Life Insurance with Type 2 Diabetes A1C 6.5 to 7.5

Quick summary box

• A1C measures long‑term blood sugar control. For Type 2 diabetics, an A1C between 6.5% and 7.5% indicates reasonably good control and may qualify for standard or even preferred life‑insurance rates.
  
• Underwriters look beyond A1C. They evaluate age at diagnosis, medications, complications (retinopathy, neuropathy), cardiovascular risk factors, and overall lifestyle.
  
• Better control means better premiums. Applicants with A1C under 7.5% and no complications often receive standard rates, while those with A1C above 8.5% or complications may face higher premiums or declines.
  
• Preparation can improve outcomes. Regular doctor visits, stable medication regimens, healthy weight, and good blood pressure can lead to better classes. Liberty Financial helps present your case effectively to insurers.
  
• Alternatives exist for high A1C. For those with uncontrolled diabetes, guaranteed issue or simplified issue policies may be options, though they have higher premiums and waiting periods.

What this means in plain English

Type 2 diabetes is common, and many people with the condition seek life insurance to protect their families. Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) is a blood test that shows your average blood glucose over the past two to three months. It is a key metric underwriters use to gauge how well your diabetes is controlled. An A1C of 6.5% or higher is one criterion used to diagnose diabetes. Maintaining an A1C under 7.5% is considered good control for most adults and reduces the risk of complications such as cardiovascular disease and neuropathy.

According to MoneyGeek’s analysis of life‑insurance underwriting, insurers generally view A1C levels under 7.5% as showing good control and may offer standard or even preferred rates. For some carriers, preferred classes are available up to an A1C of 8.0 if there are no complications. Conversely, A1C above 9.0 or complications can lead to substandard ratings or declines.

Because A1C measures long‑term control, underwriters also check fasting glucose, BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, and medical history. They want to know when you were diagnosed, what medications you take (e.g., metformin, insulin), and whether you have experienced complications such as diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy or cardiovascular disease. They also assess lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol use and exercise.

Who qualifies and typical requirements

Life‑insurance eligibility for diabetics depends on the insurer’s underwriting guidelines. Applicants with A1C between 6.5% and 7.5% generally qualify for coverage if:

• Diagnosis and treatment are stable. You have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes for at least six months, with consistent medication doses and no recent hospitalizations.
  
• A1C is controlled. Your most recent A1C tests are between 6.5% and 7.5%. Underwriters may require two or three readings over the last year to confirm stability.
  
• No significant complications. You have no history of diabetic complications such as neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, or peripheral vascular disease. These conditions increase mortality risk and may trigger table ratings or declines.
  
• Healthy weight and blood pressure. A BMI under 30 and blood pressure within guidelines (often under 140/90) support better ratings. Obesity or hypertension may place you into a lower class.
  
• Age and lifestyle factors. Younger applicants with a healthy lifestyle, no tobacco use, and good cholesterol ratios are more likely to receive favorable terms.
  

If you recently improved your A1C or changed medication, some carriers may postpone your application until your condition stabilizes. Underwriters also consider family history of heart disease, stroke or early death.

How underwriting actually looks for this case

When you apply for life insurance, expect the following steps:

1. Medical history and questionnaire. The application will ask when you were diagnosed, what medications you take, your A1C history, and whether you have experienced complications or hospitalizations.
   
2. Par‑medical exam. Most carriers require a medical exam that includes blood and urine tests. These tests measure A1C, fasting glucose, cholesterol levels, kidney function (creatinine), liver enzymes and more. The examiner may also take your height, weight and blood pressure. Some simplified-issue policies do not require an exam but may charge higher premiums.
   
3. Attending physician statement (APS). Underwriters often request records from your primary care doctor or endocrinologist to verify diagnosis and treatment. The APS may include notes about your adherence to medication, diet and exercise.
   
4. Underwriter evaluation. The underwriter reviews all data, comparing your A1C and medical history to the carrier’s guidelines. Many insurers use credit‑rating style “table shaving” programs where they may reduce a substandard rating if other factors are favorable (e.g., low BMI, good cholesterol). They may also look at stability of treatment and absence of complications.
   
5. Decision and class assignment. Based on your risk profile, you will be assigned a class. For example, if your A1C averages 6.8%, you take metformin and have no complications, you might receive a Standard Plus or Standard class. If your A1C is closer to 7.5% and you have borderline high blood pressure, you may receive Standard or Table 2.
   

Typical pricing outcomes and classes

Here is a qualitative overview of typical classes and pricing for applicants with A1C 6.5–7.5:

• Preferred – Rare but possible. Some carriers allow A1C up to 7.0–7.5 with no complications, optimal BMI and no other health issues. Premiums are roughly 20–30% below Standard rates.
  
• Standard Plus – Common. Applicants with A1C between 6.5% and 7.5%, minor medications (e.g., metformin only), good cholesterol ratio and blood pressure may land here. Premiums are moderately higher than Preferred but still competitive.
  
