Can You Get Life Insurance With Diabetes or High Blood Pressure?
Yes, many people can get life insurance with health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, especially when the condition is well managed. Carriers look at how long you've had it, how well it's controlled and whether there are complications. Your rating may be a step or two higher than someone in perfect health, but coverage is often still within reach.
Quick answer: Well-controlled diabetes and high blood pressure are among the most common conditions underwriters see, and many applicants with them qualify for traditional term or permanent coverage. Price depends on your numbers, medications and overall health. If traditional coverage isn't available, simplified-issue and guaranteed-issue policies are options, usually with smaller amounts and, for guaranteed issue, a waiting period.
How insurers view life insurance with health conditions
Underwriters aren't just checking a box that says "diabetes" or "high blood pressure." They're trying to understand your overall risk. Two people with the same diagnosis can get very different offers.
In general, carriers look at:
- How long you've had the condition and your age when it was diagnosed
- How well it's controlled, based on recent lab results and readings
- Your medications and whether doses have changed recently
- Related issues, like heart, kidney, eye or nerve problems
- Your overall health, including weight, cholesterol, tobacco use and family history
- Regular care, meaning routine checkups and follow-through on your doctor's plan
Each carrier weighs these factors differently. One may be more comfortable with diabetes, while another may be more lenient on blood pressure. That's where comparing several companies can make a real difference.
Diabetes: what underwriters usually ask
If you have diabetes, expect questions like these:
- Is it type 1 or type 2?
- When were you diagnosed?
- What was your most recent A1C, and how has it trended?
- Do you take oral medication, insulin or both?
- Have you had any complications or hospital visits related to diabetes?
Many applicants with type 2 diabetes that's managed with diet, exercise or oral medication can qualify for traditional coverage, sometimes at a standard or near-standard rating. Type 1 diabetes, insulin use or complications don't rule you out, but they usually lead to higher ratings or a closer look at medical records.
High blood pressure: what underwriters usually ask
High blood pressure is extremely common, and underwriters are used to seeing it. Questions often include:
- What are your recent blood pressure readings?
- How long have you been treated, and with which medications?
- Is your blood pressure stable on your current treatment?
- Do you have any related heart or kidney concerns?
If your blood pressure is controlled with medication and your readings are steady, many carriers will still consider you for favorable classes. Uncontrolled readings or related heart issues usually raise the rating.
Your coverage options, from most to least underwriting
When you're shopping for life insurance with health conditions, it helps to see the full range of choices:
| Type | Underwriting | Coverage amounts | Things to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fully underwritten term or permanent | Application, records and often an exam | Highest | Usually the lowest cost if you qualify |
| Simplified issue | Health questions, no exam | Moderate | Faster, often priced higher |
| Guaranteed issue | No health questions | Smaller | Usually includes a waiting period |
| Group coverage through work | Often little or none | Typically limited | May not follow you if you change jobs |
Guaranteed-issue policies, often sold as final expense insurance, can't turn you down for health reasons within their eligibility rules. In exchange, they usually have a waiting period. If you pass away from natural causes during that time, beneficiaries may receive only a return of premiums plus some interest instead of the full benefit. These policies are designed for funeral and end-of-life costs. For context, the National Funeral Directors Association's 2025 report puts the median funeral with viewing and burial at $7,848, before cemetery costs.
We usually suggest starting at the top of the table and working down only if needed. Many people assume they'll only qualify for guaranteed issue when traditional coverage is actually available to them.
How to strengthen your application
You can't change your diagnosis, but you can make your application easier to approve:
- Keep up with checkups. Regular care and recent labs show the condition is being managed.
- Know your numbers. Have your latest A1C, blood pressure readings and medication list ready.
- Take medications as prescribed. Consistency is something underwriters notice.
- Share everything up front. Most policies typically have a two-year contestability period, and leaving something out can put a future claim at risk.
- Let an agent shop it first. An independent agent can describe your situation to several carriers before you formally apply and point you toward the ones more likely to offer a good rating.
Families across Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Cumming often come to us after hearing "no" or getting a high quote somewhere else. With life insurance with health conditions, the answer is sometimes a different carrier, not a different product.
Frequently asked questions
Will I need a medical exam if I have diabetes?
Possibly. Some carriers can approve certain applicants with well-managed conditions using health questions and records alone. Others will want an exam or recent lab results to see how your condition is controlled.
Can I get life insurance after a heart attack or stroke?
Often yes, but usually after some time has passed and with a higher rating. Carriers want to see recovery and stable follow-up care. Simplified or guaranteed-issue options may be available sooner.
Does taking blood pressure medication raise my rates?
Not always. Many carriers are comfortable with well-controlled blood pressure on medication. Your actual readings and overall health usually matter more than the fact that you take a pill.
Should I wait until my health improves to apply?
It depends. If you're about to make a meaningful change, like completing treatment, waiting a short time might help. But health can also get worse, and age keeps moving. It's often smart to apply now and ask for a review later if your numbers improve.
Next step
A health condition doesn't have to mean going without coverage. Book a free policy review at our downtown Alpharetta office, by phone or by video, or call 470-777-7460. We'll look at your health picture privately and compare carriers that are more likely to view it favorably.
This article is for general education and is not tax, legal or investment advice. Coverage, features and pricing vary by carrier, state and individual underwriting.
