetes, insurance companies will want to know more details about your diagnosis, including how long you've been in treatment.
Policygenius uses external sources, including government data and reputable news organizations, to supplement proprietary marketplace data and internal expertise.
Most life insurance companies evaluate applicants with diabetes differently, so it's essential to compare quotes from different insurers.
Some insurance companies, like Legal & General America, offer more affordable rates for people with diabetes, regardless of their health profile.
Legal & General America offers some of the longest term lengths, up to 40 years, and most competitive life insurance rates available, even for people with a history of medical conditions.
Here are some key features of Legal & General America:
* FeatureDescriptionCompetitive ratesOffers competitive rates for a variety of health conditionsFast instant-decision optionQualifying applicants can get an instant decisionVariety of term lengthsOffers term lengths up to 40 years
It's essential to work with an independent broker to find an insurer that will offer you the most affordable policy for your personal situation.
Special Cases and Considerations
If you have diabetes, the insurance company will want to know more details about your diagnosis, including blood sugar levels, any medications you're taking, and how long you've been in treatment.
Insurers will look closely at these factors when setting your rates: blood sugar levels, medications, and treatment duration. This is because diabetes can affect your life expectancy and increase your risk of developing other health conditions.
Certain pre-existing conditions, including diabetes, can affect your life insurance options or costs. If you're a diabetic, it's essential to find a trusted guide to help you navigate the process.
Here are some common health concerns that can affect your life insurance options or costs:
- Alcoholism
- Aneurysm
- Cancer or a history of cancer
- Chronic illness
- COVID-19
- Digestive diseases
- Disabilities
- Drug use
- Family history of certain conditions
- Heart conditions
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- HIV
- Kidney disease
- Lung conditions
- Marijuana use
- Mental health issues such as depression or anxiety
- Multiple sclerosis
- Overweight or obesity
- Pregnancy
- Prescription history
- Sleep apnea
- Smoking
- Stroke
- Vaping
What If It Gets Worse?
If your diabetes gets worse after you get approved for life insurance, your premiums will remain the same as long as you pay them, or until the end of the term.
However, if you apply for a new policy following a significant change to your diagnosis or medications, you'd likely see higher premiums.
You might be wondering what constitutes a significant change, but the article doesn't specify a clear definition, so it's best to consult with your insurance provider for guidance.
If you do see higher premiums, it's essential to shop around and compare rates from different insurance companies to find the best deal.
It's also worth noting that a guaranteed-issue "final expense" policy may be an option, although it's generally the most expensive form of life insurance coverage and comes with a maximum death benefit of $25,000 or less.
What If My Health Improves After Diagnosis?
If your health improves after being diagnosed with diabetes, you have a few options to consider. You can ask your insurer for a reconsideration of your rate, but this will likely require another medical exam, which can be costly.
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You'll need to weigh the potential savings against the cost of the exam. If your health has improved significantly, the savings might be worth it.
Looking for a new policy could also work in your favor, but keep in mind that the older you get, the more expensive life insurance becomes. This might offset any savings you could get from a new policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does your A1C have to be to get life insurance?
To qualify for life insurance, your A1C level should be at or below 7.0. This is a key factor in underwriting, but it's essential to note that it may take longer than 30 days to achieve this target.
Sources
- https://www.guardianlife.com/life-insurance/diabetics
- https://www.policygenius.com/life-insurance/diabetes/
- https://www.trustage.com/learn/life-events/can-diabetics-get-life-insurance
- https://www.westernsouthern.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-for-diabetics
- https://www.ramseysolutions.com/insurance/life-insurance-for-diabetics
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