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Life insurance for diabetics

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you can take out a life insurance policy, but it depends on your individual circumstances.

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Richard Laycock
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It is possible to get cover for type 1 or type 2 diabetes in Australia when applying for a fully underwritten life insurance policy. However, the increased risks associated with diabetes mean that cover may come with a premium loading.

Here's how to get life insurance as a diabetic, including limitations and factors involved in the application process.

Compare life insurance providers for diabetes

Name Product Maximum Cover Maximum Entry Age Terminal Illness Benefit Average Claims Acceptance Rate Average Claim Time Sum Insured
NobleOak Term Life Insurance (Pre-existing conditions)
NobleOak Term Life Insurance (Pre-existing conditions)
$15,000,000
69
$3,000,000
Data not available
Data not available
Data not available
  • Cover for pre-existing conditions is assessed on a case by case basis during the application process.
  • You may be subject to an increase in premiums or a specific exclusion.
    • Get Quote
    View details
    Medibank Life Insurance (Pre-existing conditions)
    Medibank Life Insurance (Pre-existing conditions)
    $2,500,000
    70
    $2,500,000
    Data not available
    Data not available
    Data not available
  • When applying, you are asked to sign a declaration confirming that you've provided all relevant details about your health and any pre-existing conditions.
  • The information you disclose about your pre-existing condition will determine the cover you may receive, including claims.
    • Get Quote
    View details
    InsuranceLine Life Cover (Pre-existing conditions)
    InsuranceLine Life Cover (Pre-existing conditions)
    $1,500,000
    65
    $1,500,000
    Data not available
    Data not available
    Data not available
  • Pre-existing conditions cover assessed on a case by case basis.
  • You must disclose during your application and may need to speak to someone on the phone about your condition.
  • Maximum cover available may be less due to condition.
    • View details
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    Compare up to 4 providers

    What do insurers look at when assessing people with diabetes?

    An insurance underwriter will assess how controlled your diabetes is and also the type of diabetes, how it is treated, age of diagnosis and any medical complications that could impact your level of risk.

    Example: Questions asked during the application process

    As a longtime diabetic Jason applied for life insurance anyway. Some of the questions Jason had to undergo included:
    - What type of diabetes were you diagnosed with? Is it type 1 or 2, gestational diabetes, diabetes insipidus, glucose intolerance or insulin resistance?
    - When was the diagnosis made?
    - How is the condition treated? Is it treated with diet, insulin injections, oral medications or other? What is the medication and dosage amount, if applicable?
    - Have you experienced any complications including kidney or nerve problems, high blood pressure, vision impairment or reduced blood circulation as a result of diabetes? Have you ever experienced a diabetic or insulin coma or required hospitalisation because of the condition?
    - When was the condition last checked and what were the results of the tests?
    - What were the results of your most recent glycosylated haemoglobin test?
    Provide the contact information for your doctor or doctors.

    * This is a fictional, but realistic, example.

    What information will your insurer require?

        • Medical attendants report will be required for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes
        • Diabetic questionnaire required from applicant to determine if they understand the condition and have been cooperative with a certified medical practitioner
        • Questionnaire will usually be required from the applicant's medical attendant
        • The applicant may also be required to undertake an ECG and chest X-ray if the sum insured is substantial

    Diabetes in Australia

    Diabetes in Australia is on the rise and affects roughly 1.7 million Australians. Diabetes costs Australians an estimated $14.6 billion per year.

    According to Diabetes Australia, 280 Australians develop diabetes every day, which is 1 person every 5 minutes. And the trend doesn't show any signs of slowing. New cases of type 2 diabetes steadily increased between the year 2000 and 2009.

    In 2013, there were 2,323 new cases of type 1 diabetes in Australia, equating to 11 cases per 100,000 population.

    The incidence rate for type 1 diabetes:

        • Is higher in males than females (12 compared with 9 per 100,000 population)
        • More than half (52%) of all new cases were for people under 18 years of age
        • Peaked at age 10–14 years (33 per 100,000 population)

    Trauma insurance and diabetes

    Most comprehensive trauma cover policies will offer coverage for applicants who suffer from diabetes. As with life cover, the insurance provider will assess each applicant against their criteria to determine the level of risk they carry. Premiums will depend on the age the person was diagnosed and the level of control of the condition.

    Trauma cover can provide great financial support if a policyholder is diagnosed with diabetes and it meets the conditions as defined by the provider. Trauma cover will pay out as a lump sum benefit that can be used to help cover medical expenses, mortgage repayments and any reduction of income that may occur.

    What exactly is diabetes?

    Diabetes is a condition that can affect many parts of the body. It stems from the body producing an insufficient level of insulin, which allows the body to transform glucose into energy. The inability to regulate blood glucose levels can result in a dangerous overload of sugar in the person's blood stream.
    This means that when people with diabetes eat foods that contain glucose their bodies can't convert it into energy. Foods include:

        • Yoghurts and sweets
        • Milk
        • Fruit and starchy vegetables
        • Cereals
        • Breads
        • Legumes
        • Eggs

    How is type 1 diabetes different to type 2 diabetes?

    Type 1 diabetes is where the pancreas is unable to continue making insulin, making blood cells unable to turn glucose into energy. This in turn can lead to an accumulation of dangerous chemical substances within their blood from the burning of fat. If not treated appropriately this can lead to a condition known as ketoacidosis which can be fatal.

    Type 1 diabetes accounts for roughly 10–15% of all cases of diabetes. In order to prevent ketoacidosis, people with type 1 diabetes are required to take up to 4 insulin injections every day. The condition typically occurs in people under the age of 30.

    Type 2 diabetes is more common among older adults and makes up roughly 85–90% of all people with diabetes. In comparison to type 1, the pancreas is able to produce some insulin but it is an inefficient amount to enable the body to work effectively.

    While type 2 diabetes is a result of genetic make-up, it is largely associated with lifestyle factors that can result in high blood pressure and obesity, usually a result of poor diet and a lack of physical activity. Luckily for this group, it can usually be managed via healthy eating and regular exercise. However, most people with this condition will still need to take tablets or insulin when required.

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