We understand that being told that you have diabetes type 2, can be a worrying situation. Whilst we cannot make the diabetes go away, we can take away stress that you may have when applying for insurance.
Things we need to know:
Individuals with type 2 diabetes should have no concerns about applying for Life Insurance. Some insurance providers will be able to underwrite your application at the time of submission if you are able to provide your latest HbA1c readings (taken within the prior 6 months) and have no other major health complications. If you are unable to provide these readings or do have other medical conditions your application is likely to be referred to underwriting and the insurer will want to contact your GP for additional information. This is a standard process for diabetics wanting Life Insurance and is often an advantage, as you can then be confident that the insurance provider has the latest account of your health before determining the policy available to you.
It is possible for a small number of type 2 diabetics to be accepted at normal terms. This would usually be when you HbA1c readings are less than 7, you have been diagnosed for less than 5 years, are over age 50 and have otherwise excellent health. For most people however a premium increase is likely.
Type 2 diabetics can have critical illness cover if they meet specific criteria set by the insurer. Critical Illness Cover applications for those with diabetes, will require the insurance provider to speak with your GP and will follow the same application process as that of Life Insurance. There are currently a few providers who can consider offering Critical Illness Cover for diabetics, there will however either be a number of exclusions on the policy or the cost of the cover will be increased.
To be eligible you must fall into the following categories:
Whilst Critical Illness Cover for diabetics is only available for a small number of diabetics on the standard marker, there are specialist policies available that could be worth considering. Specialist critical illness cover that is available for people with diabetes will come with an exclusion for diabetic related claims, and we would recommend that you speak with someone who can fully explain the policy to you, before you purchase it.
Income Protection for type 2 diabetics is available with a number of insurance companies. There are strict criteria for successful Income Protection applications for type 2 diabetics and you should be prepared that the policy premiums will be higher than those available to non-diabetics (or you could choose to have your condition excluded). To be eligible for Income Protection when you have diabetes you would have have no other serious conditions and the diabetes should be well controlled with no associated conditions.
Alternatively you could enquire about Accident, Sickness and Unemployment Cover which will not ask about your diabetes at the point of application, but certainly will exclude it from the policy claims set. Accident, Sickness and Unemployment cover pays you a monthly income for between 12-24 months if you are unable to work due to ill health or redundancy.
Are you going on holiday? We work alongside a specialist broker who can help you to understand how travel insurance works when it comes to your diabetes. For more information on diabetics travel insurance, visit our dedicated page here.
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What is Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the more common form of diabetes and typically develops after the age of 40. Type 2 diabetes displays a gradual decline in health as the pancreas continues to produce insulin, but no longer develops the correct amount for the body's regular functioning (insulin deficiency). Alternatively, the body may have developed a resistance to the insulin that is produced by the pancreas. Insulin is required to transfer glucose/sugar within the blood to cells that can alter it into energy.
Type 2 diabetes is characterised by low insulin that leads to high blood glucose levels. Initially this form of diabetes can be treat by a change in diet, but as the illness progresses medication in the form of tablets and/or insulin injections is likely to be required. Properly diet-controlled or medicated, a type 2 diabetic can lead a perfectly normal and healthy life. The greatest impact of a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is the change in lifestyle that is required to improve symptoms, which is dependent upon a positive attitude to alter habits for a longer and healthier life.
Also: Diabetes mellitus type 2, maturity-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes
Linked with: Type 1 diabetes, kidney failure, atheroma, circulation problems, nerve damage, dehydration and hypoglycaemia
Common problems experienced by individuals who have diabetes include:
The above list is respective of all of the major groups of medications that are issued for type 2 diabetics: Alpha Glucosidase Inhibitor, Biguanide, DPP-4 Inhibitors (Gliptins), Incretin Mimetics/GLP-1 Analogues, Prandial Glucose Regulators, Sulphonylureas, Thiazolidinediones (Glitazones).
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The Special Risks Bureau has been rated 4.9 out of 5 based on 162 reviews.
Review by Sarah on 26th January 2018
“Cura really helped me out when I got declined life insurance online they really took their time and listened to my needs.” - 5 
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