Misunderstandings about life insurance can discourage people with diabetes from exploring their options. Some assume they will always be declined, while others believe every insurer will offer the same premium.In practice, insurers assess applications individually. Diabetes can affect the cost and application process, but it does not automatically rule out cover.Understanding the most common myths can help applicants approach the process with more realistic expectations.
Myth 1: People with diabetes cannot get life insurance
Many people can obtain Diabetes Life Insurance, although the terms and cost depend on their individual circumstances.
Diabetes UK states that applicants will usually need to provide information about their health and how their diabetes is being managed.
Insurers may consider the type of diabetes, HbA1c results, treatment, age, smoking status, blood pressure, weight and any complications.
Some applications are accepted quickly. Others require a GP report or additional evidence. An applicant may also receive a higher premium to reflect the insurer’s assessment of risk.
The fact that the process can involve extra questions does not mean an application will automatically be refused.
Myth 2: Every insurer treats diabetes in the same way
Insurance providers use different underwriting rules. This means they can reach different decisions after reviewing similar medical information.
One insurer may be comfortable offering cover based on an application form, while another may request medical records. A third may offer cover with a higher premium.
Insurers also update their underwriting criteria over time. A company that was not suitable for an applicant several years ago may take a different approach today.
This variation makes it important to compare providers rather than assuming the first quote represents the whole market.
Myth 3: Type 1 diabetes always leads to a decline
Type 1 diabetes often requires detailed underwriting, but it does not always result in a declined application.
The insurer may assess:
- Age at diagnosis
- Length of time since diagnosis
- Insulin treatment
- Glucose monitoring
- HbA1c history
- Severe hypos
- Hospital admissions
- Diabetes-related complications
- Wider cardiovascular health
People with Type 1 diabetes need insulin treatment for life and regular glucose monitoring. However, individual management and health records can vary considerably.
An insurer will assess the full application rather than making a decision based only on the words “Type 1 diabetes”.
Myth 4: Type 2 diabetes will not affect the premium
Some people assume Type 2 diabetes is always viewed as a minor condition. This is not correct.
Type 2 diabetes can affect life insurance pricing, even when it is managed through diet, exercise or a single medication. Insurers consider the condition alongside other factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and smoking.
The type of treatment does not by itself determine the decision. Someone taking insulin may still receive cover, while someone using no medication may face a higher premium because of other risk factors or test results.
Insurers are interested in the overall health picture, not simply the name of the medication.
Myth 5: A good HbA1c guarantees standard terms
HbA1c is important, but it is only one part of underwriting.
A strong recent result may support an application, but the insurer may also review previous readings, kidney function, blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and medical history.
Similarly, a higher reading does not always mean automatic rejection. The insurer may offer a higher premium, ask for updated evidence or postpone the application.
A result can also be affected by recent changes in treatment or circumstances. Applicants should provide any relevant context when asked.
Your healthcare team should set and review your personal diabetes targets. Do not change medication or insulin use to influence an insurance application.
Myth 6: You should avoid mentioning minor complications
Every application must be completed honestly. Applicants should disclose diabetes-related complications and other medical conditions when the questions require it.
This includes conditions that are stable, mild or no longer causing obvious symptoms.
Failing to provide relevant information can affect a claim. The insurer may investigate whether it would have offered the policy on the same terms if the full information had been known.
Disclosure does not always lead to a decline. The insurer may ask for more detail about the diagnosis, treatment and current position before making a decision.
It is better to provide accurate information at the start than risk uncertainty later.
Myth 7: You need a medical examination
Not every applicant with diabetes needs a medical examination.
Some insurers can make a decision using the application form. Others may request a GP report, blood test, nurse screening or further questionnaire.
The evidence required can depend on:
- The applicant’s age
- The amount of cover
- The policy term
- The diabetes history
- Recent test results
- Existing complications
- Other medical conditions
A request for medical evidence is a normal part of underwriting. It does not mean the insurer expects to decline the application.
The insurer should explain what is required and arrange any screening it requests.
Myth 8: A previous decline means there is no point applying again
A decline applies to a particular application with a particular insurer at a particular time.
Another insurer may assess the information differently. Your health record may also have changed since the earlier decision.
Before applying again, try to understand the reason for the decline. It could relate to:
- A recent diagnosis
- A missing HbA1c result
- An ongoing medical investigation
- A recent hospital admission
- A particular complication
- Another medical condition
- The amount or length of cover requested
In some cases, waiting for an updated review or test result may make the application easier to assess.
Do not submit multiple applications without a plan. Repeated applications can waste time and create unnecessary stress.
Myth 9: The cheapest policy is always the best choice
Price matters, but it is not the only consideration.
A cheaper policy may provide a smaller payout, end sooner or use a different premium structure. It may also lack options included with another provider.
Check:
- The cover amount
- The policy term
- Fixed or reviewable premiums
- Joint or individual cover
- Any additional benefits
- How beneficiaries will receive the money
- The insurer’s claims process
- Cancellation terms
MoneyHelper explains that life insurance is intended to provide financial support to dependants after the insured person dies. The policy should therefore be chosen according to the financial need it is meant to address.
A low premium is of limited value if the policy does not provide enough cover for your family.
Myth 10: Existing cover must be reported after diagnosis
A person who is diagnosed with diabetes after taking out life insurance does not normally need to reapply simply because their health has changed.
The original policy was based on the information that was accurate when the application was made. The cover should continue if premiums are paid and the original application was completed honestly.
You should check the terms of your own policy, particularly if it contains reviewable features or additional benefits.
Do not cancel an existing policy before a replacement has been accepted and started. New cover will be assessed using current health information and may be more expensive.
Myth 11: Life insurance covers loss of earnings during illness
Standard life insurance normally pays following death during the policy term. It does not usually replace income when someone is unable to work because of illness.
Income protection is designed for that purpose. It can pay part of an insured person’s income after a specified waiting period if they are unable to work because of illness or injury, subject to the policy terms.
Critical illness cover has another role. It pays a lump sum after diagnosis of a condition listed in the policy, provided the insurer’s definition is met.
These products should not be treated as interchangeable. Each addresses a different financial risk.
Myth 12: There is no value in specialist advice
A general comparison website may not capture the detail needed to assess a person living with diabetes. It may also direct an applicant towards insurers that are less suited to their medical circumstances.
A specialist can help gather the relevant information, explain the process and compare insurers with experience in diabetes applications.
This does not guarantee acceptance, and the cheapest provider will not be the same for every applicant. Specialist knowledge can, however, reduce poorly targeted applications and help applicants understand the terms they receive.
Look beyond the myths
Diabetes can make life insurance applications more detailed, but broad assumptions are rarely useful. Two people with the same diabetes type can receive different decisions because their health, age, lifestyle and cover requirements are different.
Prepare your recent medical information, disclose your health accurately and compare more than one suitable insurer. Most importantly, select cover based on the needs of your household rather than on price alone.
This article provides general information and does not constitute medical or financial advice. Insurance decisions, policy terms and premiums depend on individual circumstances and insurer criteria.