• Standard – Very common. A1C near 7.5%, taking two medications (e.g., metformin and GLP‑1 agonist), or with slightly elevated BMI may be placed here. Premiums are about 20–25% higher than Standard Plus.
  
• Substandard/Table – If A1C is closer to 8.0 or there are minor complications such as mild neuropathy or hypertension, underwriters may assign a Table rating. Each table step typically adds 25% to the Standard premium. Applicants with A1C above 9.0 or serious complications may receive Table 4 or higher, or be declined.
  

Illustrative example: A 50‑year‑old nonsmoking male with A1C 6.8%, BMI 28, no complications and taking metformin might pay around $50 per month for a 20‑year $250,000 term policy at Standard Plus. With A1C 7.4%, BMI 32 and on insulin, the same applicant might pay $80–$100 at Standard or Table 2. Rates vary widely by carrier and are not guaranteed.

Best alternatives and when to choose them

If you struggle to obtain traditional coverage due to high A1C or complications, consider these alternatives:

Simplified issue term or whole life

Simplified issue policies require few medical questions and no exam. They offer quick approval and are available for face amounts typically up to $500,000 for term and $25,000–$50,000 for whole life. Premiums are higher than fully underwritten policies, but they may be an option if your A1C is above 8.5% or you have mild complications.

Guaranteed issue life insurance

Guaranteed issue policies have no medical questions and no underwriting. They are usually whole life policies with death benefits of $5,000 to $25,000. They come with graded benefits—if you die within the first two years, your beneficiaries receive a refund plus interest rather than the full death benefit. These policies are a last resort for applicants with serious uncontrolled diabetes, kidney failure or other conditions that trigger declines.

Employer‑sponsored group life insurance

Group life policies provide coverage without medical underwriting and can be a good supplement to personal insurance. Coverage amounts may be limited, but group policies often include portability options if you leave your job. They can be especially valuable if your A1C is high or you anticipate future declines.

Laddering or partial coverage

If your budget or underwriting class makes a single large policy unaffordable, you could ladder multiple smaller policies (e.g., two policies of $250,000 each from different carriers). This strategy can provide flexibility and may result in lower total premiums, especially if one carrier rates you better.

Step‑by‑step: how to apply with Liberty Financial Group

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1. Gather medical records. Obtain recent A1C lab results, list of medications and doctor’s notes. Liberty can assist with this process.
   
2. Initial consultation. Schedule a call with a Liberty agent to discuss your health history, coverage needs and budget. Provide details about your diabetes management and any lifestyle improvements.
   
3. Carrier research. Liberty will identify insurers that are most lenient toward diabetics. Some carriers have specific programs for well‑controlled Type 2 diabetics and may offer better classes.
   
4. Application and exam. Complete the application and schedule a medical exam. Liberty coordinates the exam and ensures labs are sent promptly. If you choose simplified issue, an exam may not be necessary.
   
5. Underwriting communication. Liberty monitors underwriting, responds to requests for additional information and clarifies any questions about your diabetes management. We highlight positive factors such as regular check‑ups and stable A1C.
   
6. Policy selection and issue. Once approved, Liberty reviews the final offer with you and assists with acceptance, policy delivery and premium payment setup.
   

Florida notes or lender‑specific notes

Florida has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the United States. State regulators encourage insurers to provide fair access to coverage. Florida also offers the Diabetes Advisory Council, which promotes best practices for diabetes management. When applying for life insurance in Florida, ensure the carrier is licensed in the state. If you are using the policy for an SBA loan collateral assignment, the SBA guidelines discussed earlier apply.

FAQ (People‑Also‑Ask style)

Can I get life insurance if my A1C is 6.7%? Yes. Most insurers consider A1C under 7.5% as well‑controlled and may offer Standard or even Preferred rates. Your overall health, weight and medical history also matter.

What is the highest A1C I can have and still get standard rates? Guidelines vary by insurer, but Standard rates are often available up to an A1C of around 8.5% provided there are no complications. Above that, you may receive substandard ratings or be declined.

Do I need a medical exam? For coverage above $500,000 or if you want lower premiums, a medical exam is usually required. Simplified issue policies may waive the exam but charge higher rates.

Will my premium decrease if I lower my A1C? Yes. If you improve your A1C and health metrics, you can apply for a policy review or a new policy after two or three years. Insurers may offer better rates with improved control.

Can Type 2 diabetics get whole life insurance? Yes. Many carriers offer whole life to Type 2 diabetics. Rates are higher than term but can be competitive if your A1C is well‑controlled and you are under 65.

Are there carriers that specialize in diabetes? Yes. Some insurers have underwriting niches for diabetics and may offer better rates. Liberty monitors carrier guidelines and directs you to the best option.

Call to action

Don’t let diabetes stop you from securing life insurance. With A1C between 6.5% and 7.5%, many carriers will consider you for standard or even preferred rates. Liberty Financial Group understands the nuances of diabetes underwriting and will advocate for your best possible outcome. Contact us today to compare multiple quotes and find coverage that fits your life.