2024 Burial Insurance with Type 1 Diabetes
last updated on March 26, 2024Finding affordable burial insurance with Type 1 Diabetes can be easier than you think. In fact, burial insurance or final expense insurance for Type 1 diabetes is available even if you have diabetic complications.
The video below contains useful information if you have diabetes and want to qualify for the best-priced burial, cremation, or final expense life insurance.
If you’re a Type 1 diabetic looking for affordable burial insurance or know someone who is, this article will give you all the information you need to make an educated decision.
FOR EASIER NAVIGATION:
- What Is My Best Insurance Option If I Have a History of Type 1 Diabetes?
- What Types of Burial Insurance Should I Avoid?
- What Type of Burial Insurance Is Best?
- If I Have Type 1 Diabetes, Do I Need a Medical Exam to Qualify for Burial Insurance?
- Burial Insurance Underwriting If You Have Type 1 Diabetes
- How Much Insurance Do I Need If I Have Type 1 Diabetes?
- How Should I Pay My Premiums?
- Type 1 Diabetes and Burial Insurance Riders
- What If I Was Rejected for Coverage Because of Diabetes?
- Benefits of Burial & Funeral Insurance
- Other Common Uses for Final Expense Life Insurance with Type 1 Diabetes
- How Can You Get Affordable Rates with Type 1 Diabetes?
- How Can Funeral Funds Help Me?
- Additional Questions & Answers On Burial Insurance For Type 1 Diabetes
What Is My Best Insurance Option If I Have A History Of Type 1 Diabetes?
DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS THAT MAY AFFECT INSURANCE ELIGIBILITY
Type 1 diabetics have a higher risk of developing diabetic complications. Complications from diabetes can create additional challenges to qualifying for the best rates. Most life insurance companies look at diabetic complications as an indication of uncontrolled diabetes, which makes obtaining life insurance more difficult in some cases.
Diabetic neuropathy is a severe diabetic complication that damages the nerves. It also affects the internal organs such as the heart, stomach, bladder, bowels, and other parts of the body.
A mild case of neuropathy might not be a problem in your life insurance application. You may be able to qualify for first-day coverage.
If you currently have diabetic neuropathy or have had it in the past, some insurance companies will offer you a level-death benefit plan with first-day coverage. This coverage also comes with the lowest rate possible and no waiting period.
Best Option: Level death benefit plan with first-day coverage
NEPHROPATHY DIAGNOSIS LONGER THAN TWO YEARS
If you have had nephropathy, you will qualify for a level death benefit is immediate coverage with some companies. You will be fully covered from day one, and your beneficiary will receive your full death benefit when you pass away.
Best Option: Level death benefit plan with first-day coverage
RETINOPATHY DIAGNOSED WITH RETINOPATHY LONGER THAN TWO YEARS
Most life insurance companies only ask about retinopathy in the last 24 months.
Retinopathy as diabetic complications affects insurance eligibility because people with vision loss are prone to accidents.
If your diabetic retinopathy diagnosis occurred more than two years ago, you would have the best options to choose from. Thankfully, a select few final expense insurance companies offer a level death benefit plan with full first-day coverage. This is burial insurance with no waiting period.
The best thing about a level death benefit plan is full coverage from the very first day. Your beneficiary will receive your total death benefit when you pass away from the minute you are approved.
Best Option: Level Death Benefit Plan
LESS THAN 2 YEARS SINCE DIAGNOSIS
Most burial insurance companies will offer you a first-day benefit plan if your retinopathy diagnosis is less than two years. You will be covered from the first day, and your death benefit will be phased in over time.
Best Option: First-day benefit plan
HOME HEALTH CARE
Every life insurance company asks about home health care, just like the activities of daily living.
Some diabetes patients with retinopathy may require home health care when their retinopathy progressed to blindness. If this is your condition, it would be best to take out a guaranteed issue burial insurance.
Best Option: Guaranteed issue burial insurance
TWO YEARS OR LONGER SINCE THE DIABETIC AMPUTATION
If your diabetic amputation occurred more than two years ago, a select few burial insurance companies offer level death benefits with a first-day full-coverage plan.
You are instantly covered from the first day, and your beneficiaries will receive the full death benefit when you pass away.
This is best if you do not have any other health conditions that may prevent you from qualifying for these diabetic-friendly companies.
Best Option: Level death benefit plan with first-day coverage
LESS THAN 2 YEARS SINCE THE DIABETIC AMPUTATION
If your diabetic amputation occurred in the last two years, you could qualify for a first-day benefit plan.
You will be covered from the first day, and your death benefit will be phased in over time.
Best Option: First-day benefit plan
OTHER FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE ELIGIBILITY
Are you able to do activities of daily living on your own?
Needing assistance with activities of daily living includes needing help to perform: eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, and continence.
If you can perform these activities on your own, then your diabetic amputation will have little to no effect on your ability to qualify for burial insurance.
However, if you need help with activities of daily living, then your best choice for insurance coverage is guaranteed acceptance life insurance. Most burial insurance companies will decline anyone who needs help with ADL’s.
This plan has no health questions or medical exams. It’s a little bit more expensive than a plan with health questions, and it comes with a two-year waiting period before they will pay out a death benefit for a natural cause of death.
