Insurance companies in Canada regularly insure people living with diabetes. In fact, diabetes is one of the most common medical conditions underwriters evaluate.

According to Diabetes Canada, more than 3 million Canadians live with diabetes, so insurers have well-developed underwriting guidelines for assessing applicants with this condition.

What matters most is not simply whether you have diabetes, but how well the condition is managed.

When reviewing an application, insurers typically evaluate:

• Your most recent A1C levels

• Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes

• Your age at diagnosis and duration of the condition

• Any complications (kidney, eye, nerve, or cardiovascular issues)

• Your medications or insulin use

• Your weight, smoking status, and overall health

Diabetes is assessed as part of your broader health profile rather than as a single determining factor.

People with Type 2 diabetes often have the most straightforward path to obtaining life insurance, particularly when the condition is well controlled.

Insurers view applicants more favourably when they:

• Maintain A1C levels under 7%

• Manage diabetes with diet, exercise, or oral medication

• Maintain a stable or healthy weight

• Attend regular physician follow-ups

• Have no diabetes-related complications

When these factors are present, applicants frequently qualify for coverage with moderate premium adjustments.

In underwriting terms, many Type 2 diabetics fall within standard to Table 2-4 ratings, which means premiums are somewhat higher than standard rates but remain within a manageable range for most applicants.

Real Example:

Marcus, age 48, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes five years ago. His A1C is 6.7%, he takes Metformin, lost 30 pounds since diagnosis, exercises regularly, and has no complications. He was approved for $1 million in 20-year term coverage at approximately $95/month, about 35% higher than standard rates for his age.

Individuals living with Type 1 diabetes can also obtain life insurance, although underwriting typically involves more detailed review.

Because Type 1 diabetes involves lifelong insulin dependence and is often diagnosed earlier in life, insurers generally classify it as a higher risk category. However, applicants who demonstrate strong diabetes management often receive competitive offers.

Factors that improve eligibility include:

• Consistent A1C levels under 7%

• Use of modern management tools (continuous glucose monitors or insulin pumps)

• Regular visits with an endocrinologist

• No severe hypoglycemic episodes in recent years

• No signs of long-term complications

Applicants with strong medical management and stable health can often secure coverage, although premiums are typically higher than standard rates.

Real Example:

Sarah, age 32, has had Type 1 diabetes since age 14. Her A1C is 6.8%, she uses an insulin pump and CGM, sees her endocrinologist quarterly, and has no complications. She was approved for $750,000 in 20-year term coverage at approximately $140/month, about 180% of standard rates for her age.

What Insurance Companies Evaluate When Assessing Diabetes

When underwriting life insurance applications involving diabetes, insurers typically review several key health indicators.

A1C Levels

A1C reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past three months and is one of the most important indicators insurers review.

General underwriting considerations:

• Under 6.5% — excellent control

• 6.5% to 7% — good control

• 7% to 8% — moderate control

• Above 8% — higher underwriting concern

Lower A1C levels typically lead to better insurance offers.

Duration and Stability

How long you have had diabetes and the stability of your management can influence underwriting.

Someone diagnosed years ago with consistently stable results may be viewed more favourably than someone recently diagnosed with inconsistent control patterns.

Complications

Insurers review whether diabetes has led to complications such as:

• Kidney disease (nephropathy)

• Diabetic retinopathy (eye damage)

• Neuropathy (nerve damage)

• Cardiovascular disease

The absence of complications significantly improves both eligibility and potential pricing.

Lifestyle and Overall Health

Other factors also influence underwriting decisions:

• Smoking status

• Body mass index (BMI)

• Blood pressure

• Cholesterol levels

• Exercise habits and general fitness

Diabetes is only one component of the overall risk assessment.

Applying for life insurance with diabetes typically follows a structured process.

Step 1: Health Questionnaire

Applicants provide detailed health information, including:

• Type of diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, prediabetes)

• Date of diagnosis

• Most recent A1C results and date of test

• Current medications or insulin use

• Frequency of doctor visits and specialist care

• Any diabetes-related complications or hospitalizations

Accuracy is essential because insurers verify information through prescription databases and medical records.

Step 2: Underwriting Review

Depending on the applicant's age, health history, and requested coverage amount, insurers may use one of two underwriting approaches.

Simplified Underwriting

This streamlined process may include:

• Health questionnaire review

• Prescription history verification

• Electronic medical record checks

Many applicants, particularly Type 2 diabetics with good control applying for coverage under $1-2 million, receive decisions without requiring a medical exam.

