Life Insurance for Diabetics

How diabetes can affect an application for life insurance

If you have been living with diabetes long term or have just been diagnosed, you may now be eligible for cover. Different insurance providers will ask different questions during the medical underwriting process, but there are some key factors that will be taken into account                  :

• Type of Diabetes  – the underwriting decisions for type 1 and type 2 diabetics will differ.
• Medication – the application form will ask questions about your current medication type and levels.
• BMI – you will need to provide details of your height, weight and waist measurements.
• Smoking habits – Being a smoker will increase the premiums for life insurance and critical illness cover in most cases but as it brings an increased risk of circulatory problems to a diabetic this may mean a decline from an insurer if you have diabetes and are a regular smoker.
• HbA1C levels – these regular blood tests are usually carried out by your GP or diabetes nurse to check the amount of sugar in your blood. As part of the life insurance application process, you will need to provide your most recent test results.
• Any complications that have arisen from your diabetes – such as retinopathy, nephropathy or neuropathy, as well as any serious incidents that have resulted in hospitalisation.

The insurance provider is also likely to ask your GP for a medical history report.