If your blood sugar is slightly elevated, should this be a red flag regarding your health? How could pre-diabetic glucose readings affect your chances of getting life insurance?
The truth is the healthier you are, the lower your life insurance rates will be. There are six main factors that can raise your life insurance rates and one of them speaks directly to the current state of your health. And, blood sugar is definitely a red flag for life insurance carriers.
What is considered pre-diabetic?
In addition to your day-to-day glucose readings being higher than a non-diabetic, if you’re A1C (3-month glucose average) is between 5.7 and 6.0, you’re considered “pre-diabetic”. This also means that you’ll be at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. Not only is there a higher risk for heart trouble, but it’s clearly an issue for life insurance companies. It doesn’t mean you’re not “insurable”, but it will likely mean that you won’t qualify for the lowest available rates. Rather, you’ll pay a bit more, as the risk of death is higher. Makes sense, right?
Remember, life insurance companies understand risk and will charge appropriately for it.
How can prevent this scenario?
If you suspect that your glucose readings are higher than they should be, you might want to visit your own general practitioner before taking the life insurance medical exam. If your personal physician determines that you are indeed pre-diabetic, there are things you can do to lower your A1C to a “normal” range.
- Shed Pounds – Losing 5% to 10% of your body weight can really make a difference.
- Exercise– Working-out can help speed up your metabolism while burning glucose – and it’s great for your heart!
- Eat Right– Eating a diet full of fresh fruits, veggies, nuts and whole grains, can help lower your A1C while giving your pancreas a break. Need some guidance here? We’ve got 3 simple health tips that can help!
Once your A1C is below 5.7 then you should be able to pass your insurance medical exam with flying colors. The secret here is to get healthy before you have to take the life insurance medical exam that’s typically required for many policies.
While you can sometimes get life insurance without a medical exam, you’ll likely pay more and get less coverage.
What if I already have diabetes?
If you’re a confirmed diabetic and your A1C is higher than 6.0 you can get coverage, but it will cost you more than someone who doesn’t have diabetes. For example, once you’re diagnosed with diabetes, you are probably not going to be offered “preferred” or “preferred plus” rates – which are the best life insurance rates in the marketplace.
However, don’t let diabetes get in the way of protecting your family. Life insurance coverage as a diabetic might be possible. In fact, unless your diabetes is “out of control”, it won’t prevent you from buying life insurance. And one could argue that if you ARE diabetic, you need the life insurance even more than someone who isn’t (as your odds of death are higher)… just keepin’ it real. So, don’t just throw in the towel – check it out!
Now call us at 800-442-9899 and speak to a real person! (yes, we’re old school.) You have enough things to think about, so we’ve taken the stress out of shopping for life insurance.
Keep Reading and Learn How to Save Money for Life
How much life insurance do I need?
How to buy life insurance without getting ripped off
Universal life insurance. What is it?
Blog Policies
Content, articles, information and opinions expressed on the AccuQuote Blog, whether provided by the authors or public visitors to the website, are provided to help consumers make informed decisions regarding their insurance needs and options. Opinions expressed in the articles are strictly those of the authors and may not represent the view of AccuQuote, its officers, employees, clients or the companies whose products are offered by AccuQuote.
The information, content, and services provided on this site are not intended to be, and should not be construed as legal, tax, financial planning, or other professional advice. Visitors to the site should look to and rely on their own professional advisors for such advice.
AccuQuote will not be liable, under any circumstances and in any way, for any errors or omissions, loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of use of any content posted on the AccuQuote Blog. By visiting the AccuQuote Blog, you acknowledge and agree that you use the content at your own risk and bear all risks associated with your use of any content, including any reliance on the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of such content.
See also our website terms and conditions Terms & Conditions
