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Can I get life insurance if I have type 2 diabetes?

Yes, it could be possible to secure life insurance with type 2 diabetes.

In the UK, 90% of all adults with diabetes have type 2[1], meaning it’s not uncommon for insurers to receive applications from type 2 diabetics.

However, the price that you pay and the policy terms you’re offered may be influenced by your condition.

Comparing multiple quotes can help you to find the right life insurance policy at the right price. Why not let Reassured help you do this?

We work with a panel of leading insurers, including specialist insurers through our advised team, to find you the best deal we can offer based on your circumstances.

What’s more, all our quotes are fee-free and without obligation. Simply get in touch.

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Do I need to tell insurers about type 2 diabetes?

Yes, you’ll need to declare type 2 diabetes during the application process.

This is so insurers can accurately assess your application, the level of risk you pose and the price you’ll pay for your monthly premium.

Failing to inform insurers, or withholding certain details, about your condition could invalidate your policy - resulting in no pay out being made to your loved ones.

In the insurance world, this is known as ‘non-disclosure’ and is considered a form of insurance fraud.

The exception to this is with an over 50s plan, where no medical information is required by insurers.

If you have type 1 diabetes and want to know how this could impact your policy, read our life insurance for type 1 diabetics guide »

Does type 2 diabetes affect life insurance?

Yes, it’s likely that type 2 diabetes will have an impact on your life insurance cover.

Due to the additional health complications associated with type 2 diabetes, insurers are likely to increase the price of your monthly premium.

However, how much your premium is inflated by will depend on the personal circumstances of your condition.

For example, someone who experiences more severe symptoms, has a high BMI and/or high blood pressure is likely to pay more than someone who has mild and well managed diabetes.

As type 2 diabetes can often be managed through leading a healthy lifestyle, it could have less of an effect on your life insurance than type 1 diabetes.

In fact, some insurers may offer a reduction in premiums as a reward for leading a healthy lifestyle to better maintain your diabetes.

Obtaining quotes through an experienced broker, such as Reassured, could allow you to find suitable cover for those with type 2 diabetes.

Simply get in touch for your free quotes.

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Why do type 2 diabetics need life insurance?

Having a pre-existing medical condition, such as type 2 diabetes, can highlight the need to have the right life insurance in place to protect your loved ones should the worst happen.

If you pass away while your policy is active, a lump sum payment will be made to your loved ones to help ease any financial strain.

The funds could help to cover:

  • Mortgage or rental payments
  • Household bills and utilities
  • Future family living costs
  • Outstanding debts in your name
  • Funeral costs
  • Additional childcare
  • An inheritance

Find the best life insurance for your unique needs by comparing quotes. Reassured can save you time and money by helping you do this.

Calculator

How much life insurance do type 2 diabetics need?

Work out how much life insurance you may need based on your current financial commitments and what you want your policy to cover. Simply fill in the fields which apply to you for an instant calculation.

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£137,934 is the estimated mortgage debt per household in the UK.

The purchase of a home is likely to be the largest financial commitment any of us will make in our lifetime. Your life insurance should cover your remaining mortgage balance to allow your loved ones to stay in the family home should anything happen to you.

Source: Moneynerd.co.uk
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The average monthly household budget in the UK is £2,548 (that’s £30,576 per year), which is spent on transport, food & drink, utilities (gas, electricity, water etc), clothing, council tax and leisure activities.

With energy prices hitting a record high and the cost of living rising sharply in the UK, you may wish to factor in utility bills and family living expenses into your cover.

Source: Nimblefins.co.uk
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The average personal debt of UK adults has risen to £34,566 (not including mortgage debt), with credit cards, personal loans and overdrafts being the most common forms of debt.

Factoring in any debts into your life insurance cover means that, if they need to be paid back from your estate after your passing, your loved ones won’t miss out financially.

Source: Money.co.uk
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According to SunLife, the average cost of a funeral in the UK is £3,953 (with the overall cost of dying at £9,200).

Funeral costs have increased by 116% since 2004 and are a significant cost which should be factored into the amount of life insurance you secure.

Source: SunLife.co.uk
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When factoring in cover for your children, you may wish to calculate the amount based on how long it is until they reach financial independence.

This could include childcare (£7,000 per year for part-time care), school expenses (£1,519 per school year for uniforms, lunches, stationary etc), as well as an additional sum for further education (this could be a contribution of up to £5,000 per year).

Sources: Daynurseries.co.uk, Primarytimes.co.uk & Savethestudent.org
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2 in 5 adults say they are relying on an inheritance to fund their retirement.

Factoring in an inheritance to your sum assured could allow loved ones to live a more financially comfortable life. Alternatively, you could leave a cash gift to a charity of your choosing.

Source: Moneyage.co.uk
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If you’re lucky enough to have your own savings or are part of the 30% of UK residents who already have a life insurance policy in place, this can provide financial protection for loved ones.

