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- Individuals with diabetes have several options for life insurance in Canada
- Canadians with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can qualify for coverage, although premiums and eligibility depend on their medical history and diabetes management
- Sun Life offers dedicated life insurance for diabetics through its Evolve Term, Essential Term, Achievers Term, and 1-Year Bridge Term products, covering eligible Type 1 and Type 2 applicants
- Well-managed diabetes may qualify for traditional life insurance at competitive rates, while simplified and guaranteed-issue policies provide alternatives for applicants who face difficulty with medical underwriting
Diabetes is one of the most common health conditions in Canada, affecting approximately 4 million Canadians as of 2026. As a result, many people wonder whether they can get affordable coverage for their loved ones. However, having type 1 or 2 diabetes does not automatically prevent you from obtaining life insurance.
Leading Canadian insurers like Sun Life and Humania offer specific plans or accommodations for different types of diabetes. This can make it easier for Canadians to qualify for traditional, medically underwritten coverage, specialized diabetes insurance, simplified-issue policies, or guaranteed-issue life insurance.
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Can diabetics get life insurance in Canada?
Yes, Canadians with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can get life insurance in Canada. Applicants who are in good health, follow their treatment, and maintain stable blood sugar levels may even qualify for traditional, medically underwritten life insurance coverage. However, eligibility, approval, and premiums depend on factors such as age, diabetes type, duration of the condition, A1C levels, medications, and any existing complications.
Much like anyone with a pre-existing health condition, No-medical life insurance is another option for diabetics if they cannot qualify through traditional underwriting. No-medical life insurance is a policy issued without requiring the insured to undergo a medical exam. It usually offers a simpler, faster issuance process that does not require details about every medical condition the applicant may have. However, some no-medical policies can still ask health questions.
Here’s a quick overview of life insurance with diabetes in Canada:
| Feature | Details |
| Can diabetics get life insurance? | Yes, subject to underwriting and product eligibility |
| Eligible conditions | Type 1, Type 2, and potentially gestational diabetes or prediabetes |
| Coverage types | Term, whole life |
| Best diabetes-specific insurer | Sun Life |
| Other insurers to compare | iA, RBC Insurance, Beneva, Humania and Canada Protection Plan |
| Is a medical exam required? | Depends on the policy and underwriting decision |
| Can diabetics qualify for standard rates? | Yes, in certain cases |
| Main underwriting factors | A1C, diabetes type, age at diagnosis, medication, complications and smoking status |
| Alternatives after a decline | Simplified-issue and guaranteed-issue life insurance |
How does diabetes affect life insurance eligibility and rates?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body produces or uses insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas which helps regulate blood sugar levels. There are three common forms of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. Prediabetes is a related condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but below the threshold for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
Diabetes can affect life insurance premiums since persistently elevated blood sugar may increase the risk of complications involving the heart, kidneys, blood vessels, nerves, and eyes. As a result, insurers assess the applicant’s management of the condition and overall health profile to determine their risk profile.
Here’s an overview of how each type of diabetes affects life insurance premiums in Canada:
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the pancreas produces little to no insulin. Canadians living with Type 1 diabetes typically require insulin therapy to regulate their blood sugar levels, and insurers usually consider them higher risk, as they often have to live with the condition and require ongoing insulin treatment.
Type 2 diabetes
Unlike Canadians with Type 1 diabetes, individuals with Type 2 diabetes produce insulin, but their bodies might not use it effectively or produce enough to meet their needs. It is one of the most common forms of diabetes, accounting for about 90% to 95% of cases in Canada.
For this type, insurers typically offer more favorable underwriting to applicants with a well-managed condition, particularly when they have stable blood sugar levels, consistent medical follow-ups, and no major complications.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy when the body cannot produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. In most cases, this condition resolves after childbirth. This can affect eligibility depending on whether the condition is ongoing alongside additional health concerns.
What types of life insurance are available for diabetics in Canada?
Canadians with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can qualify for traditional, simplified-issue, or guaranteed-issue life insurance in Canada. The type of policy available depends on the applicant’s medical history, diabetes management and overall health. Each option has different underwriting requirements, premiums and coverage limits.
Here’s an overview of the types of life insurance available for diabetics in Canada:
Fully underwritten life insurance
Fully underwritten life insurance is the traditional insurance option that requires a detailed assessment of the applicant’s health, medical history and lifestyle before approval. For diabetics in Canada, insurers may review A1C levels, age, medication history, blood pressure, and other pre-existing conditions. In addition, the insurer may request physician reports and fluid samples. As a result, it typically offers access to higher coverage, alongside more competitive premiums than simplified or guaranteed issue policies.
Traditionally underwritten policies are often recommended for diabetics in Canada with stable A1C levels, a consistent treatment regimen, and no major complications. In addition, applicants with well-managed Type 2 diabetes may also qualify for standard rates, while others may receive limitations in coverage amount or higher premiums.
Simplified-issue life insurance
Simplified-issue underwriting is a type of life insurance underwriting for term or permanent policies that requires applicants to answer a limited number of health questions without completing a medical exam. While approval is faster, premiums are typically higher than those of traditionally underwritten policies.
This is a good choice for diabetics in Canada with moderate health concerns who may find it difficult to qualify for traditional coverage.
Guaranteed issue life insurance
Guaranteed issue life insurance offers coverage without any medical questions or examinations. Acceptance is generally guaranteed as long as the applicant meets the insurer’s age requirements. This policy type is essentially a last-resort option for diabetics with serious medical conditions who have difficulty qualifying for life insurance coverage. Guaranteed-issue policies feature the highest premiums and lower coverage limits, owing to the high risk assumed by the insurer.
It is also worth noting that the policies may have a 2- to 3-year waiting period for natural causes. During this time, if the insured dies from an illness or natural cause, the insurer may refund paid premiums or pay a reduced or graded death benefit.
Comparing life insurance options for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients
The best life insurance options for Canadians with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes depend on how the condition is managed and the insurer’s assessment of their medical history.
While traditional life insurance requires medical exams and detailed health records, no-medical life insurance offers a quicker, hassle-free alternative, but at a higher premium. Understanding the differences in insurance options for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can help individuals find the best coverage for their needs.
Here’s an overview of the best life insurance for different types of diabetes in Canada:
Best life insurance for type 1 diabetics
The availability of a life insurance policy for people with type 1 diabetes depends on the age of the applicant, duration of the condition and degree of control. Traditional life insurance companies that require lab results will also seek a doctor’s statement to establish the stability of the treatment and the condition.
Since Type 1 diabetes frequently begins earlier in life and requires lifelong insulin treatment, insurers may also consider the duration of the diagnosis and whether any related complications have developed. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes typically do not qualify for traditional underwriting from insurers such as Humania, while companies like Sun Life may still offer plans and competitive coverage. Applicants with Type 1 diabetes may also receive higher premiums since the insurer assumes higher risk.
In most cases, a life insurance company may set a higher premium when approving life insurance for individuals with type 1 diabetes. For no-medical questionnaires, the focus is primarily on the age of the insured, the stability of the medication, and the risk of complications. If you are older, with no change in your insulin dependence in the last 12 months and no associated complications, you can easily get life insurance with no medical exam or obligation to provide medical records.
Best life insurance for Type 2 diabetics
Individuals with Type 2 diabetes in Canada typically qualify for traditionally underwritten policies if they are in good health or have a long and controlled history of diabetes. Applicants who do not require insulin for their condition can also qualify for standard term life or whole life policies.
However, applicants with moderate to severe health conditions may not qualify for traditional coverage and may have to rely on simplified-issue or guaranteed-issue coverage for term or permanent life insurance in Canada.
It is also worth noting that traditional insurance companies may even consider granting standard regular-health pricing (even more affordable life insurance) to someone who is:
- Above the age of 50
- Controlling their blood glucose levels and providing lab results with A1C levels
- Undergoes regular medical check-ups with a physician or specialist
- Is treated with oral medications that have not been increased in the past 12 months
- Follows a diet
- Has no diabetes-related complications
In terms of no medical questions, the insurers typically ask about how long you have had type 2 diabetes, whether your medications have changed recently, and whether you have any complications associated with this type of diabetes.
Top 6 life insurance companies for diabetics in Canada
While many insurers offer great benefits, companies such as Sun Life, Beneva, and RBC Insurance offer greater flexibility, built-in benefits, and features that make them particularly suitable for Canadians with diabetes.
Here are six of the best life insurance companies for diabetics in Canada:
Sun Life: Best overall life insurance for diabetics
Sun Life is our leading choice for diabetes-specific life insurance since the insurer offers a dedicated suite of term insurance plans for Canadians with diabetes. The Term Insurance for Diabetes plans are designed to offer alternatives for eligible applicants with Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes or prediabetes.
Unlike traditional insurers that rely solely on underwriting, Sun Life can offer different term plans depending on the applicant’s health and eligibility, offering a wider potential scope of acceptance. The plans also include complimentary diabetes management coaching, ensuring policyholders can get access to guidance.
The insurer offers the Evolve Term plan for conventional renewable and convertible protection and the Essential Term as a lower-cost alternative to Evolve Term for individuals seeking coverage who have no future conversion or renewal need. Meanwhile, the Achievers Term plan is designed for qualifying non-smokers with Type 2 diabetes, and the Bridge Term plan is tailored for eligible applicants whose original applications were denied or postponed.
- Best for: Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics seeking dedicated diabetes-specific life insurance
- Plans: Sun Life Term Insurance for Diabetes suite, including Evolve Term, Essential Term, Achievers Term and 1-Year Bridge Term
- Policy types: Term 5–40 through Evolve Term, Term 5–20 through Essential and Achievers Term, and temporary one-year coverage through Bridge Term
- Evolve Term: Renewable and convertible coverage of $50,000–$25 million, with issue ages ranging from 0–80, subject to the selected term and underwriting
- Essential Term: Term 5–20, with $50,000–$2 million in coverage for applicants aged 18–65; non-renewable and non-convertible
- Achievers Term: Term 5–20 for eligible non-smokers aged 18–60 with Type 2 diabetes, offering $50,000–$500,000 in coverage; requires meeting prescribed health goals to maintain the original coverage and rating
- 1-Year Bridge Term: Temporary coverage of $50,000–$1 million for eligible applicants aged 18–65 whose original life insurance application has been postponed
- Additional diabetes benefit: Eligible clients can access diabetes management resources through Sun Life’s Diabetes Care Program
iA Financial Group: Best for traditional and no-medical coverage flexibility
iA Financial Group is worth considering for Canadians with diabetes since it combines conventional term life insurance with a dedicated simplified-issue product, Access Life. Applicants with well-managed diabetes may be considered for the traditional Pick-a-Term plan, which allows them to choose a desired term length between 10 and 40 years.
However, individuals who cannot qualify for traditional underwriting can opt for iA’s Access Life plan, which offers simplified-issue coverage without any medical or blood tests. What makes iA Insurance particularly suitable for those with diabetes seeking coverage is the progressive eligibility levels that replace the conventional approved or declined model.
Depending on their answers, applicants with diabetes in Canada may qualify for Guaranteed Access, Deferred, Deferred Plus, or Immediate Plus coverage. This offers a wider scope of acceptance for applicants with serious health conditions. Even if they cannot qualify for these tiers, iA offers the Guaranteed Access plan as a fallback plan. Access Life offers both term and permanent policies, with coverage of up to $500,000, subject to age, qualification, and total simplified-issue limits.
- Best for: Applicants seeking flexible simplified underwriting with a guaranteed-access fallback
- Plan: Access Life
- Policy types: Term 15, Term 20, Term 25, and permanent V100
- Eligibility tiers: Immediate Plus, Deferred Plus, Deferred, and Guaranteed Access
- Maximum coverage: Up to $500,000 for eligible applicants, depending on age and underwriting category
- Immediate Plus: Full death-benefit protection once effective, subject to normal policy conditions, without any waiting period
- Deferred Plus: An alternative underwriting category with deferred death-benefit provisions. However, the policy has a two-year waiting period. The plan is unavailable to applicants postponed in the previous 24 months
- Deferred: Coverage for eligible applicants with additional health considerations, subject to its initial benefit restrictions. However, the policy has a two-year waiting period
- Term eligibility: T15, T20, and T25 are available under eligible Deferred Plus and Immediate Plus categories
- Guaranteed Access: Permanent coverage for eligible applicants without health-based underwriting approval
- Diabetes-specific consideration: Access Life uses progressive eligibility levels, allowing applicants with diabetes who cannot qualify for simplified to fall back on the Guaranteed Access plan
Beneva: Best for case-by-case assessment of managed diabetes
Beneva can be worth comparing for relatively healthier Canadians with diabetes who have a consistent history of monitoring and managing their condition. The insurer’s standout feature is its case-by-case assessment of individuals with pre-existing conditions, allowing applicants to secure coverage based on their health status rather than predetermined underwriting factors.
The insurer evaluates the applicant’s medical history, treatment, and overall circumstances. The Term Plus plan can offer flexibility for term lengths, making it easier to match coverage. For applicants who cannot qualify for traditional underwriting, the insurer offers simplified-issue term life policies and guaranteed-issue permanent policies for up to $249,999 for select ages.
- Best for: Applicants with well-managed diabetes seeking individualized underwriting and alternative simplified coverage options
- Plans: Beneva Term Life Insurance, Simplified Term Life, Simplified Permanent Life and Guaranteed Issue Permanent Life Insurance
- Policy types: Traditional Term 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 40; simplified term and permanent insurance; guaranteed-issue permanent coverage
- Traditional term insurance: Renewable term coverage with level or decreasing death benefits, plus eligible term exchange and permanent conversion privileges
- Simplified Term 10: The plan offers between $25,000 and $500,000 for ages 18–50, up to $249,999 for ages 51–60 and up to $99,999 for ages 61–70
- Simplified Term 20: For this term, applicants can get between 25,000 and 500,000 for ages 18–50 and up to $249,999 for ages 51–60
- Simplified Whole Life: The plan offers between $10,000–$249,000 for ages 18–60 and 10,000–99,999 for ages 61–80
- Guaranteed Issue Permanent Life: Lifelong coverage without medical examinations for eligible applicants who have difficulty qualifying for other insurance options
Humania Assurance: Best for no-medical term life insurance
Humania Assurance stands out for its Insurance Without Medical Exam (IWME) plans, which are designed for Canadians with diabetes who face difficulties obtaining conventional coverage. In recent years, the insurer has added a dedicated series of questions that makes it easier for individuals with certain types of diabetes to secure coverage.
The Insurance Without Medical Exam (IWME) plans offer Term 10, Term 20, and Term 100 coverage. The plan offers simplified-issue coverage of up to $1 million for applicants aged 50 and under, while the guaranteed-issue plan offers a maximum of $100,000. This makes the insurer particularly relevant for those seeking a less extensive underwriting process while still being able to obtain meaningful coverage.
However, it must be noted that for coverage above $300,000, applicants must provide height and weight information, while applications for coverage above $500,000 require information about high-risk sports and foreign travel. Additionally, eligible simplified-issue policies include a 12- or 24-month pre-existing-condition clause, depending on the policy. It is also worth noting that coverage above $500,000 is available only to policyholders aged 50 and under.
- Best for: Diabetics in Canada seeking no-medical term insurance with multiple simplified underwriting tiers
- Plans: Insurance Without Medical Exam (IWME), including Gold, Silver and Bronze simplified-issue categories and Copper guaranteed issue
- Policy types: Term 10, Term 20 and Term 100, with simplified and guaranteed-issue options
- Issue ages: 18–70 for Term 10 and Term 20 and 18–80 for Term 100
- Simplified underwriting tiers: Gold, Silver, and Bronze
- Maximum simplified coverage: Gold offers up to $1 million for eligible applicants aged 50 and under, Silver offers up to $500,000, and Bronze offers up to $300,000
- Guaranteed-issue option: Copper, offering up to $100,000 for T10/T20 and T100 issued at ages 18–70, and up to $50,000 for T100 issued at ages 71–80
- Renewal options: Term 10 and Term 20 policies are generally guaranteed renewable to age 80, subject to the policy’s conditions
- Diabetes-specific benefit: Humania introduced underwriting improvements intended to help certain applicants with diabetes qualify for more favourable no-medical coverage
Canada Protection Plan: Best for diabetics with previous insurance declines
Canada Protection Plan (CPP), a Foresters Financial company, is an ideal life insurance choice for Canadians with diabetes who may struggle to qualify for traditional coverage due to pre-existing medical conditions. The insurer’s lineup includes multiple simplified, deferred, and guaranteed-acceptance options across term and permanent insurance. The wider range of underwriting categories and easy applications offer enhanced flexibility for individuals who may find it difficult to qualify elsewhere.
CPP’s Simplified Elite Term plan provides up to $500,000 in coverage, with protection beginning as soon as the policy is issued. The availability of both term and permanent policies makes it easier for Canadians with diabetes to choose a policy that fits into their financial planning or future protection.
The insurer’s standout feature is the Guaranteed Acceptance plan, a permanent policy aimed at diabetics seeking lifelong coverage without medical underwriting. The multiple acceptance routes offer greater potential for approval, making it ideal for Canadian diabetics with moderate to severe health conditions.
- Best for: Diabetics with health concerns, serious medical complications or previous insurance declines
- Plans: No Medical & Simplified Issue Life Insurance lineup, including Deferred Elite, Simplified Elite, Express Elite and Guaranteed Acceptance
- Policy types: Term 10, Term 20, Term 25, Term 30 on select plans, decreasing Term 25 and permanent life insurance
- Deferred Elite Term: Term 10, Term 20, Term 25, and decreasing Term 25, with coverage up to $350,000
- Simplified Elite Term: Term 10, Term 20, Term 25, and decreasing Term 25, with coverage up to $500,000 for ages 18–60 and $350,000 for ages 61–70
- Express Elite Term: Term 20 and Term 30, with coverage up to $750,000 for ages 18–50 and $500,000 for ages 51–60
- Permanent simplified coverage: Simplified Elite Life offers immediate-benefit permanent insurance of $10,000–$500,000 for applicants aged 18–60 and $5,000–$350,000 for ages 61–80
- Diabetes-specific consideration: CPP offers a wide underwriting ladder, allowing applicants to potentially move between deferred, simplified, and preferred options based on their health conditions. The insurer also offers improved eligibility for applicants whose diabetes was diagnosed after age 40.
RBC Insurance: Best for flexible term protection and permanent alternatives
RBC Insurance is an ideal choice for Canadians with diabetes who are in good health and want permanent coverage. The YourTerm plan lets applicants choose coverage of up to $25 million for 10 to 40 years in one-year increments, making it easier to match coverage with a mortgage, income-replacement period, or other long-term financial obligation. In addition, the Simplified term offers Simplified-issue term life insurance coverage for up to $1 million without any medical exam, making it ideal for individuals looking to protect a mortgage or other debt.
One standout feature is Guaranteed Acceptance Life Insurance, which offers up to $40,000 in permanent life insurance without a medical exam or underwriting. This is ideal for diabetics in Canada with severe health issues who want lifelong protection to cover funeral costs or leave behind a legacy.
- Best for: Diabetics who qualify for traditional underwriting and want flexible term lengths, higher coverage and conversion options
- Plans: RBC YourTerm Life Insurance, RBC Simplified Term Life Insurance and RBC Guaranteed Acceptance Life Insurance
- Policy types: Term 10–40 in one-year increments, alongside guaranteed-acceptance permanent life insurance
- RBC YourTerm: Coverage of $1,000,001–$25 million for applicants aged 18–55 and 500,000–25 million for older eligible applicants, subject to term-related issue-age limits and underwriting
- RBC Simplified Term: Coverage of $50,000–$1 million for ages 18–55 and $50,000–$499,999 for ages 56 and older, subject to issue-age restrictions
- Term eligibility: Ages 18–70 for terms of 10–15 years. However, for terms of 16–40 years, the maximum issue age is generally 85 minus the selected term
- Guaranteed Acceptance Life: Permanent coverage of 5,000–40,000 for eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents aged 40–75, without medical examinations or health questions
- Conversion and exchange: Eligible term policies can be converted to permanent coverage without new medical evidence before age 71; qualifying Term 10 policies also have exchange options
- Guaranteed-issue limitation: Non-accidental death during the first two years of Guaranteed Acceptance coverage generally results in a refund of premiums rather than the full death benefit
How we chose the best life insurance companies for diabetics in Canada
PolicyAdvisor reviewed more than 30 Canadian life insurance companies before shortlisting the six insurers that stood out most for their benefits tailored to diabetics in Canada. Since applicants are typically comparing policies due to underlying health conditions, we considered insurers that were favourable for applicants with previous insurance declines, different age profiles, and the option to avoid medical testing
We placed the greatest weight on the insurer’s accessibility, its favourability for applicants with diabetes and how many plans and fallback options were available if the applicant did not qualify for a simplified-issue policy. In addition, we compared maximum coverage amount, issue age, term and permanent options, as well as the ease of application.
We have excluded pricing from our methodology since life insurance premiums for diabetics depend heavily on individual health conditions, A1C levels, treatment history, and insurer-specific premium ratings, making standardized price comparisons unreliable.
After shortlisting the six strongest companies, we ranked each insurer individually using the same weighted criteria to show where one company may be stronger than another.
| Rating factor | Weight | What we considered |
| Diabetes underwriting suitability | 40% | Consideration of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, A1C history, medication use, dedicated diabetes products and individualized underwriting |
| Alternative underwriting options | 30% | Availability of simplified-issue, deferred and guaranteed-issue coverage for applicants with complications or previous declines |
| Coverage and age accessibility | 10% | Maximum coverage amounts, eligible issue ages, coverage restrictions and availability of sufficient protection for different needs |
| Product flexibility | 10% | Term and permanent options, customizable terms, renewability, conversion privileges and policy adaptability |
| Application simplicity and diabetes support | 10% | Medical examination requirements, application process, health questionnaires and diabetes-specific wellness resources |
After selecting the six insurers, we scored each company out of 5, using the same weighted factors. A 5/5 insurer performs especially well across both pricing and policy flexibility, while a 4.5/5 insurer remains a strong option but may have higher sample premiums, fewer plan tiers, or more underwriting requirements for diabetics. The underlying weighted result was then rounded to the nearest 0.5 for the displayed overall rating.
PolicyAdvisor ratings for the six best life insurance companies for diabetics in Canada
| Insurer | Diabetes underwriting suitability 40% | Alternative underwriting options 30% | Coverage & age accessibility 10% | Product flexibility 10% | Application simplicity 10% | Final rating |
| Sun Life | 5/5 | 3.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| iA Financial Group | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Beneva | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Humania Assurance | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Canada Protection Plan | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| RBC Insurance | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Note: Ratings are proposed editorial assessments based on publicly documented product features, underwriting pathways and diabetes-related benefits as of November 2026. Weighted scores have been rounded to the nearest 0.5. Actual approval, premiums and coverage eligibility depend on individual underwriting. These are not measured insurer acceptance rates.
What factors affect life insurance cost for diabetics in Canada?
Several factors affect insurance rates for diabetics, as insurers evaluate risk based on how well the condition is managed and its impact on overall health.
Here is a list of factors that influence insurance rates:
Age
- Your age when you apply for a policy: Younger applicants generally secure better rates due to lower perceived risk
- Your age when you were diagnosed with diabetes: Earlier diagnosis can lead to higher rates due to longer potential exposure to complications
Type of diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes: More common and generally considered less risky compared to Type 1 diabetes but still affects rates
- Type 1 diabetes: Often associated with higher risk due to its complexity and potential for complications
- Gestational diabetes: Typically resolves after pregnancy; however, if it leads to Type 2 diabetes later, it can affect rates
Severity of your diabetes or blood sugar control
- Well-controlled diabetes with stable blood sugar levels is viewed more favourably by insurers
- Poor control with fluctuating blood sugar levels or complications can increase risk and lead to higher premiums
Other medical conditions
- Additional health issues can increase risk and affect premiums
- A family history of diabetes or related health conditions can influence rates
- Excessive alcohol consumption can impact overall health and increase insurance premiums
What are some questions insurers may ask about your diabetes?
When applying for a policy that requires a health questionnaire or physical exam, insurers will ask about your general health, lifestyle, and family medical history. They will also have specific questions regarding your diabetes, such as:
| Questions insurers may ask | Why they ask |
| What type of diabetes do you have? | Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes have different risk considerations. |
| When were you diagnosed with diabetes? | An earlier diagnosis may indicate a longer duration of the condition and potential exposure to complications. |
| Do you monitor your blood glucose regularly? | Regular monitoring helps demonstrate ongoing diabetes management. |
| Do you take insulin, oral medications or both? | Medication types, insulin dosage and treatment requirements help insurers assess the condition and its management. |
| What is your current diet and exercise routine? | Lifestyle habits can influence overall health and diabetes management. |
| What is your current A1C level? | A1C reflects average blood glucose levels over approximately three months. |
| Have you undergone other diabetes-related tests? | Additional tests can help identify complications or associated medical conditions. |
| Who is your primary care physician, and when was your last visit? | Insurers may request physician or endocrinologist details to verify treatment and medical history. |
| Do you have any diabetes-related complications? | Conditions such as vision impairment, neuropathy, kidney problems or episodes of loss of consciousness may affect underwriting. |
| Have you been diagnosed with other serious medical conditions? | Cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and other conditions can increase the assessed insurance risk. |
| Have you ever experienced a diabetic or insulin coma? | Severe episodes may indicate complications that affect underwriting decisions. |
| Are you currently receiving dialysis? | Dialysis may indicate advanced kidney disease and significantly affect insurance eligibility. |
| Have you recently been hospitalized or visited an emergency department because of diabetes? | Recent medical emergencies can influence risk assessment and premiums. |
| Have your diabetes medications or treatments changed recently? | Changes in treatment may indicate changes in disease management or stability. |
How to buy life insurance in Canada with diabetes?
Getting life insurance with diabetes can be more challenging, but with the right approach, you can find suitable coverage. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
Gather your medical information
- Collect recent medical records, including blood sugar levels, HbA1c test results, and any other relevant health information
- Prepare a list of all medications you are taking
- Note any lifestyle changes you have made, such as diet and exercise routines
Manage your diabetes effectively
- Regularly monitor and maintain your blood sugar levels within the target range
- Follow a balanced diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol consumption
- Visit your healthcare provider regularly for diabetes management and check-ups
Provide accurate information
- Submit accurate and detailed records of your diabetes management, including medications, lifestyle changes, and doctor visits, to show that you are managing your condition well
Apply for insurance
- Complete the application process, which may include a medical exam for some types of insurance
- If a medical exam is required, prepare by fasting if instructed, getting a good night’s sleep, and avoiding strenuous activities beforehand
Review and choose the best policy
- Policy review: Carefully review the terms, conditions, and exclusions of your policy
- Cost vs. coverage: Balance the cost of premiums with the coverage provided to ensure it meets your needs and budget
- Final decision: Choose the policy that offers the best balance of coverage and affordability
PolicyAdvisor’s licensed life insurance advisors can help you compare coverage options from leading Canadian insurers based on your diabetes type, A1C levels, treatment history, overall health, coverage needs, and budget.
Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, want affordable traditional coverage, or were previously declined due to health concerns, our licensed advisors at PolicyAdvisor can help you explore fully underwritten, simplified-issue, and guaranteed-issue life insurance options to find a policy that meets your financial needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of life insurance for diabetics in Canada?
The best type of life insurance for diabetics often depends on individual health conditions and needs. Generally, term life insurance may be more affordable, while permanent life insurance offers lifetime coverage and an investment component. Simplified issue and guaranteed issue life insurance policies might also be options for those who prefer not to undergo a medical exam.
Can diabetics get approved for life insurance in Canada?
Yes, diabetics can get approved for life insurance in Canada. Approval and rates depend on factors such as the type of diabetes, control of blood sugar levels, and overall health. Insurance companies assess these factors to determine eligibility and premiums.
How much does life insurance cost for diabetics in Canada?
The cost of life insurance for diabetics in Canada varies based on several factors, including the type of diabetes, age, overall health, and the level of coverage required. Premiums may be higher than for individuals without diabetes due to the increased risk associated with the condition.
When is the best time for a diabetic to apply for life insurance in Canada?
The best time for a diabetic to apply for life insurance is when their diabetes is well-controlled and stable. Applying when you are younger and healthier can also help secure better rates. It is advantageous to apply after recent improvements in diabetes management or overall health.
Do all life insurance companies in Canada offer coverage for diabetics?
Not all life insurance companies in Canada offer coverage for diabetics. Some insurers specialize in high-risk cases and may provide coverage options tailored to diabetics. It is important to compare policies and work with a broker who can help find insurers willing to offer coverage.
Can diabetics get a life insurance policy if they have been turned down before?
Yes, diabetics can get life insurance if they have been turned down before or denied coverage. Read more about your life insurance options when your application has been declined.
Can individuals with Type 1 diabetes get life insurance in Canada?
Yes, Canadians with Type 1 diabetes can qualify for traditional, simplified, or guaranteed-issue coverage for life insurance. Depending on the policy and underwriting, insurers may request medical history, including A1C history, insulin treatment, age at diagnosis, and other required information.
Which life insurance company is best for diabetics in Canada?
Sun Life is a strong choice for diabetics in Canada since the insurer offers dedicated term insurance plans and eligibility tiers for diabetic applicants. In addition, insurers like iA, RBC Insurance, Beneva, Humania, and Canada Protection Plan also offer benefits for Canadians with diabetes.
How much life insurance can I get without a medical exam in Canada?
Select simplified-issue policies by insurers like Humania can provide as much as $1 million without a medical exam. However, the actual coverage you receive depends on your age, health conditions, type of diabetes, and other criteria set by the insurer.
Can I get life insurance with diabetes without a medical exam?
Yes. Several Canadian insurers like Humania and iA offer simplified and guaranteed-issue products that do not require a medical examination. Simplified issue usually involves health questions, while guaranteed issue does not include any questions but typically has lower coverage limits and may include waiting periods.
Does no medical life insurance for diabetics have a two-year waiting period?
Some insurers impose a waiting period or offer a deferred death benefit if the policyholder dies of natural causes within the first few years. This waiting period varies by insurer, so we recommend consulting our advisors to determine which plan best fits your needs.
Canadians with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can qualify for traditional, simplified-issue, or guaranteed-issue life insurance, depending on their health and medical history. This blog explores the top life insurance options for diabetics in Canada, alongside how A1C levels, insulin use, and diabetes-related complications affect premiums.
