Buying Term Insurance with Diabetes? Here’s the Essential Guide

Buying Term Insurance with Diabetes? Here’s the Essential Guide

Living with diabetes doesn’t stop you from securing financial protection for your family. In fact, term insurance becomes even more essential as it ensures your loved ones remain financially stable in case of an unfortunate event.

While people with diabetes may face different underwriting rules, medical evaluations, and slightly higher premiums, many insurers now offer plans tailored explicitly for Type 1, Type 2, and even gestational diabetes.

These plans evaluate factors like your HbA1c levels, age at diagnosis, lifestyle, medication history, and overall health stability.

With the right plan, diabetics can enjoy comprehensive life cover, peace of mind, and long-term protection that suits their health and financial goals.

Understanding Term Insurance for Diabetics

Term insurance for diabetes offers life cover to individuals diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. These plans work similarly to standard term policies but include additional underwriting checks to assess risk.

Insurers carefully review your blood sugar control, HbA1c trends, treatment type, and any complications. Based on these factors, they may revise premium rates or offer customised plans.

With more people managing diabetes effectively today, insurers have become more flexible. Approvals are smoother, and diabetics can access high-value life cover, essential riders, and long-term policy durations.

Eligibility Criteria for Term Insurance if You Have Diabetes

Eligibility depends on the type, severity, and duration of your diabetes. Insurers typically consider:

• Age at diagnosis
• Type of diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
• HbA1c levels, preferably within 6.5%–8%
• Stability of sugar levels over the past 6–12 months
• Type of treatment (oral medication vs insulin)
• Absence of major complications
• Lifestyle indicators such as smoking, obesity, or hypertension

Most insurers accept applicants aged 18–65, provided their medical history shows stability and controlled diabetes.

Key Features of Diabetes-Specific Term Insurance Plans

Diabetic-focused term plans offer features that give comprehensive and long-term protection:

• High sum assured options
• Customised medical underwriting
• Flexible premium payment modes
• Long policy tenure, sometimes up to 70–75 years
• Add-on riders like critical illness or accidental death
• Options for early and late-stage diabetics
• Minimal or no waiting periods once tests are cleared

These features make plans more accessible and practical for people with diabetes.

Benefits of Buying Term Insurance Tailored for Diabetics

Diabetic-specific term plans offer several advantages:

• Financial protection for your family
• Coverage despite pre-existing diabetes
• Fixed premiums throughout the policy term
• Favourable underwriting if diabetes is well-controlled
• Ability to add riders for additional protection
• Tax benefits under Section 80C and 10(10D)

These benefits make term insurance an essential tool for long-term security.

How Premiums Are Calculated for Diabetics in Term Insurance

Premiums for diabetic term insurance depend on several factors, including:

• Type of diabetes
• HbA1c levels and overall sugar control
• Age and years since diagnosis
• Presence of any complications
• Lifestyle habits like smoking or drinking
• Policy tenure and sum assured
• Type of medication or insulin use

Insurers usually ask for recent lab tests and medical records before finalising premium rates.

Documents Required for Diabetes Insurance Plans

To apply for diabetic term insurance, you will need:

• Identity proof
• Age proof
• Address proof
• Income documents
• Medical reports including HbA1c, fasting and post-meal sugar
• Doctor’s prescriptions and treatment history
• Insurer-specific medical forms

These documents help insurers verify your health profile and financial eligibility.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Term Insurance Approval with Diabetes

You can improve approval chances by:

• Maintaining a healthy HbA1c range
• Sharing complete and honest medical details
• Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol
• Following prescribed medication and diet
• Exercising regularly
• Keeping updated medical records
• Completing all medical tests suggested by the insurer

Consistency and transparency play a major role in approval.

Common Exclusions and Limitations in Diabetes Term Insurance Plans

While coverage is extensive, certain exclusions apply:

• Death due to suicide within the waiting period
• Claims arising from undisclosed pre-existing diseases
• Death caused by alcohol or drug abuse
• Complications linked to the non-disclosure of major illnesses
• Exclusions specific to severe uncontrolled diabetes

Understanding these terms helps avoid claim-related issues.

Claim Process and Settlement for Diabetic Policyholders

The claim process remains similar to standard term insurance:

1. Notify the insurer about the claim promptly.

2. Submit the required documents, including ID proof, policy copy, medical records, and death certificate.

3. Provide a detailed medical history regarding diabetes and treatment.

4. Insurer verifies documents and evaluates medical disclosures.

5. After successful verification, the claim amount is transferred to the nominee’s account.

Transparent disclosures and updated medical records ensure hassle-free claim settlement.

AN Jan 30/26