By entering your current cover, savings or death in service amount you can reduce the sum assured you require.

Source: Scottishbusinessnews.net
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What details will I need to provide to insurers about type 2 diabetes?

When applying for life insurance as a type 2 diabetic, you’ll need to provide some details about your condition, such as:

  • Date of diagnosis
  • Most recent HbA1c reading
  • Frequency/severity of symptoms
  • Name(s) of medication(s)
  • Any lifestyle changes made

This is so insurers can gain a better understanding of how your condition affects you and, therefore, the risk involved with offering you cover.

As type 2 diabetes can arise due to lifestyle choices, insurers may enquire about the cause of your condition. For example, was it a result of:

  • Age - Those over the age of 40 are more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
  • Family history - Those with a family history of type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop the condition
  • Weight - Those who’re overweight or obese are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes
  • Medical condition - Those with high blood pressure are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes

It may be that insurers request a medical report from your GP or that you undergo a medical exam as part of the application process.

When securing cover through Reassured, we’ll take these details into account to find you the most suitable quotes from our panel of insurers.

Simply get in touch with us today to secure our best quote.

Why Reassured icon

Why type 2 diabetics should choose Reassured for their life insurance

  • We’re life insurance experts with over 10 years of industry experience
  • Our broker service is rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 80,000 customer reviews
  • We could help type 2 diabetics find cover by comparing quotes from mainstream providers & specialist insurers (available through our advised team)
  • We’ve a specialist impaired life insurance team who can help those who have been declined cover in the past
  • We can provide support & guidance throughout the entire application process
  • We provide FREE, personalised & no-obligation quotes
  • Terminal illness cover comes as standard with all term policies we provide
  • Free life insurance in trust service available on most policies we sell (avoid/minimise 40% inheritance tax)

What’s the best life insurance for type 2 diabetics?

The best life insurance for those with type 2 diabetes will be the policy that allows you to cover everything you need at the right price.

The options available to you will be no different to a standard applicant.

However, with most policies available, you’ll need to provide medical information.

Due to this, your condition could have an influence on the price that you pay and the terms that you’re offered.

There are four main life insurance policies, these include:

Level term icon

Level term life insurance

  • Term length up to 50 years
  • Provides a fixed lump sum pay out
  • Sum assured up to £1,000,000
  • Terminal illness cover included
  • Medical questions asked on application

Level term life insurance provides a fixed lump sum payment to your loved ones if you pass away during the term.

For this reason, it’s ideal for helping to protect large costs such as an interest-only mortgage, other debts, family living costs and/or funeral costs.

You’ll need to provide medical information during the application process, this means disclosing your condition.

Decreasing term icon

Decreasing term life insurance

  • Term length up to 50 years
  • Provides a decreasing lump sum pay out
  • Sum assured up to £1,000,000
  • Terminal illness cover included
  • Medical questions asked on application

Decreasing term life insurance provides a lump sum payment, which reduces throughout the policy lifetime, if you pass away during the term.

For this reason, it’s ideal for helping to protect a repayment mortgage, as your sum assured can reduce in line with your remaining mortgage balance.

You’ll need to provide medical information during the application process, this means disclosing your condition.

Whole of life insurance icon

Whole of life insurance

  • Provides lifelong cover
  • Pays out a fixed lump sum when you pass away
  • Sum assured up to £1,000,000
  • Medical questions asked on application

Whole of life insurance will cover you for the rest of your life, paying out to your loved ones when you pass away.

Due to the assured pay out, it’s ideal for providing loved ones with an inheritance and/or providing funds to help cover your funeral.

You’ll need to provide medical information during the application process, this means disclosing your condition.

Over 50 life insurance icon

Over 50 life insurance

  • Provides lifelong cover
  • Guarantees a fixed lump sum pay out (after the initial 12 or 24 month waiting period)
  • Sum assured up to £20,000 (depending on your personal circumstances and budget)
  • No medical questions asked on application

Over 50 life insurance guarantees acceptance to UK residents aged 50 - 85.

The pay out from an over 50s plan is commonly used to help cover funeral costs and/or provide a small inheritance.

No medical information is needed during the application process, making it an ideal choice for those who have struggled to secure cover in the past due to diabetes.

Other policies available to those with type 2 diabetes include:

Critical illness cover - A policy which can be added to term life insurance for an additional cost.

This will allow you to make a claim in the event you’re diagnosed with a serious illness (listed within the policy).

As someone with type 2 diabetes it’s likely exclusions for any serious illnesses related to diabetes will be added to your policy.

Family income benefit - An alternative form of life insurance which will pay out to your loved ones in monthly payments, rather than a lump sum, if you pass away during the policy term.

Ideal for long term family budgeting. As with traditional life insurance, the price you pay may be impacted by your condition.

