Income Protection for diabetes
Specialist income protection for Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes. Tax-free monthly payments if illness or injury stops you working.
You shouldn't have to choose between your health and your financial security
Let’s be honest finding income protection when you have diabetes can feel like an uphill battle. You’re not alone if you’ve experienced:
- Automatic declines from mainstream insurers who don't understand your condition
- Extortionate premium quotes that make cover seem impossible
- Confusing exclusions that leave you wondering what you're actually covered for
- That sinking feeling of being told "no" when you're trying to do the responsible thing
With over 5.8 million people in the UK living with diabetes, it’s simply not right that so many struggle to protect their income. Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you deserve access to income protection that actually works for you without the stress, the rejections, or the unfair pricing.
We understand what you're going through
At More Than Diabetes, we’ve spent years fighting for fairer insurance for people with diabetes. We’ve seen the frustration. We’ve heard the stories. And we’ve made it our mission to change things.
As the UK’s only diabetes-specialist life insurance broker, we know exactly which insurers offer income protection for diabetics with fair terms. We know how to present your case to get the best outcome. And we know how to navigate the underwriting process without the headaches.
Our track record:
- 1,000’s of people with diabetes helped nationwide
- 8+ years specialising in diabetes insurance
- 5-star Google reviews from real customers with diabetes
What is Income Protection Insurance for Diabetics?
Income protection insurance provides you with regular, tax-free monthly payments if you’re unable to work due to illness, injury, or disability. Think of it as your financial safety net, replacing a percentage of your income (typically 50-70%) when you need it most.
For people living with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, income protection is especially valuable. Diabetes-related complications, hospital admissions, or periods where your condition affects your ability to work can all trigger a claim, giving you financial breathing room while you focus on your health.
Key benefits of Diabetes Income Protection:
- Tax-free payments – Your benefit isn't subject to income tax
- Cover until retirement – Protection for as long as you need it
- Flexible deferred periods – Choose 4, 8, 13 or 26 weeks
- "Own occupation" – Pays if you can't do YOUR specific job
- Multiple claims allowed – Claim as many times as needed
It's time to rewrite your story
At More Than Diabetes, everyone gets a quote and no one gets turned away. So why not explore your options today?
Who needs income protection with diabetes?
Far too many people living with diabetes don’t have adequate insurance policies in place that will provide peace of mind and financial security. We’re here to change that.
Income protection for diabetes is particularly important if you:
- Are self-employed – No statutory sick pay means no income if you can't work
- Have a mortgage or rent to pay – These bills don't stop when you're unwell
- Support a family – Your income keeps the household running
- Have limited savings – Can't afford months without income
- Have only basic employer sick pay – Standard SSP is just £116.75/week
- Are the primary earner – Your family depends on your wages
Income Protection for Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes
The great news is that income protection is available for people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The underwriting process and the available options do differ, so let’s look at the facts.
Income Protection for Type 2 Diabetes:
If your Type 2 diabetes is well-controlled, you have excellent options. Several specialist insurers including British Friendly, The Exeter, National Friendly, Holloway Friendly, and Cirencester Friendly now offer income protection with:
- No exclusions for diabetes-related claims (subject to criteria)
- Competitive premium loadings
- No upfront medical evidence required in some cases
- Cover available even with medication or insulin use
Income Protection for Type 1 Diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes income protection is more challenging, but not impossible. Insurers typically require:
- Well-controlled HbA1c readings (typically below 8%)
- No recent hospitalisations for hypos or DKA
- No diabetes-related complications
- Diagnosis longer than 12 months ago
Our specialists know which insurers are most flexible with Type 1 diabetes applications and can maximise your chances of acceptance.
What do insurers want to know about your diabetes?
When applying for income protection with diabetes, insurers typically assess:
- Your HbA1c levels – Most insurers prefer readings below 8% (64 mmol/mol)
- Type of diabetes – Type 1, Type 2, MODY, LADA or gestational
- Treatment method – Diet-controlled, medication, or insulin
- Date of diagnosis – How long you've been managing your diabetes
- Any complications – Retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, cardiovascular issues
- Hospitalisations – Any admissions for hypos, DKA, or diabetes-related reasons
- Other health conditions – High blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, smoking status
Don’t worry if your readings aren’t perfect. We know which insurers are more flexible and can still find options even if your diabetes isn’t perfectly controlled.
How to get income protection with diabetes
Getting diabetes income protection doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s our straightforward process:
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's at stake without income protection?
With income protection
Your mortgage or rent gets paid – even if you can’t work
Your family’s lifestyle continues uninterrupted
You can focus on recovery, not financial worry
You maintain independence and dignity during illness
Without income protection
Statutory Sick Pay of just £116.75/week won’t cover the basics
Savings can disappear in weeks
You might feel pressured to return to work too soon
Financial stress can make health conditions worse
Real people, real protection
Sarah's Story – Type 2 Diabetes, Self-Employed
Sarah runs her own beauty business and was worried about having no sick pay.
With Type 2 diabetes controlled by medication, she’d been quoted extortionate prices elsewhere. We found her income protection with no diabetes exclusion at a monthly premium that fit her budget. Now she has peace of mind knowing her business and family are protected.
Mark's Story – Type 1 Diabetes, Mortgage Protection
The pattern we see:
Rejection becomes identity. “Uninsurable” becomes fact. People never discover the specialist market exists.
Previous rejections mean nothing here. You were asking people who don’t speak Type 1.
Frequently asked questions about Income Protection for diabetes
Got questions? We’ve got answers. Here’s what people often ask us about income protection with diabetes.
Yes. Income protection is available for people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Acceptance depends on factors like your HbA1c levels, any complications, and treatment method. We work with specialist insurers who understand diabetes and offer fair terms.
Premiums vary depending on your diabetes type, control levels, age, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. People with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes often pay standard or near-standard rates. Type 1 diabetics typically face higher premiums, but specialist advice can help find the most competitive options.
This depends on your policy. Some policies offer full cover including diabetes-related claims. Others may exclude diabetes but still cover all other illnesses and injuries. We’ll clearly explain what each policy covers before you decide.
Sometimes. Some insurers can offer cover based solely on your application if your diabetes is well-controlled. Others may request a report from your GP to confirm your HbA1c readings and health history. This is standard practice and nothing to worry about.
Most insurers prefer HbA1c readings below 8% (64 mmol/mol) for income protection. However, some specialist providers may consider applications with higher readings. Don’t assume you can’t get cover – speak to us first.
Yes. If you pay the premiums yourself from taxed income, any benefit you receive is completely tax-free. This means every penny of your payout comes directly to you.
Income protection pays you a regular monthly income if you can’t work due to any illness or injury. Critical illness cover pays a one-off lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a specific serious illness (like cancer or stroke). For most people with diabetes, income protection is more valuable as it covers any reason you can’t work.
Protect your Income. Protect your Future.
Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, now is the time to secure your income protection. Our specialist diabetes insurance team is ready to help you find the right cover at the right price.
Start with a quick, 90-second health questionnaire. There’s no obligation, no pressure – just honest advice from people who understand diabetes.
Or call us on: 01233 222 008