Can You Get Burial Insurance if You Have Diabetes?
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes—whether Type 1 or Type 2—you may have been told that getting life insurance is nearly impossible. The good news? Burial insurance with diabetes is absolutely attainable, and thousands of Americans with diabetes secure affordable coverage every single year.
Diabetes affects over 37 million Americans, and insurance carriers have developed products specifically designed for this population. You do not need perfect health to protect your family from the burden of funeral costs, medical bills, and outstanding debts. This comprehensive guide walks you through every option, rate expectation, and strategy to get the best burial insurance with diabetes.
How Diabetes Affects Burial Insurance Eligibility
Burial insurance (also called final expense insurance) is designed to be more accessible than traditional life insurance. Most policies only require you to answer a few health questions—or none at all for guaranteed issue policies.
When you apply for burial insurance with diabetes, underwriters evaluate several critical factors:
- Type of diabetes – Type 2 is viewed more favorably than Type 1
- Age at diagnosis – Diabetes diagnosed later in life typically means lower risk
- A1C levels – An A1C below 7.0 generally qualifies for better rates
- Complications – Neuropathy, retinopathy, or kidney disease can affect eligibility
- Medication management – Diet-controlled or oral medication is better than insulin dependence
- Body weight and BMI – Maintaining a healthy weight improves your rate class significantly
Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes: Key Differences in Coverage
Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form and generally easier to insure. If you manage Type 2 with diet or oral medication and your A1C is under 8.0, you can often qualify for simplified issue burial insurance with no medical exam and full coverage from day one. Many carriers treat well-managed Type 2 diabetes the same way they treat controlled hypertension—as a manageable condition, not a dealbreaker.
Type 1 Diabetes is considered higher risk due to its earlier onset and insulin dependence, but coverage is still available. You may need to pursue guaranteed issue policies or work with carriers that specialize in higher-risk applicants. The key is finding an agent who understands which carriers are most lenient with Type 1 applications.
Burial Insurance Rates for People with Diabetes
Rates for burial insurance with diabetes are typically 15-40% higher than standard rates, depending on severity. Below are estimated monthly premiums for a $10,000 whole life policy:
| Age | Type 2 (Diet/Oral Meds) | Type 2 (Insulin) | Type 1 Diabetes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $35-$45/mo | $45-$60/mo | $55-$75/mo |
| 55 | $42-$55/mo | $55-$72/mo | $68-$90/mo |
| 60 | $52-$68/mo | $68-$88/mo | $82-$110/mo |
| 65 | $65-$85/mo | $85-$110/mo | $100-$135/mo |
| 70 | $80-$105/mo | $105-$140/mo | $130-$175/mo |
| 75 | $100-$130/mo | $130-$175/mo | $160-$215/mo |
Rates are estimates for a $10,000 whole life policy. Actual rates vary by carrier, state, and full health profile.
Best Burial Insurance Companies for Diabetics
Not all carriers treat diabetes the same way. These insurers offer the most competitive rates and lenient underwriting for diabetic applicants:
- Prosperity Life Group – Accepts Type 2 diabetics at preferred rates; A1C up to 8.0 qualifies for level benefit. One of the most diabetes-friendly carriers in the market.
- Mutual of Omaha – Well-known for reliable final expense coverage with diabetic-friendly underwriting. Their Living Promise product offers simplified issue with no medical exam.
- AIG – Guaranteed issue available with no health questions asked. The best option for Type 1 diabetics or those with complications who cannot qualify for simplified issue.
- Transamerica – Accepts Type 2 diabetics with simplified issue underwriting. No exam required, and approval typically comes within 48 hours.
- Colonial Penn – Guaranteed acceptance regardless of health condition. Graded benefit for the first two years, but everyone qualifies.
3 Ways to Lower Your Burial Insurance Rates with Diabetes
1. Improve Your A1C Before Applying
Even a small drop in your A1C—say from 8.2 to 6.9—can move you from a rated class to a standard or preferred rate. Work with your doctor to optimize your blood sugar for at least 3-6 months before applying. The savings over the life of your policy can total thousands of dollars.
2. Choose Simplified Issue Over Guaranteed Issue
Simplified issue policies ask basic health questions but offer lower premiums and immediate death benefits. If you can qualify, this is always the better choice over guaranteed issue, which carries a 2-3 year waiting period and higher premiums.
3. Compare Quotes from Multiple Carriers
Each carrier has unique underwriting guidelines for diabetes. What one company rates as “Table 4,” another may approve at standard. Always compare at least 3-5 quotes before committing. Working with an independent agent who specializes in life insurance with Type 2 diabetes ensures you find the most lenient carrier for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get burial insurance if I am on insulin?
Yes. While insulin use places you in a higher rate bracket, several carriers offer simplified issue policies to insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetics. The key is working with carriers that have favorable insulin use guidelines. Prosperity Life Group and Transamerica are among the most insulin-friendly.
Will my burial insurance payout be delayed because of diabetes?
Only if you choose a guaranteed issue or graded benefit policy that imposes a waiting period. Simplified issue policies pay full benefits from day one, even with diabetes. If you pass away during a graded benefit period, your beneficiaries receive premiums paid plus interest rather than the full face amount.
Is there a waiting period for burial insurance with diabetes?
Not always. If you qualify for simplified issue, your coverage is immediate. Guaranteed issue policies typically have a 2-year graded benefit period—meaning if you pass in the first two years, your beneficiaries receive premiums paid plus interest (typically 10%) rather than the full benefit amount. After the graded period, the full benefit applies regardless of cause of death.
Ready to find affordable burial insurance with diabetes? Get your free personalized quote from top-rated carriers in minutes. No medical exam required, no obligation, and coverage can start as soon as tomorrow.
