Life Insurance for People With Diabetes in Canada
Having diabetes does not automatically prevent you from obtaining life insurance in Canada. Many people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can qualify for term or permanent coverage, although the price, available amount and underwriting process depend on how the condition is managed.
An insurer may offer standard coverage, approve the application with a higher premium, request more medical information, postpone its decision or offer simplified or guaranteed-issue insurance.
The best option is not always the company advertising “no medical exam.” Someone with well-managed diabetes may qualify for broader and less expensive coverage through regular underwriting. Applicants with complications, recent changes or a previous decline may need a specialized simplified product.
This guide explains how insurers evaluate diabetes, how to prepare an application and which Canadian insurers publicly offer options relevant to people who may be harder to insure.
Can People With Diabetes Get Life Insurance?
Yes. A diabetes diagnosis by itself does not determine whether someone will be approved.
The insurer evaluates the applicant’s overall risk. Two people with the same type of diabetes may receive different decisions because their age at diagnosis, glucose management, treatment, medical follow-up and complications differ.
Someone with stable results, consistent medical care and no significant diabetes-related complications may have access to regular term or permanent insurance. Another applicant may be offered coverage with an additional premium or through a simplified product.
Approval, pricing and coverage are never guaranteed until the insurer completes its review.
What Do Life Insurance Companies Evaluate?
Type of diabetes
Insurers distinguish between Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. They may also ask whether the diagnosis has been confirmed or whether the applicant is being monitored for prediabetes.
Age at diagnosis
A diagnosis at a younger age generally means the person may live with diabetes for a longer period. Insurers therefore consider both the applicant’s current age and how long the condition has been present.
A1C results
A1C reflects average blood glucose over the previous two to three months. Insurers commonly request the most recent result and may review the pattern of earlier results.
Diabetes Canada states that glycemic targets should be individualized. Its general clinical guideline identifies an A1C target of 7.0% or less for many people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, while different targets may be appropriate based on the individual’s health and treatment.
An insurance company does not automatically approve or decline someone based on one universal A1C number. It considers the complete medical picture.
Treatment
The insurer may ask whether diabetes is managed through:
- Nutrition and activity
- Oral medication
- Injectable medication
- Insulin
- An insulin pump
- Continuous glucose monitoring
Using insulin does not automatically mean an application will be declined. The insurer considers the effectiveness and stability of the treatment.
Medical follow-up
Regular visits, laboratory testing and compliance with recommended monitoring can help the insurer understand the condition.
An applicant who has not completed recent testing may receive a postponed decision because the insurer lacks enough current information.
Related health conditions
The Public Health Agency of Canada identifies cardiovascular, kidney and vision problems among the possible complications associated with diabetes.
Insurers may review:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Kidney function
- Eye examinations
- Cardiovascular history
- Neuropathy
- Circulation
- Other diabetes-related complications
Smoking and other risk factors
Smoking can materially affect life insurance pricing, particularly when combined with diabetes. Age, occupation, alcohol use, travel, driving history and other health conditions may also affect the decision.
Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes usually requires lifelong insulin treatment. Underwriting commonly considers:
- Age at diagnosis
- Duration of the condition
- A1C history
- Insulin use
- Monitoring
- Episodes requiring medical assistance
- Complications
Regular insurance may still be available, but underwriting can be more detailed and additional premiums are common.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes may be managed through lifestyle measures, medication, injectable treatments or insulin.
The outcome depends more on the full medical profile than on the treatment name. A person using insulin with stable results and no complications may present a better risk than someone using only one medication but with uncontrolled results or incomplete follow-up.
Gestational diabetes
A history of gestational diabetes does not necessarily prevent regular coverage. The insurer will usually want to know:
- Whether the condition resolved after pregnancy
- Whether current blood glucose results are normal
- Whether diabetes or prediabetes was later diagnosed
- Whether another pregnancy is underway or planned
If the applicant is currently pregnant or has recently received abnormal results, the insurer may request additional information or postpone a final decision.
Possible Underwriting Decisions
The result generally falls into one of the following categories:
Standard approval
The policy is issued at the insurer’s regular premium. This may be possible in favourable cases, but it should not be assumed.
Approval with an additional premium
The insurer approves the requested coverage but charges more than its standard rate. The additional cost reflects the assessed medical risk.
Approval through a different product
The applicant may not qualify for the original standard product but may qualify for simplified-issue insurance with fewer questions.