Available through Reassured's advised service.

Income protection - A policy which can be taken out alongside or instead of life insurance to provide protection during your working life.

Up to 70% of your usual income could be paid out in monthly payments if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. It’s likely that diabetes and any related conditions will be added as exclusions to your policy.

Available through Reassured's advised service.

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How much is life insurance for a type 2 diabetic?

How much you pay for life insurance, as someone with type 2 diabetes, will depend on your personal circumstances.

As well as using details about your condition to calculate the premium that you pay, insurers will also require standard information. This information includes:

  • Age
  • Smoking status
  • General health and wellbeing
  • BMI
  • Policy type
  • Policy term
  • Sum assured (pay out amount)

It’s likely that you’ll experience inflated premiums due to your condition. However, how much your premiums are inflated by will depend on your personal circumstances.

Those who manage their condition well (and have no other high-risk factors) may experience only a small loading to their premiums.

Whereas those with more severe diabetes symptoms will likely face a greater increase.

The price that you pay can also vary significantly between providers due to different underwriting processes.

This highlights the importance of comparing quotes to find a cost-effective policy.

Contact Reassured today to compare life insurance for type 2 diabetics.

Can I get critical illness cover if I have type 2 diabetes?

Yes, it could be possible to obtain critical illness cover with type 2 diabetes but it’s likely your policy will contain some exclusions.

Due to the increased risk of developing certain health complications, your policy may include exclusions. This means you won’t be able to make a claim for these conditions.

However, you’ll be covered for new and unrelated illnesses (if they are listed within your policy).

As with life insurance, you may pay more for your cover due to the increased risk of having a pre-existing medical condition.

Is type 2 diabetes classed as a critical illness?

No, type 2 diabetes isn’t a condition that’s covered by critical illness cover.

This means you won’t be able to make a claim for diabetes if you’re diagnosed with this condition during the policy term.

A friendly member of our team can help you compare life insurance with critical illness cover to find you our best available deal.

Other frequently asked questions about type 2 diabetes and life insurance

What if I have previously been declined for life insurance due to type 2 diabetes?

Even if you have been refused life insurance in the past, due to having type 2 diabetes, it could still be possible to secure cover.

For example, you may have been declined life insurance if your diagnosis was too recent or because you applied with a mainstream insurer that's not well-equipped to provide cover to those with type 2 diabetes.

Therefore, it could still be possible to find the cover you need by comparing quotes from different insurers, including specialists.

If you’re aged between 50 - 85, then you could secure an over 50s plan as no medical information is required on the application form.

What if I am diagnosed with type 2 diabetes during the policy term?

If you’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes during the term of your policy, there’s no need to inform your insurer.

As long as you were honest on your application, and the condition was not pre-existing, then being diagnosed during the term won’t have an effect on your existing cover.

However, it can be beneficial to let your insurer know of your new diagnosis. If you were to pass away, insurers may need to investigate your death to in order to establish whether diabetes was a pre-existing condition or not.

This could delay the pay out from your policy being made to your loved ones.

Will I need to take a medical exam?

Insurers have the right to ask that you undergo a medical exam during the application process if they require more information about your health to assess your level of risk.

Gathering further medical information will allow them to gain a full understanding of your current health and how type 2 diabetes has affected you.

However, instead of a medical exam, they could ask for a medical report from your GP to gain this information.

A medical report can’t be obtained without your permission and, if a medical exam is required, it will be paid for and organised by the insurer.

If you're unable to provide further medical evidence, then the insurer won't be able to proceed with your application.

Reassured top tips

Type 2 diabetes & life insurance [5 top tips 2025]

  1. Always be open and honest - Withholding information about your condition can invalidate your policy
  2. Have your medical details to hand - Having all the necessary details ready (such as names of medication and your most recent HbA1c readings) could reduce the need for a medical report
  3. Lead a healthy lifestyle - Quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and cutting down on alcohol (if consuming over 14 units per week) can help to show insurers that you’re taking steps to better manage your condition
  4. Only take out the cover you need - If you’re paying inflated premiums due to your condition, paying for unnecessary cover can become costly
  5. Compare quotes - This will allow you to find the most suitable cover for life insurance with type 2 diabetes

Help and support for type 2 diabetes, such as how to manage your condition, support groups and other useful resources can be found via the NHS.

Life insurance quotes for type 2 diabetics

To secure life insurance for type 2 diabetics, it’s essential to compare quotes.

Reassured could help you find the right cover at our best available price.

We do this by comparing multiple quotes, from top UK insurers and smaller specialists.

Even if you’ve been declined or have struggled to secure cover previously, our specialist team could help you find some form of cover.

Simply get in touch for your fee-free, personalised and no-obligation quotes.

Compare Life Insurance » Save Money

Sources:

[1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/

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