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Living with diabetes does not mean you cannot qualify for life insurance in Canada. In fact, many Canadians with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes successfully obtain life insurance coverage every year. While diabetes can affect how insurers assess risk, it definitely does not automatically disqualify you from getting approved.
The key is understanding how life insurance companies evaluate diabetes and what steps you can take to improve your chances of qualifying for the best possible rates.
At Life Insurance Canada, we help Canadians compare policies from leading insurers so they can find coverage that fits their health history and financial goals.
In This Blog
- Can Diabetics Get Life Insurance in Canada?
- Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes and Life Insurance
- How Life Insurance Companies Assess Diabetes
- Types of Life Insurance Available for Diabetics
- Tips to Improve Your Chances of Approval
- What If You’ve Been Declined Life Insurance?
- Why Life Insurance Is Important for People With Diabetes
- Get a Life Insurance Quote Today
Can Diabetics Get Life Insurance in Canada?
Yes, Canadians with diabetes can often qualify for life insurance. Most major insurers—including companies like Manulife, Sun Life Financial, RBC Insurance and Canada Life—offer policies for individuals with controlled diabetes.
However, premiums and eligibility will depend on several factors, including:
- Type of diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
- Age at diagnosis
- A1C levels
- Medications or insulin use
- Overall health
- Weight and blood pressure
- Smoking status
If your diabetes is well-managed and you maintain good overall health, you may definitely still qualify for standard or slightly rated life insurance premiums.
Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes and Life Insurance
Insurance companies evaluate Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes differently because the risks associated with each condition vary.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes typically develops earlier in life and requires lifelong insulin use. Because of the long-term nature of the condition, insurers may apply higher premiums.
That said, many individuals with well-managed Type 1 diabetes still qualify for coverage.
Insurance companies will often look closely at:
- Blood sugar control
- Frequency of hypoglycemic episodes
- Long-term complications
- Medical monitoring
Applicants who maintain strong health habits and regular medical care may still receive competitive offers.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is more common and is often diagnosed later in life. Because it can sometimes be managed through medication, diet, and exercise, life insurance companies may view it as a lower risk when properly controlled.
Factors insurers typically consider include:
- A1C levels
- Weight and BMI
- Length of time since diagnosis
- Medication or insulin requirements
- Lifestyle habits such as smoking
Individuals with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes may qualify for relatively affordable life insurance policies including standard rates (same rates as a healthy person without diabetes).
How Life Insurance Companies Assess Diabetes
When you apply for life insurance with diabetes, insurers go through a process known as medical underwriting. This helps them assess the level of risk and determine the appropriate premium.
Common underwriting factors include:
A1C Levels
Your A1C level measures your average blood sugar over several months.
Generally:
- A1C under 7% – viewed favorably by insurers
- A1C between 7–8% – may still qualify for standard or rated coverage
- A1C above 8% – premiums may be higher
Better blood sugar control often leads to better life insurance rates.
Age at Diagnosis
Being diagnosed later in life can sometimes work in your favor because insurers consider the duration of the condition.
For example:
- Diagnosed at age 50 → shorter exposure to complications
- Diagnosed at age 20 → longer potential risk period
Overall Health
Life insurance companies also evaluate additional health factors such as:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol levels
- Body weight
- Smoking status
- Family medical history
Good overall health can help offset the risk associated with diabetes.
Types of Life Insurance Available for Diabetics
There are several types of life insurance policies available in Canada for individuals with diabetes.
Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance is often the most affordable option for Canadians with or without diabetes. It provides coverage for a specific period, such as:
- 10 years
- 20 years
- 30 years
Many applicants with controlled diabetes can usually qualify for term life insurance policies, although premiums can be slightly higher than average.
Permanent Life Insurance
Permanent life insurance provides lifelong coverage and includes options such as whole life or universal life insurance. Benefits include:
- Lifetime protection
- Cash value accumulation
- Estate planning benefits
Permanent policies tend to have higher premiums compared to term life insurance but are more suitable for individuals looking for long-term financial protection. We can assist with helping you determine which type of coverage is best for you (term or permanent life insurance).
No Medical Life Insurance
If traditional underwriting is difficult due to health concerns, no medical life insurance may be an option.
These policies often require:
- No medical exam
- A simplified health questionnaire
- Faster approvals
- Coverage starts from day one
While premiums are generally higher, they provide an accessible path to coverage for individuals who may have been declined elsewhere. You can get up to $500,000 of no medical life insurance from multiple life insurance companies for this type of coverage. It is a great alternative if you cannot get approved for a traditional life insurance policy. Coverage starts from day one with these policies as well.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Approval
If you have diabetes and are applying for life insurance, there are several steps you can take to strengthen your application.
Keep Your A1C Under Control
Regular monitoring and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels can significantly improve underwriting outcomes.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Insurance companies look favorably on applicants who demonstrate healthy habits such as:
- Regular exercise
- Balanced diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding smoking
These factors show insurers that you are actively managing your health.
Work With a Specialized Broker
Different life insurance companies evaluate diabetes differently. Some insurers are more flexible with certain health conditions than others.
Working with an experienced broker can help you find insurers that are more favorable toward applicants with diabetes.
At Life Insurance Canada, we compare multiple providers to help Canadians find coverage options that fit their medical history.
What If You’ve Been Declined Life Insurance?
Being declined by one insurance company does not mean you cannot get life insurance.
Each insurer has its own underwriting guidelines. A policy that is declined by one company may still be approved by another.
If traditional policies are not available, alternative options may include:
- Simplified issue life insurance
- Guaranteed issue life insurance
- Permanent policies with relaxed underwriting
Exploring multiple options can help you secure coverage even after a decline.
Why Life Insurance Is Important for People With Diabetes
For individuals living with diabetes, life insurance can play a critical role in protecting family members and financial obligations.
Coverage can help:
- Replace lost income
- Pay off debts or mortgages
- Cover funeral expenses
- Provide financial security for loved ones
Having life insurance ensures your family is protected financially regardless of future health changes.
Get a Life Insurance Quote Today
If you have diabetes and are considering life insurance, the most important step is to explore your options.
Different insurance companies assess medical conditions in different ways, which means comparing policies can make a significant difference in both approval and pricing.
At Life Insurance Canada, we help Canadians compare coverage from leading insurers to find policies that match their health profile and budget.
Getting a quote is quick, confidential, and can help you determine what coverage options are available based on your individual situation.
Protecting your family’s financial future starts with understanding your options—and diabetes does not have to stand in the way of getting the coverage you need.
