Life insurance applications involve an assessment of health, lifestyle and financial information. For someone living with diabetes, insurers usually ask additional questions so they can understand the condition and assess the application accurately. Diabetes is not considered in isolation. An insurer will look at the type of diabetes, current management, test results, associated health factors and the cover being requested. Learning what insurers may consider can make the application process less confusing and help you prepare the right information.
What insurers look at when assessing diabetes
Providers of specialist Diabetes Life Insurance can compare how different insurers may respond to an applicant’s medical circumstances. There is no single decision applied to everyone with diabetes.
Insurers use underwriting guidelines to decide if they can offer cover and at what premium. These guidelines vary between companies.
An application may be:
- Accepted at a standard premium
- Accepted with a higher premium
- Delayed while further evidence is gathered
- Postponed until health information is more stable
- Declined
A higher premium is sometimes described as a medical loading. It reflects the insurer’s assessment of risk and does not mean the policy provides less cover.
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body does not produce insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes need insulin treatment and regular glucose monitoring.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not respond to insulin effectively. It may be managed with lifestyle changes, tablets, injectable medication, insulin or a combination of treatments.
Insurers recognise that these are different conditions, but they do not base decisions on diabetes type alone. They also review how the condition is being managed and any other health factors.
Gestational diabetes and less common forms of diabetes can also affect an application. The questions and evidence requested will depend on the applicant’s current health and medical history.
Time since diagnosis
A recent diagnosis can make an application more difficult to assess because there may not yet be enough evidence showing how the condition is responding to treatment.
An insurer may want to see the results of an initial treatment plan or wait for an updated HbA1c result. This can lead to the application being postponed rather than permanently declined.
Someone diagnosed several years ago may have a longer record of test results, treatment and reviews. This gives the insurer more information about the stability of the condition.
Neither a recent nor a long-standing diagnosis guarantees a particular outcome. The insurer will consider the full medical picture.
HbA1c and glucose management
HbA1c is one of the main results considered during underwriting. It measures average blood glucose over the previous two to three months.
Insurers may ask for:
- Your latest HbA1c result
- Previous results
- The date of the most recent test
- Any changes in the results
- Reasons for a significant increase or reduction
- Changes to medication or treatment
A result outside your target range does not always mean cover will be refused. The insurer may increase the premium, ask for more information or postpone the decision.
Your personal HbA1c target should be discussed with your healthcare team. Insurance considerations should not replace medical advice or encourage unsafe changes to treatment.
Diabetes-related complications
Insurers usually ask about complications because they can affect long-term health risk.
Questions may cover:
- Eyesight or diabetic retinopathy
- Kidney function
- Nerve damage
- Foot problems
- Heart disease
- Circulation problems
- Previous episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis
- Severe hypoglycaemia
- Hospital treatment
You must disclose complications accurately, even if they are being treated or do not currently cause symptoms.
The NHS explains that diabetes can increase the risk of other health problems over time and recommends attending regular diabetes appointments and tests.
An insurer may request medical records to understand the severity, treatment and current position of any complication.
Blood pressure and cholesterol
Diabetes can increase the importance of other cardiovascular risk factors. Insurers may therefore pay close attention to blood pressure and cholesterol.
A person with well-managed diabetes but uncontrolled blood pressure may receive a different decision from someone whose diabetes and wider health indicators are stable.
Provide recent figures where possible. If you are taking medication for blood pressure or cholesterol, include the name and dose when requested.
Do not stop or alter prescribed medication for the purpose of an insurance application. Treatment decisions should be made with your doctor or diabetes team.
Weight and body mass index
Height, weight and body mass index are commonly requested on life insurance applications, regardless of diabetes.
A higher body mass index may affect the premium, particularly when combined with diabetes, high blood pressure or other medical conditions.
Insurers use their own height and weight limits. One provider may offer terms where another does not, which is another reason that comparing suitable insurers can be useful.
Provide accurate measurements rather than older or estimated figures. Some insurers may verify them through medical records or a nurse screening.
Smoking and nicotine use
Smoking is a major factor in life insurance pricing. Smokers usually pay more for cover than non-smokers, and the difference can be greater when diabetes is also present.
Insurers may ask about cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vaping and other nicotine products. Their definitions of a smoker can vary.
Many insurers require a person to have stopped using nicotine for at least 12 months before they can be considered a non-smoker. You must answer according to the insurer’s specific wording.
Do not describe yourself as a non-smoker if you still use nicotine occasionally. Incorrect information could affect a future claim.
Your age and the cover requested
Medical information is only part of the assessment. The insurer will also consider your age, the amount of cover and the length of the policy.
Applying for a large amount of cover or a long term may involve more detailed underwriting. The insurer may request financial evidence as well as medical records.
Think carefully about the reason for the policy. The amount should relate to an identifiable need, such as repaying a mortgage, supporting dependants or replacing household income.
Reducing the amount or term may lower the premium, but it also reduces the protection provided. Make sure any changes still meet the purpose of the cover.
Why full disclosure matters
Life insurance relies on accurate information. The insurer uses your answers to decide the terms and premium.
Failing to disclose diabetes, a complication, medication or another medical condition can have serious consequences. A claim may be reduced or refused if the missing information would have affected the original decision.
Read each question carefully and ask for help if you do not understand what is being requested. Do not assume the insurer already has access to your NHS records.
Insurers can only request medical information with your consent, and not every application requires a GP report.
What happens after the application?
Once the form is submitted, the insurer may make an immediate decision or ask for more evidence.
Further evidence can include:
- A GP report
- Medical records
- A nurse screening
- A medical examination
- Additional questions
- Updated blood test results
Respond quickly to requests and check that contact details are correct. If the insurer is waiting for information from your GP surgery, you may be able to confirm that the request has been received.
When terms are offered, review the premium, cover amount, term and policy conditions before accepting.
A decline is not always the final answer
Insurance companies do not all assess diabetes in the same way. A decline from one insurer does not prove that no cover is possible.
Find out why the decision was made before submitting another application. The issue may relate to a recent test result, missing information, a waiting period after diagnosis or a separate health condition.
A specialist adviser can help identify providers whose underwriting approach may be more suitable. However, no adviser can guarantee acceptance or a particular price.
Preparation and accurate disclosure remain the most important parts of the process.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute medical or financial advice. Policy terms, premiums and eligibility depend on individual circumstances and the insurer’s criteria.
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