Yes, you can get life insurance with diabetes in Australia. Learn how Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes affect your coverage options, premiums, and what information insurers need to approve your application.
Complete guide to life insurance in Australia covering types, costs, and how to apply
Comprehensive premium breakdown by age, gender, and smoking status
How 15 common medical conditions affect life insurance premiums, underwriting, and coverage in Australia
Medical Disclaimer: This article discusses how diabetes may affect insurance applications. It does not constitute medical advice. For medical guidance about managing diabetes, consult your endocrinologist or GP.
Yes, you absolutely can get life insurance with diabetes in Australia.
However, diabetes is considered a "pre-existing condition," which means insurers will assess your application more carefully than someone without diabetes.
The good news? Thousands of Australians with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes successfully obtain life insurance coverage every year.
This guide will walk you through exactly how diabetes affects your life insurance options, what to expect during the application process, and strategies to get the best possible coverage.
Life insurance companies assess risk based on statistics. People with diabetes have:
However: Well-managed diabetes with no complications significantly reduces risk.
Type 1 Diabetes:
Type 2 Diabetes:
If you've been diagnosed with pre-diabetes (HbA1c 5.7-6.4%), you may:
Tip: If your HbA1c improves to normal range, wait 3-6 months before applying for better rates.
When you apply, insurers will ask detailed questions:
1. Diagnosis Details
2. Current Management
3. Medical History
4. Lifestyle Factors
5. Healthcare Engagement
Best for: Well-managed diabetes with no complications
Process:
Outcome:
Indicative Premium Loading Structure:
Verified baseline for a 35yo male professional (AAA occupation, non-smoker): $14.76–$32.04/month for $500k life cover (LRO API, March 2026). Diabetes loadings are then applied on top of this baseline:
| Condition | Typical Loading | Illustrative Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Type 2 diabetes, well-managed (HbA1c under 7.5%, no complications) | 50–100% | ~$22–$64/month for $500k at 35yo |
| Type 1 diabetes, well-managed (HbA1c ~7%, no complications) | 100–200% | ~$29–$96/month for $500k at 35yo |
These are illustrative ranges only. Your actual premium depends on the insurer, your HbA1c level, age at diagnosis, complications, and overall health profile.
Best for: Difficult-to-insure diabetics with complications
Process:
Trade-offs:
When to consider: If fully underwritten applications have been declined.
Best for: Recent diabetes diagnosis or poor control
Process:
Limitations:
Strategy: Use as supplemental coverage while improving control to qualify for individual policy.
Actions to improve your insurability:
Achieve Stable HbA1c
Regular Medical Check-ups
Eliminate Complications
Lifestyle Improvements
Why this matters: Insurers assess your current control, not just diagnosis. Demonstrating 6 months of excellent management significantly improves approval odds.
Before you apply, compile:
Tip: Request a "GP letter for insurance purposes" - many doctors have templates.
Work with an insurance adviser who:
Red flags to avoid:
Disclosure is critical:
Common mistakes:
Consequence of non-disclosure: Claim denial, policy cancellation, wasted premiums.
Insurers may request:
Timeline: 2-8 weeks from application to decision.
35-year-old, non-smoker, HbA1c 6.5%, no complications
Real baseline rate range for a 35yo male professional (no diabetes): $14.76–$32.04/month for $500k life cover (LRO API, March 2026).
With a 50% Type 2 diabetes loading, the indicative range becomes approximately $22–$48/month for $500k. The exact figure depends on which insurer you use and their specific underwriting approach to diabetes.
| Coverage | Non-Diabetic Baseline Range | Illustrative Type 2 Loading (+50%) |
|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | $14.76–$32.04/month | approximately $22–$48/month |
| $1,000,000 | approximately $28–$58/month | approximately $42–$87/month |
35-year-old, non-smoker, HbA1c 7.0%, no complications
With a 100% Type 1 diabetes loading applied to the same baseline:
| Coverage | Non-Diabetic Baseline Range | Illustrative Type 1 Loading (+100%) |
|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | $14.76–$32.04/month | approximately $30–$64/month |
| $1,000,000 | approximately $28–$58/month | approximately $56–$116/month |
Source: Baseline rates from LRO API, March 2026. Diabetes loading percentages are illustrative industry ranges — individual underwriting outcomes vary significantly by insurer.
Client: James, 42 Diagnosis: Type 2 diabetes, 3 years Management: Metformin only HbA1c: 6.8% (stable) BMI: 28 (was 32 at diagnosis) Complications: None Lifestyle: Non-smoker, regular exercise
Outcome:
Key success factors:
Client: Emma, 29 Diagnosis: Type 1 diabetes, age 12 (17 years) Management: Insulin pump, continuous glucose monitoring HbA1c: 7.2% (slightly elevated) Complications: Early retinopathy (monitored, stable) Lifestyle: Non-smoker, active
Outcome:
Key success factors:
Client: David, 55 First application (2024):
Actions taken:
Second application (2025):
Lesson: Even after decline, improving control can lead to approval.
Best time to apply:
Worst time to apply:
Not all insurers treat diabetes equally. Some are known for being more diabetes-friendly:
Factors to consider:
Tip: An experienced adviser can anonymously pre-approach insurers to gauge appetite before formal application.
Documentation that helps:
If life insurance premiums are high, consider Income Protection Insurance:
Challenges:
Strategy: May still be worth applying for non-diabetes coverage (cancer, etc.)
Total and Permanent Disability Insurance:
Request written explanation from insurer:
1. Improve control and reapply (6-12 months)
2. Try different insurers
3. Consider guaranteed acceptance
4. Group insurance through super
Don't be tempted to:
Consequence: All applications may be declined, and you'll be flagged in industry database.
Yes, but expect higher premium loadings (potentially 150-250%). The combination increases cardiovascular risk. Focus on managing both conditions well.
If fully resolved with no ongoing glucose issues, some insurers may not load premiums. However, you must disclose it as it increases Type 2 diabetes risk.
Most policies lock in premium rates. However, you can:
Stepped premiums: Increase based on age only Level premiums: Fixed for life (can't increase due to health changes)
Exception: If you develop complications, new coverage applications will face higher loadings.
Pros: Automatic acceptance, no medical questions Cons: Usually insufficient coverage, reduces retirement savings
Recommendation: Use super insurance as baseline, supplement with personal policy when possible.
Don't let diabetes prevent you from protecting your family's financial future.
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About the Author
Michael Chen is a Senior Insurance Adviser with 15+ years experience specializing in pre-existing condition cases. He has helped over 500 Australians with diabetes secure life insurance coverage.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. Individual circumstances vary. Always disclose your full medical history to insurers and seek specific advice from licensed advisers.