What if I was declined for life insurance before?

Different carrier, different decision. Tell the agent which carrier declined you and why; another carrier's underwriting may be friendlier to your specific medical history. If all simplified-issue carriers decline, guaranteed-issue is always available as a fallback (accepts everyone in the eligible age range with a 2-year waiting period).

Final Expense · Plain-English Guide

Final expense insurance with diabetes

Q: Will using insulin disqualify me from final expense insurance?

No. Insulin use is acceptable at most simplified-issue final expense carriers — it just bumps you to a higher rate class. The carriers that decline insulin users decline most pre-existing conditions; an independent agent steers your application to friendlier carriers.

Q: Is there a waiting period on final expense insurance for diabetics?

If you qualify for simplified-issue underwriting (most diabetics do), no — full coverage starts day one. If your situation only fits guaranteed-issue, there's a 2-year waiting period on natural-cause death; accidental death is typically covered in full from day one.

Last updated: May 28, 2026 · Reviewed by Mark Snyder, NPN 22163900

Short answer: Yes — most diabetics qualify for final expense insurance, often at full coverage with no waiting period. Controlled Type 2 diabetes (no insulin, no complications) is accepted by most simplified-issue carriers. Insulin use and complications narrow the field but rarely close it — there’s almost always a plan that fits.

What carriers actually ask

Final expense underwriting on diabetes is more nuanced than a yes/no. The questions that drive your rate class:

Type 1 vs. Type 2. Type 1 is more restrictive than Type 2.
Age at diagnosis. Diagnosed before age 30 raises rates more than diagnosed at 60.
Insulin use. Daily insulin pushes you to a different rate class than oral medications.
Complications. Neuropathy, retinopathy, amputations, kidney disease, or cardiovascular disease tied to diabetes narrow your options.
A1c control. Carriers don’t always pull labs, but they ask whether your diabetes is “controlled.”

What you’ll typically qualify for

Controlled Type 2, oral meds only, no complications → simplified-issue at full day-one coverage from most carriers, at near-standard rates.
Type 2 on insulin, no major complications → simplified-issue at a higher rate class, full day-one coverage with most carriers.
Type 1 diabetic, well-controlled → simplified-issue still possible at a higher rate; some carriers more friendly than others.
Diabetes with major complications (e.g., amputations, dialysis, diabetic-related heart attack) → typically a graded death benefit or guaranteed-issue plan, with a 2-year waiting period on natural-cause death.

Why working with an independent agent matters here

Diabetes is the textbook case where one carrier’s decline is another carrier’s approval. Each carrier weighs the same medical history differently. If your previous experience was “the agent quoted me one rate and the underwriter sent back another,” that’s almost always because the carrier wasn’t the right fit for your specific situation — not because you don’t qualify.

I compare multiple A-rated carriers up front, before we apply, so the application goes to the carrier most likely to issue at the best rate for your diabetes profile. That saves you from declines on your record and from getting stuck on a more expensive plan than you needed.

What to gather before our call

Year you were diagnosed.
Type 1 or Type 2.
Medications (names and whether insulin).
Most recent A1c if you know it (not required, but helpful).
Any complications (neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney issues, heart disease).
Recent hospitalizations related to diabetes (last 12 months).

Common questions

Can I be approved for life insurance with Type 1 diabetes?

Yes. Most simplified-issue final expense carriers accept Type 1 diabetics with full day-one coverage. The rate is higher than for non-diabetics, and a few carriers decline Type 1; the trick is going to the carrier that’s friendlier to your specific history.

Will using insulin disqualify me?

No. Insulin use is acceptable at most simplified-issue carriers — it just bumps you to a higher rate class. The carriers that decline insulin users are the same ones that decline most pre-existing conditions; we don’t apply through them.

What if I’ve been declined before?

Different carrier, different decision. Tell me which carrier declined you and why; I can usually find a different carrier whose underwriting is friendlier to your specific history. If all simplified-issue carriers decline, guaranteed-issue is always available as a fallback.

Will I have a waiting period?

If you qualify for simplified-issue (most diabetics do), no — full coverage starts day one. If your situation only fits guaranteed-issue, there’s a 2-year waiting period on natural-cause death (accidental death is covered in full from day one).

Get a fair rate for your diabetes profile

Tell me about your diabetes and I’ll match you to the right carrier — no guessing, no surprises at underwriting. Licensed in NV, CA, TX, and AZ.

Get my free quote Call (504) 453-9443

This page is general educational information, not insurance, medical, or financial advice, and not an offer of insurance. Carrier approval and rate class depend on your specific medical history, age, state, and carrier underwriting at the time of application. Final expense insurance is a life insurance product, not a pre-paid funeral plan, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency or program.