Can I Get Life Insurance If I Have Diabetes?
Posted :
Updated :
Key takeaways
- People living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can qualify for life insurance.
- Underwriters look at the full picture of your health, not just your diagnosis.
- Healthy habits can help improve your chances of getting favorable coverage terms.
- Availability and eligibility can vary by state and policy type.
Getting life insurance with diabetes can feel challenging, but it does not have to be. More than 40 million Americans, or about 12% of the population, are living with diabetes. If you are exploring life insurance with diabetes, here’s what to know about your options and next steps.
Types of diabetes and their impact on life insurance
Not all diabetes diagnoses are the same. And when it comes to life insurance, the type of diabetes you have — and how well it is managed — plays a significant role in the application process.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed earlier in life and requires lifelong insulin management. Because the condition begins earlier, it has more time to affect the body before an application is submitted.
For life insurance applicants, this means underwriters take a closer look at:
- How long have you been living with the condition
- Your current A1C levels and recent blood sugar trends
- Whether any complications are present, such as kidney or cardiovascular issues
- The type of insulin management you use
Applications from people living with type 1 diabetes tend to go through a more detailed underwriting review. Coverage is still available. The process simply requires more information.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is typically diagnosed later in life and is often managed through a combination of lifestyle changes, oral medication, and in some cases, insulin. Because it is usually diagnosed in adulthood, the cumulative impact on the body at the time of application tends to be shorter.
Underwriters generally consider how well the condition is controlled at the time of application. Key factors include:
- A1C levels over recent years
- Age at diagnosis
- Current treatment and medication
- Absence of related complications
Well-managed type 2 diabetes does not automatically result in a more complex application. Each case is reviewed individually based on the full picture of an applicant's health.
What both types have in common
For both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, life insurance underwriters focus on management and control — not the diagnosis alone. An applicant who actively manages their condition, attends regular medical appointments, and maintains stable health markers is in a stronger position than one who does not.
John Hancock Aspire® was built with exactly this in mind.
The only life insurance designed for people living with diabetes.
Whether you’re living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, John Hancock Aspire® was designed with your needs in mind. With Aspire, you’ll get the protection of a life insurance policy along with rewards for the things you do every day to live a longer, healthier life, and support to help you on your personal health journey. You can even save up to 25% on the cost of your coverage and earn other valuable benefits and discounts.* It’s a whole new kind of life insurance and it’s only available from John Hancock.
Why now?
It started with a rise in public awareness around the positive impact diet and exercise can have in reducing the risk of obesity, as well as anti-smoking initiatives, that have all helped reduce the risk of diabetes, particularly type 2.** And then there are the many advances in medical technology and health initiatives that have led to better care and earlier diagnosis of diabetes.
Breakthroughs in blood glucose meters and continuous glucose monitors give users a more complete view of how their medication, diet and exercise affect their well-being in real time. And wireless insulin pens let users keep track of, monitor and calculate their insulin injections without having to wear an insulin pump. All of these advances enable people living with diabetes to have greater control over their condition than ever before.
Taking into account the whole person.
John Hancock’s been insuring people living with diabetes for decades. We’ve seen first-hand how the advances in medical technology and resources are impacting their long-term health. With our extensive experience and medical expertise, our team is able to take a progressive approach to underwriting when it comes to people living with diabetes. Our underwriters (the life insurance analysts who evaluate each applicant’s risk) consider all that an individual is doing and the lifestyle choices they’re making to live a longer, healthier life. We also understand that type 1 and type 2 diabetes are different conditions with unique challenges.
At John Hancock, we don’t just see a person with diabetes. We see someone trying to live their best life. We know diabetes does not define you and we want you to know it does not have to stand in your way of quality life insurance.
Connect with one of our Aspire agents today to learn more about John Hancock Aspire and start the application process.
Frequently asked questions
It works the same way as standard life insurance — you apply, go through underwriting, and receive a policy that pays a benefit to your beneficiaries. The difference is that underwriters consider diabetes-specific health markers alongside general health factors. John Hancock Aspire® is built specifically to evaluate those markers fairly.
Yes, some life insurance policies may not require a medical exam. Options can vary based on the policy, the amount of coverage, and your overall health. A life insurance agent can help you find the choices that may fit your situation.
Work with a life insurance professional at John Hancock who understands underwriting for diabetes. Come prepared with recent medical records, A1C results, and a record of your current treatment plan. The more complete the picture, the smoother the underwriting process.
Life insurance for people with diabetes usually costs more than for applicants without diabetes, but the exact price depends on your age, type of diabetes, health, and how well it is managed. Well-controlled diabetes may still qualify for competitive rates, especially with the right policy.
If you develop diabetes after buying a John Hancock policy, your coverage generally remains in effect as long as premiums are paid and policy terms are met. Future claims or benefit details depend on the policy’s provisions and any applicable riders.
*Premium savings are in comparison to the same John Hancock life insurance policy without Vitality PLUS. The level of premium savings is cumulative over the life of the policy and will vary based upon underwriting status, issue age, policy type, the terms of the policy, and the Vitality Status achieved. Premiums savings are only available with Vitality PLUS.
**Source:
Centers for Disease Control (opens in a new tab)
American Diabetes Association (opens in a new tab)
John Hancock Aspire is available through the John Hancock Vitality benefit offered through John Hancock life insurance policies. Aspire is not available in New York, Idaho and Puerto Rico.
The benefits available under Aspire can vary depending on whether the insured has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, the type and coverage amount of the life insurance policy purchased and the level of engagement with the John Hancock Vitality Program. Certain aspects of Aspire may change over time. There is no coordination between Aspire and any health benefits you may receive from an insurance policy, health plan, or any other wellness programs you may be enrolled in.
Insurance policies and/or associated riders and features may not be available in all states.
Insurance products are issued by: John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), Boston, MA 02116 (not licensed in New York) and John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York, Valhalla, NY 10595.
MLINY102820390-1