Life Insurance with Diabetes

Living with diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t get life insurance. Many Australians with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are approved for cover every year — but the terms and premiums can vary significantly between insurers.

At Covermate Life, we specialise in helping people with pre-existing conditions, including diabetes, find suitable life cover.

How Diabetes Affects Life Insurance

When you apply for life insurance, insurers look at:

Type of diabetes – Type 1 or Type 2
Age of diagnosis
How well it’s managed – medication, insulin, diet, exercise
Blood sugar control – HbA1c readings
Complications – such as neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney disease, or cardiovascular issues
Other risk factors – weight, smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol

The better your condition is managed, the more options you’ll have and the more affordable premiums can be.

Can You Get Life Insurance with Diabetes?

Yes – but terms vary:

Some insurers may offer cover at standard rates (if well-controlled).
Others may increase premiums.
In certain cases, exclusions may apply (e.g. complications linked to diabetes).
A small number of applications may be declined if risks are high.

That’s why comparing multiple insurers through a broker is crucial.

How Covermate Life Helps People with Diabetes

We know which insurers are more flexible with diabetes.
We understand underwriting and can guide you through the medical questions.
We save you from applying to the wrong insurer and risking a decline.
We provide general advice only and help you compare policies side by side.

Tips for Improving Your Application

Keep medical records up to date.
Maintain regular check-ups with your GP or specialist.
Provide recent HbA1c results to show control.
Demonstrate healthy lifestyle choices (exercise, diet, no smoking).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get life insurance with Type 1 diabetes?
Yes, but it may depend on your age of diagnosis, current control, and whether you have complications. Some insurers are more flexible than others.

Is life insurance easier with Type 2 diabetes?
Often yes, especially if it’s well controlled through lifestyle and medication. Premiums may still be higher than average.

Will diabetes make life insurance more expensive?
Possibly. Premiums can be higher, but they vary widely. That’s why comparing insurers is important.

What if I’ve been declined before?
One decline doesn’t mean you can’t get cover elsewhere. Covermate Life can help you apply with insurers more likely to accept.

Next Step

If you have diabetes and want life insurance, Covermate Life can help.