Traditional Underwriting

For larger coverage amounts, complex medical histories, or certain applicant profiles, insurers may request:

• Medical records from your physician

• A telephone interview with a nurse

• A paramedical exam involving blood work, urinalysis, and basic health measurements

Step 3: Insurance Offer

If approved, the insurer provides an offer outlining:

• Your premium rate

• The underwriting rating classification

• Policy details and terms

Because underwriting guidelines vary widely between insurers, two companies may offer significantly different premiums for the same applicant.

This is why comparing offers from multiple insurers is often beneficial.

Life insurance premiums depend on several factors beyond diabetes itself:

• Age

• Smoking status

• Coverage amount and policy term

• Overall health profile

• Quality of diabetes management

People with well-managed Type 2 diabetes may see moderate premium adjustments (25-75% above standard rates), while individuals with Type 1 diabetes typically receive higher rating classifications (100-200% above standard rates).

Despite premium adjustments, many applicants obtain meaningful coverage at manageable cost.

Estimated Monthly

Premiums for 20-Year Term Life Insurance

The best way to determine accurate pricing is by obtaining personalized quotes from multiple insurers.

1. Optimize Your A1C Before Applying

Lower A1C levels are one of the most important underwriting factors. Improving A1C control before applying can significantly improve insurance offers.

The difference between an A1C of 8.0% and 7.0% can reduce premiums by 30-50% or more. For a $500,000 policy, this could mean saving $50-75 per month, $12,000-18,000 over a 20-year term.

If your A1C is currently elevated, consider working with your doctor for 3-6 months to improve control before submitting your application.

2. Apply With the Right Insurers

Not all insurance companies evaluate diabetes the same way.

Some insurers use conservative underwriting guidelines that result in higher premiums for any diabetic applicant. Others have updated their underwriting to reflect modern diabetes management and offer more competitive rates.

Working with an independent insurance broker who knows which Canadian insurers are most favourable for diabetic applicants can result in significantly better offers.

3. Document Your Health Management

Demonstrating consistent, proactive diabetes management improves underwriting outcomes.

Positive factors include:

• Regular endocrinologist or physician visits

• Consistent glucose monitoring (daily testing or CGM usage)

• Medication adherence (prescription refill records)

• Weight loss or stable weight maintenance

• Regular exercise and healthy lifestyle habits

• Use of modern diabetes technology (insulin pumps, CGMs)

Providing supporting documentation such as continuous glucose monitor reports showing stable glucose patterns can strengthen your application.

4. Apply Earlier Rather Than Later

Life insurance premiums increase with age, and diabetes can progress over time.

Applying while you're younger and your condition is stable allows you to lock in rates based on your current health. Even if your diabetes becomes more difficult to manage later, your premiums remain unchanged for the policy term.

5. Consider Policy Features

When comparing policies, look for:

• Convertibility: The option to convert term insurance to permanent coverage later without new medical underwriting

• Renewability: The right to renew coverage at the end of your term without requalifying medically

• Guaranteed rates: Premiums that cannot increase during the policy term

These features provide flexibility as your health and circumstances evolve.

Incomplete or Inaccurate Disclosure

Insurance companies verify health information through prescription databases and medical records. Incomplete or inaccurate disclosure can result in application denial or, worse, a denied claim when your family needs it most.

Always provide complete, accurate information about your diabetes, medications, and health history.

Applying to Only One Insurer

Underwriting guidelines vary significantly between insurers. One company might offer substantially better rates than another for the same applicant profile.

Comparing offers from multiple insurers, ideally through an independent broker, ensures you receive the most competitive rates available.

Waiting for "Perfect" Control

Some people delay applying indefinitely, waiting for their A1C to reach an ideal level or other health metrics to improve.

While optimizing your health before applying is beneficial, waiting too long can work against you as you age or if complications develop. Apply when you have reasonably good control rather than waiting for perfection.

Overlooking Policy Features

Not all term life insurance policies offer the same features. Convertibility and renewability options provide valuable flexibility for the future and should not be overlooked when comparing offers.

Having diabetes does not prevent Canadians from obtaining life insurance.

Approval depends largely on how well the condition is managed and your overall health profile. Many individuals with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes successfully obtain coverage at reasonable rates, particularly when applying through insurers familiar with modern diabetes management.

With the right approach and the right insurer, obtaining life insurance with diabetes is very achievable.

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