Postponement
The insurer delays its decision until more time has passed or updated medical information becomes available. This may happen after a recent diagnosis, medication change, incomplete medical investigation or unstable test result.
A postponement is not the same as a permanent decline.
Decline
The insurer decides not to offer the requested product. Other insurers or specialized products may still be available.
Guaranteed-issue coverage
If standard and simplified products are unavailable, a guaranteed-issue policy may provide limited coverage. These policies generally cost more per dollar of insurance and may delay the full benefit during an initial period.
Canadian Insurers With Options Relevant to Diabetes
No insurer can be described as the “best diabetes life insurance company” for every applicant. Underwriting rules change, and the right company depends on the type of diabetes, A1C history, complications, age and amount required.
The companies below have official public information showing products or underwriting approaches relevant to applicants with health conditions or diabetes. This does not guarantee approval.
| Insurer or provider | Why it may be worth investigating | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Protection Plan from Foresters Financial | Publicly specializes in simplified-issue and no-medical coverage for people with existing health conditions or those considered harder to insure. Its advisor materials specifically include diabetes among the health histories considered for some products. | Eligibility still depends on the product’s questions. Coverage, price and immediate or deferred benefits vary. |
| Foresters Financial | Foresters has publicly described work to improve access and member support for people living with diabetes. It also offers fully underwritten and non-medical solutions through its Canadian operations and Canada Protection Plan. | A diabetes-focused initiative or benefit does not mean every applicant receives standard pricing or approval. |
| Humania Assurance | IWME offers simplified-issue Gold, Silver and Bronze classes plus guaranteed-issue Copper coverage. It creates multiple possible levels for applicants with different health profiles. | Lower underwriting classes may provide less coverage, higher relative cost or a deferred benefit. |
| iA Financial Group | Access Life is designed for people who may have difficulty obtaining regular insurance because of their health. Its tiered structure provides term or permanent options, with published coverage between $10,000 and $500,000 depending on eligibility. | The applicant’s answers determine the available level, amount, price and whether full coverage is immediate. |
| Assumption Life | Offers several no-medical term and permanent products, including Platinum, Golden, Silver and guaranteed-issue Bronze. This range may provide alternatives when standard underwriting is difficult. | Platinum is intended for healthier applicants. Silver and Bronze permanent coverage is deferred during the first two years. |
| Other fully underwritten Canadian insurers | Companies such as Canada Life, Equitable Life, Empire Life, Manulife, RBC Insurance, Sun Life, Beneva and Desjardins may consider diabetes through regular underwriting. | Public consumer websites generally do not publish enough diabetes-specific underwriting detail to predict the decision. A preliminary inquiry may be needed. |
Important distinction
Canada Protection Plan, Humania, iA and Assumption Life have publicly documented products for applicants with health concerns or difficulty obtaining regular insurance.
That does not mean these companies should automatically be approached before fully underwritten insurers. If diabetes is well managed, regular underwriting may provide:
- Higher coverage
- Lower premiums
- More policy choices
- Better conversion options
- Fewer deferred-benefit restrictions
The insurer with the easiest application is not necessarily the insurer offering the best long-term result.
These prices are approximate. For an up-to-date quote, use the link below.
Standard Versus No-Medical Coverage
| Feature | Standard underwriting | Simplified issue | Guaranteed issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical questions | Detailed | Shorter | Usually none for health eligibility |
| Medical records | May be requested | Usually limited | Generally not required for health approval |
| Examination or tests | Sometimes | Normally no | No |
| Potential coverage | Usually highest | Moderate to high | Usually lowest |
| Cost per dollar | Often lower when the medical profile is favourable | Usually higher | Usually highest |
| Approval | Not guaranteed | Not guaranteed | Guaranteed if non-medical eligibility rules are met |
| Full benefit from issue | Common if approved | Depends on class | Often deferred |
For someone with diabetes, the ideal sequence is generally:
- Assess whether standard underwriting is realistic.
- Compare simplified products if standard pricing is unfavourable or approval is uncertain.
- Use guaranteed issue when better options are unavailable.
These prices are approximate. For an up-to-date quote, use the link below.
How Much Coverage Can You Obtain?
There is no universal coverage limit for people with diabetes.
The insurer considers:
- Financial need
- Income and debts
- Age
- Diabetes history
- Overall health
- Product maximum
- Residency status
- Existing insurance
Fully underwritten coverage may reach substantially higher amounts when the applicant’s finances and medical profile support the request.
