Term Insurance for Diabetics in India: Eligibility & Benefits

Written by : Knowledge Centre Team

2026-08-07

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Diabetes is a widespread chronic disease across the globe, and if left unmanaged for long periods, it can cause serious, life-threatening repercussions. As the condition can increase the risk of serious health complications over time, planning for your family's financial security becomes equally important.

Hence, it is essential to have a life insurance policy to help you pay for the expenses in case you get diagnosed with it. A term insurance plan can help ensure that your family's financial goals and ongoing expenses remain protected, even if you are no longer around to support them. However, many people living with diabetes often wonder whether they are eligible to purchase a term insurance policy and whether their medical condition will result in higher premiums or rejection of their application. The good news is that you can still buy a term plan as a diabetic person, provided you fulfil certain conditions. This blog explains how term insurance works for diabetic individuals, the factors that influence eligibility and premiums, the rider options available, and the important points to consider before choosing a policy.

Key Takeaways

Individuals with diabetes can buy term insurance for diabetics, but eligibility depends on factors like blood sugar levels and overall health
Type 1 diabetics usually pay higher premiums due to increased health risks, while Type 2 diabetics may get lower rates if their condition is well-managed
Adding riders like critical illness, accidental death, and waiver of premium can provide extra financial security for diabetic policyholders
Insurers consider age at diagnosis, HbA1c levels, and other medical conditions before approving term insurance for diabetic patients
Diabetic individuals can apply for term insurance online by providing basic details and medical history, with some insurers requiring medical tests for approval

Is a Term Plan for a Diabetic Person Different?

The short answer is no. The core features and benefits of a term insurance plan remain the same whether you have diabetes or not. The key difference lies in how insurers assess your application before issuing the policy.

When you apply for term insurance for diabetics, insurers evaluate your medical profile to understand the level of risk involved. Based on this assessment, they decide whether to approve the policy, request additional medical tests, or charge a higher premium.

Factors Insurers Consider:

Before approving a term insurance policy for a diabetic individual, insurers typically assess:

Age at diagnosis
Type of diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
HbA1c and blood sugar levels
Treatment and medication history
Overall health and lifestyle
Presence of other medical conditions, such as hypertension or heart disease

A well-managed condition with stable blood sugar levels may improve your chances of getting coverage at more favourable premium rates.

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Benefits of Buying a Term Plan for a Diabetic Person

As the disease, in the later stage, may lead to other serious health complications, the chance of spending more on healthcare also increases.

While managing diabetes often involves ongoing medical expenses, it is equally important to protect your family's long-term financial well-being. A term insurance plan ensures your loved ones have financial support even if an unforeseen event affects your ability to provide for them.

Apart from that, there are other benefits of a term plan for diabetes, which are listed below:

Protects Your Family Financially: The policy pays the sum assured to your nominee if you pass away during the policy term. This financial support can help your family manage daily living expenses, repay outstanding loans, and work towards long-term goals such as children's education.
Helps Manage Financial Obligations: While a standard term insurance plan primarily provides a death benefit, adding riders such as a critical illness rider can offer a lump sum payout upon the diagnosis of covered illnesses. This amount can help manage treatment costs and other financial commitments, subject to the policy terms and conditions.
Reduces Financial Stress: Although term insurance does not directly cover routine medical expenses, the financial support available through eligible riders can reduce the burden of managing unexpected healthcare costs, allowing you to focus on recovery without compromising your family's finances.
Flexible Premium Payment Options: Most insurers offer multiple premium payment options, such as monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annual payments, allowing you to choose a schedule that best fits your financial planning.
Tax Benefits: Premiums paid towards eligible term insurance policies and the death benefit received by the nominee may qualify for tax benefits under Section 123 (previously called 80C) for premiums paid and Schedule II(2) (previously called Section 10 10(D)) on death benefit.

Know in detail about the tax benefits of a term plan

How Does the Type of Diabetes Impact your Term Plan?

Generally, there are two types of diabetes, and different types of diabetes will impact the term plan differently. The type of diabetes you have is one of the key factors insurers consider during the underwriting process, as it helps them assess the level of health risk and determine the applicable premium.

Type 1: People who have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes are at higher risk. It typically happens at a young age and is extremely difficult to control. Since it usually requires lifelong insulin therapy and carries a higher risk of long-term complications, insurers may charge higher premiums or request additional medical information before approving the policy.
Type 2: As this type of diabetes generally happens at a later age, and hence, it has less time to affect the body. It is easier to control, which is why premiums for a term plan for this type are lower. Individuals with well-managed Type 2 diabetes, stable HbA1c levels, and no major complications may be eligible for more favourable premium rates. However, if a person is insulin-dependent to manage their diabetes, then they may have to pay a higher premium.
Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that affect how the body uses insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. It is often managed with a balanced diet, regular monitoring, and, if required, insulin therapy. As this condition is typically temporary and often resolves after childbirth, it may not significantly impact term insurance premiums. However, the final premium depends on factors such as your overall health, medical history, and the insurer's underwriting assessment.

