Can You Get Life Insurance If You Have Diabetes?
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Can you get life insurance if you have diabetes?
Absolutely. Now it's possible to get life insurance even if you have diabetes.
Diabetes is a condition that develops either when your body does not make enough insulin – type 1 diabetes – or when your body cannot effectively use the insulin it makes – type 2 diabetes.
People with type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin. The sugar accumulates in the blood instead of going into the cells, where it’s necessary for energy.
In type 1 diabetes, high blood sugar causes symptoms like hunger, exhaustion and can lead to devastating consequences, such as damage to the nerves, blood vessels, and internal organs.
The same scary complications of diabetes occur in type 2, as well. The difference is that individuals with type 2 diabetes still produce insulin. So, their own bodies simply become less sensitive to it, which is what causes the complications.
Factors that could predict whether you are more at risk of being diagnosed with diabetes:
- Diabetes runs in your family.
- Overweight.
- Member of a high-risk ethnic group: African, Arab, Asian, Hispanic, Indigenous, or South Asian descent may increase the risk for type 2 diabetes.
- Gestational diabetes.
- Cholesterol levels and/or triglyceride levels are outside the accepted norm.
- High blood-pressure.
- You have given birth to a baby larger than 4 kg or 9 lb.
To reduce the risk for diabetes you should stay physically active, eat well, maintain a healthy weight, and go for check-ups.
Unfortunately, over 1.5 million people are living with diabetes and do not even know it.
“Eleven million Canadians are living with diabetes or prediabetes in 2019” (source Diabetes.ca). Every 3 minutes, another Canadian is diagnosed with diabetes.
It is imperative not only to understand your diabetes and how to live a healthy life but also to understand how you can be covered and obtain a life insurance policy even if you have diabetes.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes it's crucial to get coverage to protect your family.
A senior life insurance policy can protect your family from financial burden in the event of your death.
Without it, your loved ones would be left to pay for any of your debts and your final expenses.
Above all, a senior life insurance policy will cover these costs. Furthermore, a life insurance policy can also replace your income and provide your family with a lot of financial assistance.
However, life insurance is not so easy to get for people with diabetes. Those diagnosed with diabetes can have trouble getting accepted when they apply for senior life insurance coverage.
This is because the life insurance companies are concerned with the potentially life-threatening health risks associated with diabetes.
For example, you are at a high risk of stroke, heart attack, and blindness.
The good news is that getting affordable senior life insurance with diabetes is beginning to get more comfortable for life insurance underwriters.
Applying for life insurance even if you have diabetes starts to be more accessible.
there are a few factors that will affect the insurer decision:
- Type of diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
- Age at diagnosis
- Details of treatments
- Any history of complications related to diabetes
- Blood sugar control
- Smoking habits
- Any other medical conditions such as obesity, kidney disorders, vision problems, heart disease, stroke, circulatory problems, etc.
However, overall health and which kind of diabetes you have will have an impact on your life insurance acceptance.
When you’re shopping for life insurance, the most important thing is to never assume that you’re uninsurable. There are plenty of ways for seniors with diabetes to get affordable coverage. You just need to know where to look and what life insurance company to look for.
For this reason, dealing with a skilled and knowledgeable financial advisor is essential.
Each insurance company has its own standards for coverage. If you apply to the wrong one and get rated or rejected, the rejection becomes part of your medical record for all other companies to see.
When applying for senior life insurance policies, be prepared to answer several questions about your diabetes.
Remember, no matter the health conditions, be honest with the information you provide. It is vital to be as accurate and thorough as possible to get an accurate quote.
We specialize in helping people over 50 secure the best life insurance coverage that is available for them no matter their health conditions or medical issues.
Applying for life insurance is a no-cost, no-commitment process.
You don’t have to make a final decision until you get your final price from your life insurance company.
PROTECT THE ONES YOU LOVE!
Financiallysecure’s content is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or financial advice.