Published simplified-product limits include:
- Canada Protection Plan: no-medical options advertised up to $750,000, depending on eligibility and product.
- iA Access Life: between $10,000 and $500,000, based on the applicant’s eligible level.
- Humania IWME simplified issue: up to $1,000,000 in its Gold class, with lower limits for Silver and Bronze.
- Humania IWME guaranteed issue: generally up to $100,000, with lower limits at certain older ages.
- Assumption Life Platinum Protection: up to $750,000, depending on age and eligibility.
- Assumption Life Silver and Bronze permanent coverage: up to $50,000.
These are product maximums, not diabetes-specific approval limits.
How Diabetes May Affect the Cost
A person with diabetes might receive:
- Standard pricing
- A rated premium above the standard price
- Simplified-issue pricing
- Guaranteed-issue pricing
The premium generally becomes less favourable when the insurer identifies a higher or less predictable risk. Factors that may affect pricing include:
- Type and duration of diabetes
- A1C history
- Treatment stability
- Blood pressure and cholesterol
- Kidney function
- Diabetes-related complications
- Smoking status
- Age
- Other medical conditions
There is no reliable universal percentage that can be added to a standard quote. Two applicants with diabetes may receive very different offers.
An online quote that asks only for age and smoking status is not a final diabetes rate. The actual premium is known only after the relevant underwriting process is completed.
These prices are approximate. For an up-to-date quote, use the link below.
How to Prepare a Stronger Application
You cannot change your medical history, but you can make the application complete and easier to assess.
Prepare the following information:
- Type of diabetes
- Date and age at diagnosis
- Most recent A1C result
- Previous A1C results, if available
- Medication names and dosages
- Insulin type and daily amount, if applicable
- Name and contact information of your physician or clinic
- Dates of recent medical visits
- Blood pressure and cholesterol results
- Kidney-function results
- Dates of eye examinations
- Details of any complications
- Dates and reasons for hospital treatment
- Previous insurance decisions
Do not change medication or treatment for insurance purposes without guidance from your healthcare provider. Insurance preparation should focus on accurate records and complete disclosure—not altering appropriate medical care.
Why recent information matters
If the insurer cannot determine whether the condition is stable, it may postpone the application or request more evidence.
Recent medical follow-up can help the insurer distinguish between missing information and an actively managed condition.
When to Apply and When Waiting May Help
Applying now may make sense when:
- The condition has been stable
- Recent results are available
- Treatment has not recently changed
- Follow-up is consistent
- Coverage is needed now
- No major medical investigation is pending
A preliminary inquiry or temporary delay may be appropriate when:
- Diabetes was recently diagnosed
- Medication or insulin recently changed
- A major test or specialist consultation is pending
- Recent results changed significantly
- A diabetes-related complication is being investigated
- A previous postponement period has not ended
Waiting has a trade-off. The applicant becomes older, and an unexpected health change can occur. Do not delay solely in the hope of obtaining a perfect result without comparing currently available options.
In some cases, a practical strategy is to secure an affordable simplified policy now and reconsider standard coverage after a period of documented stability. Do not cancel the first policy unless the replacement has been issued, reviewed and accepted.
A Practical Application Strategy
Step 1: Calculate the required coverage
Add the mortgage, other debts, income replacement, children’s needs and final expenses. Subtract savings and existing insurance that will remain available.
Step 2: Create a diabetes summary
Prepare a one-page factual summary containing the type, diagnosis date, treatment, recent A1C, follow-up and complications.
Step 3: Request a preliminary assessment
When the medical history is complex, ask an experienced licensed insurance agent to approach suitable insurers before submitting a formal application.
An anonymous preliminary inquiry does not guarantee the final result, but it can help identify:
- Companies likely to consider the case
- Possible premium ratings
- Required medical evidence
- Whether postponement is likely
- Appropriate simplified alternatives
Step 4: Apply selectively
Submitting multiple formal applications without a strategy may create unnecessary insurance-history records. Apply first to the insurer or product with a realistic match.
Step 5: Compare complete offers
Compare:
- Final approved premium
- Coverage amount
- Term length
- Immediate or deferred benefit
- Renewal premiums
- Conversion rights
- Permanent or term structure
- Amendments or exclusions
- Total long-term cost
Step 6: Review the issued policy
Confirm that the policy matches the offer and that all application answers are accurate. Keep the contract and claim information where the beneficiary can find them.
