Can You Get Life Insurance With Type 1 Diabetes?

In a previous blog I discussed getting getting life insurance with Type 2 Diabetes.

In this one, I look at Type 1 Diabetes.

Can someone with diabetes get life insurance or mortgage protection in Ireland?

Here’s an email from a worried client, does it sound familiar?

Hello Nick, I have type 1 diabetes and I can’t get life/mortgage cover because of my hb1ac reading (over 8). I’m a healthy, non-smoker and wondering if you can help me get cover. Ta, Rory

Getting life insurance for Type 1 Diabetics in Ireland is difficult BUT IT’S NOT IMPOSSIBLE.

Here’s the bones of a recent case where we managed to get a lower price for our client. The best quote he had received elsewhere had a +250% increase.

Male – 40 years of age – Diagnosed at age 26 – Latest blood pressure 131/77 –  Latest cholesterol 4.06 – Latest Hb1Ac reading 80 – no other health issues.

Our insurer offered him cover with a loading of 150% (without the need for a medical report which can slow things down considerably). Instead our client completed our diabetes questionnaire in great detail and supplied a letter from his consultant.

What are the chances of mortgage protection with diabetes?

The likelihood of getting life insurance or mortgage protection with Type 1 diabetes depends on:

• your age
• the length of time you have had the condition.
• whether it’s under control (your hb1ac reading is SO important, over 9.0 / 75 and you’ll struggle to get cover)
• the presence of complications and other risk factors (eg smoking, cholesterol, blood pressure, BMI)

Usually the increase in premium is 150%+.

e.g If a non diabetic can get cover for €20, you will pay €45 per month for the same amount of cover.

What about serious illness cover for Type 1 Diabetics?

Unlikely I’m afraid unless your control has been exemplary over a long period of time but you can get cancer only cover)

Is it the same for income protection with Type 1 Diabetes?

Afraid so, a life insurance company won’t offer income protection to someone with T1 Diabetes.

What is the application process for life insurance with type 1 diabetes?

1. Complete an application form
2. Complete our  diabetes questionnaire
3. The life insurance company may then request a Private Medical Attendants Report from your doctor*
4. The underwriters will review your medical evidence and make a decision.

*If you can get a copy of your latest consultant report, we may be able to avoid the need for a medical report from your GP. This will speed things up.

Conclusion – Life Insurance with Type 1 Diabetes

It’s not difficult to get life insurance with type 1 diabetes, assuming your control is good, but you will pay more.

But we can get you covered at a much lower price than you’ll find elsewhere.

In the example above I got indicative quotes of between 150% and 300% for our client so we’ll make sure you apply to the insurer that will give you the lowest quote.

Of course, you can personally apply to all 6 life insurance companies in Ireland if you have the time…

…but there is an easier way:

We’re the experts when it come to getting you cover if you have a health issue, so we know which insurers to approach and which ones to avoid for diabetes

The process will be slow and frustrating if you do it yourself.

We’ll take the hassle away saving you time and money.

Over to you…

If you’re in the market for life insurance or mortgage protection and have been declined or postponed elsewhere, please get in touch.

Give me a quick outline using the form below or complete this diabetes questionnaire and I’ll get right back to you.

Nick McGowan
lion.ie | making life insurance easier