Burial Insurance with Diabetes (Type 1 & Type 2)
How A1C levels, insulin usage, and age of diagnosis impact rate classes — and which carriers offer level coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Comparing 40+ A-rated carriers ensures you never overpay for life coverage.
- Pre-existing health conditions often qualify for level, day-one coverage with the right carrier.
- Our independent brokerage works directly for you — at no cost or added markup.
Securing burial and life insurance with diabetes is entirely achievable — and in most cases, diabetic seniors can qualify for first-day full coverage with no waiting period. However, because life insurance underwriters view diabetes through very specific clinical lenses, the difference in monthly premiums between applying with the wrong carrier versus the right carrier can exceed 40% to 100%.
1. Key Clinical Underwriting Factors for Diabetes
Underwriters evaluate risk by examining how well your condition is regulated and whether secondary vascular or neurological damage has occurred:
Below 7.5: Preferred / Level rates available with top carriers.
7.5 – 8.9: Standard day-one level coverage with carriers like Prosperity, American Amicable, and Mutual of Omaha.
9.0+: May require carriers with higher thresholds or guaranteed acceptance.
Diagnosis after age 50 is treated favorably by almost all carriers. If diagnosed prior to age 40 or 30 (often juvenile onset/Type 1), some carriers push applicants into graded or modified tiers, whereas carriers like Royal Neighbors or Prosperity still provide level coverage.
Seniors taking oral maintenance medications like Metformin, Glipizide, or Januvia without insulin qualify for the lowest preferred or standard rates across nearly all 40+ carriers.
Taking insulin does not automatically disqualify you from immediate day-one coverage. Carriers like SBLI, Security National, and Prosperity offer first-day coverage to insulin users, though taking over 80–100 units/day triggers additional carrier scrutiny.
2. How Different Top Carriers Rate Diabetes
Here is how leading final expense carriers specifically treat common diabetes profiles:
| Insurance Carrier | Oral Meds Only | Insulin Use | Underwriting Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual of Omaha (Living Promise) | Level (Day 1) | Graded (if under age 50 at dx) | Preferred rate if diagnosed over age 50 and well managed. |
| Prosperity Life (New Vista) | Level (Day 1) | Level (Day 1) | Excellent for insulin users diagnosed after age 30; no waiting period. |
| American Amicable (Senior Choice) | Immediate Level | Immediate Level | First-day benefit even with insulin if diagnosed over age 50. |
| Aetna (Protection Series) | Preferred | Decline / Not Eligible | Strictly oral meds only; will decline if taking insulin. |
| Security National Life | Loyalty Preferred | Loyalty Preferred | Approves insulin users up to 120 units/day with full day-1 coverage. |
Watch Out for Diabetic Complications
Diabetic neuropathy (numbness/nerve pain), retinopathy (eye damage), nephropathy (kidney involvement), or past diabetic coma are considered complications. While some carriers decline or assign a 2-year waiting period for neuropathy, specialized carriers like Security National or guaranteed issue plans ensure you still get covered without being left out in the cold.
3. How Legacy Life Solutions Helps Diabetic Applicants
Because Legacy Life Solutions is an independent brokerage representing 40+ carriers, we do not try to squeeze you into a one-size-fits-all policy. If you take insulin, we direct your application to carriers that offer day-one level benefits for insulin users. If you only take Metformin, we lock in the absolute lowest preferred rates on the market.
Need personal guidance for your state or health condition?
Our team reviews all carrier and product options to find you the best rates with zero pressure.