How long after diabetes diagnosis can I get life insurance?

You can apply immediately after diagnosis, but insurers often prefer to see 6-12 months of stable control first. If you are newly diagnosed, consider waiting until your HbA1c is stable and your treatment regime is established. A specialist broker can advise on timing.

Life Insurance with Diabetes UK 2026 | Type 1, Type 2 & Cover Options

Key Facts: Life Insurance with Diabetes

Life insurance with diabetes is available from most UK providers for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, though premiums may be higher.

-Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can be covered by most UK life insurers

-Well-controlled diabetes (good HbA1c levels) results in lower premium loadings

-Type 2 diabetes managed by diet alone may have minimal premium impact

-Insurers will ask about HbA1c levels, medication, complications and diagnosis date

-Approximately 4.3 million people in the UK have diabetes (Diabetes UK)

-Specialist brokers can find providers most favourable for diabetic applicants

Can You Get Life Insurance with Diabetes?

Yes. Life insurance with diabetes is available from the majority of UK life insurers for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Having diabetes does not prevent you from getting life insurance, though it will usually result in higher premiums.

According to Diabetes UK, approximately 4.3 million people in the UK are living with diagnosed diabetes, with a further 850,000 estimated to be undiagnosed. Insurers have extensive experience underwriting diabetic applicants.

The key factor insurers assess is how well your diabetes is controlled, measured primarily by your HbA1c level (a blood test showing average blood sugar over 2-3 months). Well-controlled diabetes with no complications is viewed much more favourably than poorly controlled diabetes with complications.

Type 2, Diet-Controlled

The most favourable category. If you manage Type 2 diabetes through diet and exercise alone (no medication), many insurers offer standard or near-standard terms. Premium increase: 0-25%.

Type 2, Medication (Metformin etc.)

Covered by most providers with a moderate premium loading. Well-controlled HbA1c (below 58 mmol/mol or 7.5%) is key. Premium increase: 25-75% typically.

Type 2, Insulin-Dependent

Higher premium loadings than tablet-controlled Type 2. Insurers assess HbA1c, how long on insulin, and whether there are complications. Premium increase: 50-150%.

Type 1 Diabetes

Higher premiums than Type 2 due to earlier onset and lifelong insulin dependence. Well-controlled Type 1 (good HbA1c, no complications) can still get reasonable terms. Premium increase: 75-200%.

How Diabetes Affects Your Premiums

When assessing your life insurance with diabetes application, insurers look at several key factors beyond just the type of diabetes:

HbA1c Level

The most important single factor. HbA1c below 53 mmol/mol (7%) is ideal. Below 64 mmol/mol (8%) is acceptable to most insurers. Above 75 mmol/mol (9%) will trigger significant loadings or possible declines.

Diabetes Complications

Retinopathy (eye damage), neuropathy (nerve damage), nephropathy (kidney damage) and cardiovascular disease significantly increase premiums. No complications is strongly favourable.

Time Since Diagnosis

Longer-established, stable diabetes is viewed more favourably than a recent diagnosis where control may not yet be established.

Medication Type

Diet-controlled is best, then oral medication (metformin), then injectable (GLP-1 agonists), then insulin. Each step up typically increases the premium loading.

Associated Conditions

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney problems and obesity alongside diabetes will compound the premium loading. Managing these actively helps secure better terms.

How to Apply for Life Insurance with Diabetes

Get Your Latest HbA1c Result

This is the single most important piece of information. Ask your GP or diabetes nurse for your latest HbA1c reading. Aim for below 53 mmol/mol (7%) if possible before applying.

List All Medication and Treatment

Know the names and doses of all diabetes medication, plus any related medications (statins, blood pressure tablets). Insurers will ask for this information.

Note Any Complications

Be prepared to disclose any diabetes-related complications: eye screening results, kidney function tests, foot assessments. No complications is a strong positive for your application.

Use a Specialist Broker

A broker experienced with diabetes applications knows which providers offer the best terms for your specific type and control level. They can significantly reduce the number of declines.

Compare Offers Carefully

Different insurers may offer very different terms. Compare premium loadings, any exclusions, and the overall cost over the policy term. Your broker should present all options clearly.

Tips for Diabetics Getting Life Insurance

Follow these practical tips to get the best life insurance with diabetes:

Optimise your HbA1c — This is the single most impactful thing you can do. Work with your Diabetes UK team to get your levels as low as safely possible before applying.
Manage related conditions — Well-controlled blood pressure and cholesterol levels alongside good diabetes control significantly improve your terms.
Use a specialist broker — Never apply directly to one insurer. Brokers search 10+ providers and know which are best for diabetes.
Consider term life insurance — Even with a diabetes loading, term cover remains the most affordable option.
Check other condition guides — If you also have anxiety, high BMI or other conditions, see our dedicated guides for combined advice.
Business owners — Relevant life insurance through your limited company is more tax-efficient.
See the broader picture — Our pre-existing conditions guide covers how insurers assess medical conditions generally.

Trusted Sources & Further Reading

This life insurance with diabetes guide draws on:

Diabetes UK Statistics — 4.3m people in the UK living with diagnosed diabetes
ABI Access to Insurance — Industry commitment to improving coverage for higher-risk groups
NICE Guidelines: Type 1 Diabetes — Clinical best practice for management
NICE Guidelines: Type 2 Diabetes — Treatment and management standards
WeCovr Diabetes Guide — HbA1c impact on underwriting; insurer responses by type
FCA Consumer Research Dec 2025 — Knowledge and affordability barriers for those with conditions
MoneyHelper — Government guidance for insurance with health conditions
NHS Diabetes Guide — Medical information on Type 1 and Type 2

Life Insurance Diabetes FAQs

Can you get life insurance with Type 2 diabetes?

Yes. Type 2 diabetes is covered by most UK life insurance providers. Well-controlled Type 2 diabetes (HbA1c below 58 mmol/mol) managed by diet or tablets typically results in moderate premium loadings of 25-75%. Diet-controlled Type 2 may even get near-standard terms.

Can you get life insurance with Type 1 diabetes?

Yes, though premiums are higher than for Type 2 due to the lifelong nature and earlier onset. Well-controlled Type 1 diabetes with good HbA1c levels and no complications can still get reasonable terms through a specialist broker. Expect premium increases of 75-200%.

What HbA1c level do insurers want for life insurance?

Ideal: Below 53 mmol/mol (7.0%). Acceptable: Below 64 mmol/mol (8.0%). Difficult: Above 75 mmol/mol (9.0%). The lower your HbA1c, the better your terms will be. Work with your diabetes team to optimise your levels before applying.

Do I need to declare diabetes on a life insurance application?

Life Insurance with Diabetes UKCover for Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes