Best Life Insurance for Diabetics
If you have either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you might wonder if you can get life insurance, or whether it will be very expensive. The good news is that people with well-managed diabetes, who are otherwise in good health, may qualify for lower rates. Some insurers are more accommodating of diabetics than others.
Investopedia’s research pointed to Nationwide as the top choice. Its favorable risk class for those with diabetes, in addition to excellent living benefits and funeral insurance, made it stand out. John Hancock and State Farm also provide strong options for people managing their diabetes.
In evaluating companies for this list, Investopedia examined risk classifications, diabetes management programs, funeral insurance benefits, available riders, and the overall financial health of the companies.
Best Life Insurance for Diabetics of 2025
Here’s a quick overview of our top picks:
- Best Overall: Nationwide
- Best for Diabetes Management Program: John Hancock
- Best for Financial Stability, Best for Customer Satisfaction: State Farm
Nationwide
Nationwide is a leading option. Their underwriting guidelines may consider diabetics for their Standard Plus class, potentially resulting in lower premiums. They also have an impressive final expense policy along with three living benefits often included at no extra cost. Nationwide also has an excellent financial standing and a low rate of customer complaints.
Pros:
- Diabetics may qualify for the Standard Pus underwriting class.
- Great final expense coverage.
- Three living benefits available without extra cost.
- Superior financial strength.
- Very few customer complaints to state regulators, relative to company size.
Cons:
- No diabetes management program.
Nationwide insurance accepts applicants with diabetes and may consider them for their Standard Plus risk class. Insurance companies assess risk classes to determine premiums. Standard Plus indicates above-average health, potentially leading to reduced rates, but it depends on your health factors, medical history, and family history. To qualify for Standard Plus, diabetes must be well-managed and the individual in excellent health. Some people may qualify for Nationwide’s Nontobacco Preferred risk class, though eligibility is limited to those over 65 with Type 2 diabetes who are not insulin-dependent.
If you don’t qualify for a fully underwritten policy, or would prefer not to have your medical history reviewed, a final expense policy might work for you. Nationwide provides one of the best in this area. You can get up to $50,000 coverage, and you can buy it up to age 80, providing flexibility that other insurers do not afford. Nationwide offers various policies that often include three living benefits at no additional cost. Living benefits allow access to a portion of your death benefit if you get a serious illness. Additional riders, such as a child term rider, waiver of premium rider, and accidental death benefit rider, can be purchased.
Nationwide holds an A+ financial grade from AM Best, which indicates a strong likelihood of fulfilling obligations. Their customers also file very few complaints with state regulators, suggesting high customer satisfaction. The only area where they are not the best is the fact that they don’t offer a specific program to help policyholders to manage their diabetes, unlike John Hancock and State Farm.
Based in Columbus, Ohio, Nationwide has been in operation since 1926.
John Hancock
This insurer distinguishes itself with a good diabetes management program. This includes discounts on healthy foods, virtual consultations with diabetes experts, and, through fitness activities, the opportunity to earn discounts on premiums.
- Investopedia’s Rating: 3.5
- Financial Strength Rating: A+
- Complaints: Much better than expected for company size
Why We Chose It: John Hancock’s Aspire with Vitality program goes the extra mile to make people dealing with diabetes feel welcome.
Pros:
- Offers a comprehensive diabetes management program
- Diabetics may qualify for the Standard Plus risk class.
- Three living benefits are available, two at no extra cost
- Superior financial strength
- Very few customer complaints to state regulators, relative to company size
Cons:
- No final expense insurance
The Aspire program is designed for those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. If you become a member, you can get discounts and be given free fitness devices, alongside discounts on food and fitness. With Vitality PLUS, you can earn up to 25% lower premiums by doing things like exercising, buying fresh vegetables, and attending preventive checkups. Customers with Type 2 diabetes may qualify for Onduo, which offers free blood testing equipment, personal health coaching, and consultations with diabetes specialists.
John Hancock’s underwriting guidelines may assign a Standard Plus risk class for those over 50 with Type 2 diabetes with no complications and who do not need insulin. Such customers could be considered for Preferred class, leading to even lower premiums. Policies could include a chronic or terminal illness rider free of charge. Other riders include critical illness, long-term care, waiver of premium, and disability income riders.
John Hancock has an A+ financial strength rating from AM Best. The only downside is the fact that, unlike Nationwide, it doesn’t offer final expense insurance. John Hancock was founded in 1862 and is owned by Manulife Financial Corporation, which was founded in 1887.
State Farm
State Farm provides strong financial stability, earning the highest mark possible from AM Best, meaning it’s more than capable of paying claims in the future. The company’s stability also earns a place on the list of the best term life insurance companies. State Farm enjoys high customer satisfaction. Its complaint rate is among the lowest among companies that cover diabetics.
- Investopedia’s Rating: 3.3
- Financial Strength Rating: A++
- Complaints: Much better than expected for company size
Why We Chose It: The company has the most attractive customer satisfaction record among life insurance companies that offer coverage to people with diabetes.
Pros:
- Highest financial strength rating available
- Outstanding customer satisfaction record
- Health management program available
Cons:
- Limited living benefits offered
- Low coverage limit for final expense (funeral) insurance
State Farm has a general health management program that awards points for setting and meeting fitness goals through the Life Enhanced app. The points can be used to buy gift cards. The best health risk class State Farm would offer someone with diabetes is Standard. State Farm’s living benefits are restricted to chronic illness and long-term care riders, which you must pay for. A child term rider is available, and this can be converted to a permanent policy when the child reaches 25.
State Farm limits their funeral insurance policies to $15,000 coverage, which is less than other insurance companies. State Farm, based in Bloomington, Illinois, has been in business since 1929.
Why Trust Us
Investopedia’s reviews begin with thorough research and objective data analysis. This list was created by looking at 71 points from 32 different companies that cover diabetics. These criteria helped in evaluating each company’s underwriting, coverage options, diabetes management programs, financial stability, and other features.
Investopedia has been a trusted source since 1999, and reviews life insurance companies since 2020.
How We Chose the Best Life Insurance for Diabetics
Editors and researchers at Investopedia first considered which insurance companies to consider. We surveyed hundreds of recent life insurance buyers to determine what was important to them. We also consulted market share intelligence and other company indicators, and those who didn’t meet Investopedia standards were ruled out. 32 companies offer life insurance to people with diabetes.
Investopedia researchers collected dozens of data points related to 71 criteria between May 20 and July 3, 2024, and Jan. 14 and Jan. 21, 2025. The data was gathered from company websites, media representatives, and ratings agencies. After that, researchers used a quantitative model to score each company based on five categories. The categories were weighted:
- Coverage: 42%
- Policy Features and Riders: 16%
- Diabetes Best-Case Underwriting: 15%
- Diabetes Management Tools: 11%
- Customer Satisfaction: 10%
- Financial Stability: 6%
For more information, please consult our full methodology explanation.
