Key takeaway
Yes, diabetics can get life insurance in Canada. Type 2 diabetics with well-controlled blood sugar (A1C under 8.0) can often qualify for standard or mildly rated coverage. Type 1 diabetics face higher premiums and more restrictions but still have options including simplified issue and guaranteed acceptance products. Carriers like iA Financial and Manulife are known for flexible diabetes underwriting.
Type 2 diabetes — underwriting criteria and rates
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, and most Canadian insurers will offer coverage if your condition is well-managed. The key factors are: A1C level (below 8.0 preferred, below 7.0 ideal), years since diagnosis, treatment type (diet/exercise vs. oral medication vs. insulin), and whether you have complications (neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney disease).
A well-controlled Type 2 diabetic on oral medication with no complications may pay 25–75% more than a non-diabetic for identical coverage. For a $500K 20-year term policy, a 40-year-old Type 2 diabetic might pay $65–$120/month compared to $38–$60 for a non-diabetic of the same age.
Carriers known for competitive Type 2 diabetes underwriting include iA Financial, Manulife, and RBC Insurance. Desjardins and Empire Life, while cheapest for healthy applicants, tend to be less flexible with diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes — options and strategies
Type 1 diabetes is underwritten more conservatively than Type 2 because it typically presents earlier in life and requires insulin management. Most carriers will consider coverage if: diagnosis was before age 40, A1C is under 8.5, there are no major complications, and regular specialist monitoring is documented.
Type 1 diabetics can expect to pay 100–200% more than non-diabetics for fully underwritten coverage. Coverage amounts may be capped at $1–$2 million depending on the carrier.
If fully underwritten coverage is declined or unaffordable, simplified issue products from carriers like Sun Life Go, Manulife, or Canada Protection Plan offer coverage up to $500K with limited health questions and no medical exam. These products cost more per dollar of coverage but provide guaranteed acceptance paths.
How to improve your diabetes life insurance application
Get your A1C tested within 3 months of applying. A recent result showing good control is the single most impactful factor. If your A1C has been trending downward, provide 2–3 years of lab results to show the improvement trajectory.
Work with an independent broker who specializes in impaired risk cases. They know which carriers are most flexible for your specific diabetes profile and can pre-screen applications informally before formal submission — avoiding declines that go on your MIB (Medical Information Bureau) record.
Disclose everything honestly. Omitting diabetes from an application constitutes material misrepresentation, which can void the policy during the contestability period (first 2 years). Honest disclosure with a sympathetic carrier always beats non-disclosure with a cheaper one.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get life insurance with diabetes in Canada?
Yes. Most Canadian insurers offer coverage to diabetics. Type 2 diabetics with good control can often get standard or mildly rated policies. Type 1 diabetics have more limited options but can still get coverage through specialized underwriting or simplified issue products.
How much more does life insurance cost with diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes typically adds 25–75% to premiums with good control, and 100–200% with poor control or complications. Type 1 diabetes usually adds 100–200%. Simplified issue products cost 50–100% more than fully underwritten but guarantee acceptance.
Which insurance company is best for diabetics in Canada?
iA Financial, Manulife, and RBC Insurance are generally the most flexible carriers for diabetic applicants. Sun Life Go and Canada Protection Plan offer simplified issue options if fully underwritten coverage is unavailable.
Does insulin use affect life insurance eligibility?
Insulin use increases premiums and may limit carrier options, but does not automatically disqualify you. Many carriers insure insulin-dependent diabetics, especially if A1C is well-controlled and there are no serious complications.