Things to Consider while Buying a Term Plan for a Diabetic Person

When evaluating an application for term insurance for diabetic patients, insurers consider several medical and lifestyle factors to assess the level of risk involved. Understanding these factors can help you prepare for the application process and improve your chances of securing suitable coverage.

Keep Your Diabetes Well Managed: Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you can get term insurance, provided your condition has been under control for the past six months. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels, following your prescribed treatment, and attending regular medical check-ups can improve your eligibility for coverage.

Insurance providers generally consider people who have it under control through a healthy exercise regimen/diet or through oral medication more favourably than those who require insulin to manage it.

Consider Your Overall Health: Diabetics who are obese, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, a heart condition or have a habit of smoking have higher chances of being rejected or charged higher premium rates since they pose higher risks.

Insurers evaluate your overall health rather than diabetes alone. Lifestyle habits and co-existing medical conditions may increase the likelihood of complications, which can influence both policy approval and premium rates. These health conditions further compound the problem in patients whose diabetes is not under check.

Read to know: how smoking and drinking impact the cost of your term insurance?.
Age of Diagnosis: An early diagnosis of diabetes increases your chances of getting insured. A diagnosis made before the age of 40 is an early diagnosis. If you have been diagnosed early, there is a higher risk of the disease causing damage to your health. Thus, the premium rate increases. On the other hand, the later you are diagnosed, the lower the risk and the more likely you are to be able to secure insurance at lower and affordable rates.
Lower Premiums for Type 2 Diabetes: Those with Type 2 or non-Insulin dependent diabetes are more likely to get lower term insurance quotes as compared to those with Type 1 or Insulin-dependent diabetes. It is because the former is generally an age-related condition, which is commonly seen in older patients and can be controlled with oral medication and insulin. On the other hand, Type 1 Diabetes generally requires strict medical supervision.
Blood Sugar Levels Play a Significant Role: The HbA1c (Haemoglobin A1c) test is a parameter for gauging the severity of diabetes. It measures the average blood sugar control levels for the past 2 to 3 months. While an A1c level of 7 is most desirable, a general level below 7.5 indicates that the condition is under control. However, those with levels up to 8.5 may also be eligible for buying a term insurance. Usual fasting blood sugar levels may also be taken into account. Those with levels up to 180 would generally be eligible for a term life insurance policy.

Parameters mentioned above will be taken into account to determine how much of a risk you pose to the insurer. The premium might be higher as compared to that offered to an otherwise healthy individual. However, those who keep their diabetes levels in check and maintain a healthier lifestyle, in general, will usually be getting lower premium rates.

However, make sure to declare your condition clearly and honestly in the detailed questionnaire provided.

Did You Know?

The risk of getting Type 2 diabetes rises by 37% for a person who smokes regularly

Source: The Indian Express

Riders & Additional Coverage Options for Diabetics

When buying term insurance for diabetic patients, adding riders and extra coverage options can enhance their policy benefits. These add-ons provide financial protection against medical emergencies, disabilities, and critical illnesses.

Here are some key rider options available for diabetic individuals in India:

Critical Illness Rider: Diabetes increases the risk of severe health conditions like heart disease, kidney failure, and stroke. A critical illness rider will provide a lump sum payout if the policyholder is diagnosed with a covered critical illness, helping them manage medical expenses without financial stress.
Accidental Death Benefit Rider: This rider offers an extra payout if the policyholder passes away due to some unforeseen accident or situation. Since diabetes can sometimes lead to complications that make recovery from accidents difficult, having this rider ensures your family gets additional financial support.
Waiver of Premium Rider: If diabetes leads to a disability or a serious illness that affects the policyholder’s ability to work, this rider ensures that all future premiums are waived while keeping the policy active. It prevents financial strain while maintaining policy coverage.
Hospitalisation and Surgical Care Rider: People with diabetes usually require frequent hospitalisation due to health complications. This rider covers hospitalisation expenses, surgery costs, and post-treatment care, reducing the out-of-pocket expenses.

How to Apply for Term Insurance as a Diabetic?

Diabetic individuals can easily apply for and receive term insurance for diabetics by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Compare Plans and Visit the Insurer's Website:

Visit the Term Insurance for Diabetic Patients page on the insurer’s website. Before applying, compare different term insurance plans based on coverage amount, premium, eligibility criteria, rider options, and claim settlement record to choose a policy that best suits your financial needs.

Step 2: Enter Your Basic Details:

Provide basic details such as your name, gender, contact number, and date of birth. You may also be asked to provide your occupation, annual income, and other personal information required for the application.

