Can you get life insurance if you have diabetes?

Yes, it's possible to get life insurance for diabetics in Australia. Your eligibility and premiums are affected by how well you manage your diabetes, when you were diagnosed, and which insurance company you choose. What matters most is finding an insurer who takes time to understand your specific health situation.

When it comes to diabetes and life insurance, it helps to understand the basics. According to Diabetes Australia, having diabetes means your body can't properly regulate blood sugar levels due to issues with the hormone insulin. There are three main types: Gestational diabetes: Appears during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth. Type 2 diabetes: Often controlled through dietary choices and lifestyle adjustments. Type 1 diabetes: Requires regular insulin therapy to maintain health. No matter which type you have, proper management is key to your long-term health. Insurance companies often reward well-managed diabetes with better coverage terms and more affordable premiums.

Why insurers assess diabetics as a higher risk

Diabetes affects multiple body systems and increases the risk of heart disease, kidney problems, strokes, and other health complications. From an insurance perspective, these additional health risks can lead to refusal of coverage, exclusions or higher premiums. The good news is that many insurers now use underwriting processes that consider how well-managed your condition is, rather than simply applying exclusions or higher premiums across the board. For well-controlled diabetes, there are more life insurance options for diabetics than ever before.

How diabetics can improve their chances of approval & lower premiums

Want better odds of being approved for Life Insurance with diabetes? Looking to reduce your premiums? Try these insider tips: Maintain healthy HbA1c levels: By keeping your readings under 7% (or whatever target your doctor sets), you'll show you're serious about managing your diabetes. Insurers appreciate this kind of responsibility. Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Regular exercise, following a balanced diet and avoiding smoking can lead to better overall health. This can offset some diabetes-related concerns. Demonstrate consistent medical follow-ups: Proactively manage your condition by having regular check-ups with your doctor. Keep records of these appointments to share during the application process. Choose policies with full medical underwriting: While answering detailed medical questions takes more effort, fully underwritten policies prevent claim disputes later. Plus, they typically offer fairer terms based on your actual health status. Work with specialist insurers: Some insurance providers have experience with diabetes and offer more personalised assessments. These insurers understand that well-managed diabetes doesn't necessarily equate to high risk.