Common Mistakes
Assuming diabetes means guaranteed-issue insurance
Many people with diabetes can qualify for standard or simplified coverage. Starting with guaranteed issue may result in lower coverage and higher cost.
Applying before medical investigations are complete
An insurer may postpone a decision when important results are pending. A preliminary assessment can help determine the best timing.
Reporting only the most recent A1C
The insurer may review the trend, not just one result. Provide accurate information when asked about earlier testing.
Hiding insulin use or complications
Incomplete answers can affect the policy and a future claim. Always disclose the information requested.
Choosing the company with the highest advertised maximum
The published maximum is not the amount every applicant can receive. Eligibility, cost and benefit timing matter more than the headline limit.
Comparing only monthly premiums
A less expensive policy may provide less coverage, have a shorter term or include a deferred benefit. Compare equivalent benefits.
Cancelling existing coverage before approval
Keep existing insurance until the new policy is issued, reviewed and accepted.
These prices are approximate. For an up-to-date quote, use the link below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone with Type 1 diabetes obtain life insurance?
Yes, it may be possible. The insurer will usually review age at diagnosis, duration, insulin treatment, A1C history, medical follow-up and complications. Regular, rated or simplified coverage may be available.
Is Type 2 diabetes easier to insure?
Not automatically. Some Type 2 cases may qualify favourably, but the decision depends on management, duration, treatment, related conditions and complications.
Does using insulin cause an automatic decline?
No. Insulin use is one factor among many. The insurer evaluates the entire medical profile.
What A1C is required for life insurance?
There is no single A1C cutoff used by every Canadian insurer. Diabetes Canada’s clinical targets are medical-care guidance, not insurance approval rules. Insurers consider the current result, trend and full health profile.
Can I obtain life insurance without an examination?
Possibly. Canada Protection Plan, Humania, iA and Assumption Life offer simplified or guaranteed products without routine medical examinations. Health questions, coverage limits and waiting periods vary.
Will I pay more because I have diabetes?
Possibly, but not in every case. The final price depends on the insurer’s assessment. Controlled diabetes without significant complications generally presents more options than unstable diabetes with complications.
Should I apply to several companies at once?
Usually not without a reason. A preliminary inquiry can help identify the most suitable company before formal applications are submitted.
Can my premium improve later if my diabetes improves?
A policy’s premium normally follows the terms established at issue. Some insurers may consider a later request for reconsideration, but this is not guaranteed. Alternatively, you may apply for a new policy and compare it with the existing one.
Never cancel existing coverage until the replacement is fully approved and accepted.
Key Takeaways
- Diabetes does not automatically prevent someone from obtaining Canadian life insurance.
- Type, duration, A1C history, treatment, follow-up and complications affect underwriting.
- Standard insurance may offer better pricing and higher coverage when the condition is well managed.
- Canada Protection Plan, Humania, iA and Assumption Life publish products relevant to applicants with medical challenges.
- Foresters has publicly highlighted initiatives supporting people living with diabetes, but approval still depends on underwriting.
- Guaranteed issue should generally be considered after standard and simplified options.
- Product maximums are not guaranteed diabetes-specific coverage amounts.
- A targeted preliminary inquiry can be more useful than submitting several formal applications.
Conclusion
People with diabetes often have more life insurance options in Canada than they expect. The important question is not simply whether diabetes appears on the medical history, but how long it has been present, how it is managed and whether complications exist.
A well-managed case should generally be assessed for standard insurance before relying on guaranteed products. When regular underwriting is unsuitable, specialized simplified options from providers such as Canada Protection Plan, Humania, iA and Assumption Life may provide alternatives.
Prepare recent medical information, disclose the condition accurately and compare the final approved offers—not just online quotes or advertised maximums. The right policy is the one that provides enough usable protection at a sustainable cost and with terms you fully understand.
Article Sources and References
This article is based on official Canadian government, health and insurance-industry sources.
Your Guide to Diabetes
Public Health Agency of Canada
Targets for Glycemic Control
Diabetes Canada
Life Insurance | No Medical
Canada Protection Plan from Foresters Financial
IWME Life Insurance Without a Medical Exam
Humania Assurance
Access Life
iA Financial Group
Determining Your Needs
Assumption Life
Permanent Life Insurance
Assumption Life
Term Life Insurance
Assumption Life
Matt Berman
Foresters Financial
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