Critical illness cover
for diabetes
Specialist critical illness insurance for Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes. Get a tax-free lump sum to protect your family with specialist critical illness insurance for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Finding critical illness cover when you have diabetes isn’t impossible!
Although it can feel like a struggle, especially if you’ve been automatically rejected by mainstream insurers before having the opportunity to explain the details of your condition, we can help you secure the cover you need and deserve.
Here's what most people don't know: critical illness cover for diabetics does exist but only a handful of insurers will consider it, and finding them requires specialist knowledge.
With over 5.8 million people in the UK living with diabetes, it’s simply not right that so many are left without access to this vital protection. Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you deserve to know your options.
We've made it our mission to find solutions
At More Than Diabetes, we’ve spent years navigating the complex world of insurance for people with diabetes. As the UK’s only diabetes-specialist life insurance broker, we know exactly which insurers offer critical illness cover for diabetics and under what circumstances.
Our track record:
- 1,000’s of people with diabetes helped nationwide
- 8+ years specialising exclusively in diabetes insurance
- 5-star Google reviews from real clients with diabetes
Important: Critical illness cover for diabetes is significantly more restricted than life insurance. We’ll always be upfront about what’s possible.
The honest truth about critical illness cover and diabetes
Here’s the reality:
The Challenges:
- Most mainstream insurers will decline diabetes applications
- Options are more limited than life insurance or income protection
- Cardiovascular exclusions are common (heart attack, stroke)
- Type 1 faces the toughest restrictions; Type 2 has more options but strict criteria
The Good News:
- Specialist options do exist – and they're improving every year
- Well-controlled Type 2 diabetics with no complications have the best chances
- A specialist broker greatly improves your chances
Ready to secure your financial future?
Here at More Than Diabetes, we specialise in securing quotes and options for everyone living with diabetes.
What is Critical Illness cover?
Critical illness cover pays you a tax-free lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness like cancer, heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure. Unlike life insurance, it pays out while you’re still alive – giving you money when you need it most.
Is diabetes itself a critical illness? For most policies, no, diabetes alone won’t trigger a payout. However, if you develop a covered condition (which diabetics have higher risk of), your policy would pay out for that diagnosis.
Why it matters for diabetics:
- Financial security if diagnosed with cancer, heart attack, stroke or other covered illness
- A lump sum to pay off your mortgage or cover treatment costs
- Peace of mind knowing your family won't face financial hardship during a health crisis
Critical illness cover for type 1 and type 2 diabetes
The type of diabetes you live with will have an affect on your critical illness coverage options, so let's take a quick look at the facts.
Type 2 Diabetes
If you have well-controlled Type 2 diabetes, critical illness cover is possible. You’re more likely to be accepted if:
- Your HbA1c is below 8%
- You have no diabetes-related complications
- You're a non-smoker
- You have no other significant health conditions
What to expect: Premium loadings of 50-150% above standard rates, possible cardiovascular exclusions, and medical screening may be required.
Type 1 Diabetes
Traditional critical illness cover for Type 1 diabetes is not currently available in the UK market. Most insurers decline applications regardless of how well-controlled your condition is.
However, alternative options do exist:
- Cancer cover – standalone policies covering cancer diagnosis
- Hospital cash plans – payments for hospital stays regardless of condition
- Specialist limited cover – protection for specific conditions
The market is evolving, and we’re hopeful that fuller critical illness options for Type 1 diabetics will become available in the future. In the meantime, we’ll help you explore every available alternative.
What do insurers need to know about your diabetes?
When applying for critical illness cover with diabetes, insurers typically assess:
- Your HbA1c levels – Most require readings below 8% (64 mmol/mol), some below 7%
- Type of diabetes – Type 2 has more options than Type 1
- Treatment method – Diet-controlled, tablets, or insulin
- Date of diagnosis – How long you've been managing diabetes
- Complications – Retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, or cardiovascular issues are red flags
- Other health conditions – Blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI
Medical evidence typically required:
- Recent HbA1c reading (within 6-12 months)
- GP report or medical screening
- Details of any hospital admissions
Don’t have perfect readings? Speak to us anyway. We know which insurers are more flexible and can advise whether an application is worth pursuing.
How to get critical illness cover with diabetes
We’re real people with real expertise in helping people with diabetes access high quality, affordable critical illness cover.
01. Fill out a quick health check
In just a few minutes, we’ll assess your specific needs and show you the options available based on your health profile.
02. Get tailored advice
Our specialists will talk through your options and match you with insurers who understand diabetes.
03. Get covered
You’ll be protected, often within the same day, with no hidden fees or surprises. No GP reports required for most cases!
Transparency? Total. We’re paid by insurers upon success. You owe us?…zero.
What if i can't get Critical Illness cover?
If critical illness cover isn't available, there are alternative ways to protect yourself:
Life Insurance
Much more widely available for diabetics.
Income Protection
Monthly income if you can’t work due to illness.
Cancer Cover
Standalone protection against cancer diagnosis.
Hospital Cash Plans
Payments during hospital stays.
We’ll help you explore all options – because some protection is always better than none.
Frequently asked questions
Got questions? We’ve got answers. Here’s what people often ask us about Critical illness cover with diabetes.
For Type 2 diabetes with good control and no complications, yes – some specialist insurers will consider applications. For Type 1 diabetes, traditional critical illness cover isn’t currently available, but alternative options like cancer cover exist.
Expect premium loadings of 50-150% above standard rates. Some conditions may be excluded, which can reduce premiums.
Most insurers require HbA1c below 8% (64 mmol/mol). However, HbA1c alone doesn’t determine acceptance – complications, treatment, and overall health all matter.
Critical illness cover pays a one-off lump sum for specified serious illnesses. Income protection pays regular monthly income if you can’t work. For diabetics, income protection is generally more accessible.
Find out what's possible for your situation
Critical illness cover for diabetes is challenging but not always impossible. Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, our specialist team will give you an honest assessment of your options.
Start with a quick, 90-second health questionnaire. No obligation – just straightforward advice from people who understand diabetes.
Or call us on: 01233 222 008