Step 3: Disclose Your Medical History:

Enter relevant information, such as your occupation, annual income, smoking habits, and medical history related to diabetes. Be sure to accurately disclose details such as:

Type of diabetes
Age at diagnosis
Current medications or insulin usage
Recent HbA1c levels (if required)
Any existing medical conditions

Providing complete and accurate information helps ensure a smoother underwriting and claim process.

Step 4: Choose Your Coverage and Complete the Application:

Select a suitable term insurance for diabetics plan that meets your coverage needs and proceed with the payment. You can also choose optional riders, such as critical illness or waiver of premium, based on your financial goals and protection needs.

Step 5: Complete Medical Underwriting (If Required):

Once the application is submitted, the insurer may request to get additional medical tests done before final approval. Depending on your age, medical history, and the insurer's underwriting process, the application may include medical examinations or a review of your health records. Once the assessment is complete and the policy is approved, your life cover will begin as per the policy terms.

Documents Required for Buying Term Insurance for Diabetics

Buying the term insurance as a diabetic requires you to have the standard set of documents, which are:

Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Voter ID
Age Proof: Birth Certificate, Passport, or school-leaving certificate
Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, Passport, utility bills
Income Proof: Salary Slips, Form 130 (previously called Form 16), or ITR

Other than these standard documents, there are certain diabetes-specific documents you would need to submit before the final approval for the term insurance plan you choose is done:

Medical History: This should include the date of diagnosis, type of diabetes, existing medications, and any complications
Lab Reports: Reports on HbA1c, lipid profile, kidney function tests, fasting and post-meal blood sugar
Doctor’s Certificate: Valid doctor’s certificate that confirms the diagnosis along with the treatment history
Insurer-Specific Medical Forms: This includes any additional declarations or documents, or questionnaires that would be needed by the insurer

Along with submitting all these documents, the insurer expects you to give full disclosure of your lifestyle habits and family medical history to assess the associated risk factors.

Conclusion

Being diagnosed with diabetes does not mean you cannot secure life insurance. Many insurers offer term insurance for diabetic persons in India, with eligibility and premium rates determined by factors such as the type of diabetes, HbA1c levels, age at diagnosis, overall health, and lifestyle habits.

The key is to disclose your medical history accurately, maintain good blood sugar control, and choose a policy that aligns with your financial goals and protection needs. You can also consider adding suitable riders, such as critical illness or waiver of premium, to strengthen your overall coverage.

By comparing different plans, understanding the underwriting process, and applying early while your condition is well-managed, you can improve your chances of securing the best term insurance plans for diabetics that provide long-term financial security for your loved ones.

Glossary

Underwriting: The insurer's process of assessing your health and risk before approving a life insurance policy
Sum Assured: The guaranteed payout to beneficiaries upon the policyholder's death during the term.
Death Benefit: The amount paid to the nominee if the policyholder dies within the policy term.
Nominee: The person chosen to receive the policy benefits after the policyholder's death
Life Cover: The financial protection provided to your nominee if you pass away during the policy term

Whether you have to undergo any medical test or not depends on the life insurance company and their underwriting process. Generally, while filling up the application form, you will be asked everything in detail. After assessment of the form, you will be informed whether you need to undergo any medical test or not.

Check for a term insurance plan with critical illness coverage that covers diabetes. Do not settle on the first option that you get; rather, explore different plans and analyse them as per your financial needs.

A diabetic person can get a whole life insurance policy, but it depends on their overall health among other factors. The whole life policy for diabetics may cost more than the regular term plan, as the risk of ailments is higher.

Yes, diabetes does affect term insurance premium rates. Type 2 diabetes or insulin-dependent cases are considered at higher risk, so the premium rates for the plans offered under this would be quite high.

Failing to disclose your diabetes when applying for term insurance can lead to outright rejection of your claim by the insurer, policy cancellation, or forfeiture of premiums that would have been paid during that period.

Disclaimer - This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited or any affiliated entity. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the blog or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. You should consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances before taking any action based on the content provided herein.

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Term Insurance for Diabetics in India

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Key Takeaways

Is a Term Plan for a Diabetic Person Different?

Factors Insurers Consider:

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Benefits of Buying a Term Plan for a Diabetic Person

How Does the Type of Diabetes Impact your Term Plan?

Things to Consider while Buying a Term Plan for a Diabetic Person

Did You Know?

Riders & Additional Coverage Options for Diabetics

How to Apply for Term Insurance as a Diabetic?

Step 1: Compare Plans and Visit the Insurer's Website:

Step 2: Enter Your Basic Details:

Step 3: Disclose Your Medical History:

Step 4: Choose Your Coverage and Complete the Application:

Step 5: Complete Medical Underwriting (If Required):

Documents Required for Buying Term Insurance for Diabetics

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