Best Option: Guaranteed issue burial insurance
AGE YOU STARTED USING INSULIN
Some life insurance companies will ask if you have been using insulin before a certain age. You will typically see them ask about insulin use this way:
- Has the proposed insured ever been treated for or diagnosed as having insulin shock, diabetic coma, amputation caused by disease, taken insulin shots prior to age 50, or been advised by a physician to have an organ transplant?
- Have you been diagnosed with diabetes prior to age 30 or have you ever been treated for insulin shock, diabetic coma, retinopathy, or diabetic neuropathy?
If you’ve been using insulin prior to the age they ask on the health questionnaire, your application will be declined.
WHEELCHAIR USE
When diabetics lose their legs due to diabetes, it is common to utilize the assistance of a cane, walker, or wheelchair. Using a wheelchair may impact your ability to qualify for final expense insurance.
Most burial insurance companies ask about wheelchair use and will flat-out decline your application if you use a wheelchair at home. Your best option for coverage is to take out a guaranteed issue burial insurance.
Best Option: Guaranteed issue burial insurance
If you have Type 1 diabetes, you are more likely to develop heart disease or stroke. Diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular problems such as angina, heart attack, stroke, or coronary artery disease.
If you were diagnosed with cardiovascular disease recently, you could not avoid paying a higher premium and have a two-year waiting period on your plan.
Best Option: Guaranteed issue burial insurance
HEART SURGERY
If you had heart surgery and 24 months had passed, and you have no other serious medical condition, you will qualify for a level death benefit. You will be immediately covered after you pay your first premium.
Best Option: Level death benefit plan with first-day coverage
What Types Of Burial Insurance Should I Avoid?
| PLANS TO AVOID | WHY? |
|---|---|
| Term life | Premiums increase after 5 years. Coverage ends after 80. |
| Pre-paid funeral plans | Expensive |
| Universal life | Tied with stocks |
| No health questions policies | With 2-year waiting period |
| Plans offering "teaser rates" | $9.95 per unit plans or $1 buys $100,000 coverage |
| Over priced plans | Insurance from TV and junk mail |
| Plans that accept mail-in payments | Risky |
| Plans that accept Direct Express | High lapse rate |
| Plans that accept Credit Cards | High lapse rate |
What Type Of Burial Insurance Is Best?
| FUNERAL FUNDS PLAN BENEFITS | INCLUDED |
|---|---|
| 1st Day Coverage | YES |
| Rates NEVER Increase | YES |
| Coverage NEVER Decreases | YES |
| Easy to get approved | YES |
| No Medical Exam | YES |
| Same Day Approval | YES |
| Death Claims Pay Fast | YES |
| Builds cash value | YES |
| Coverage Up To Age 121 | YES |
If I Have Type 1 Diabetes, Do I Need A Medical Exam To Qualify For Burial Insurance?
You are NOT required to take a medical exam to qualify for burial insurance with Type 1 diabetes.
When you apply for burial insurance, you only have to answer basic questions about your health. The application process is simple; you don’t need to provide medical records or blood and urine samples.
You’ll get the official approval from the insurance company often within minutes!
Burial Insurance Underwriting If You Have Type 1 Diabetes
If you want an insurance policy with the lowest price and first-day coverage, you must apply for a plan with some type of medical underwriting. It doesn’t necessarily mean you will need to take a medical exam.
Burial insurance companies have two ways of underwriting:
FIRST – They may ask you a series of health questions. Your answers to their questions will determine your eligibility.
SECOND – They will electronically review your prescription history to verify your health.
Your answer to the health questions and a background check will determine what type of insurance policy you will qualify for and the amount you need to pay.
HEALTH QUESTIONS
Most burial insurance companies will not directly ask about Type 1 diabetes in the health questionnaire. They will typically ask the date of your diabetes diagnosis. The life insurance company may also be on the lookout for any diabetic complications. You will commonly see questions such as these:
- Have you been treated for or diagnosed as having insulin shock, diabetic coma, amputation caused by disease or taken insulin shots prior to age 50?
- In the past 2 years have you been diagnosed with, or received, or been advised to receive treatment or medication for complications of diabetes such as diabetic coma, insulin shock, retinopathy, nephropathy, or neuropathy?
- Have you been diagnosed with diabetes before age 30, or have you ever been treated for insulin shock, diabetic coma, retinopathy, or diabetic neuropathy?
These are some of the common questions you will see on the application. You may be asked different questions to verify your health.
PRESCRIPTION HISTORY CHECK
The insurance company will also electronically check your prescription history to verify your answer to the health questions. It’s a standard underwriting procedure with most insurance companies offering burial insurance, except for companies offering guaranteed issue burial insurance.
If you ever filled a prescription medication for any health issue, they will see it when they check your prescription history.
When it comes to Type 1 diabetes, there are some medications they will be on the lookout for. If you ever took any of these drugs, expect to be considered as a Type 1 diabetes patient by the insurance company.
- Admelog
- Afrezza
- Apidra
- Basaglar
- Fiasp
- Humalog
- Humulin
- Lantus
- Levemir
- Novolin
- Novolog
- Symlin
- Toujeo
- Tresiba
These are the most common drugs for Type 1 diabetes. If they see you taking any of these drugs at the age, they did not approve, it will get you a negative response. Most insurance companies want to know if you were diagnosed with diabetes early in life.
WHY DO INSURANCE COMPANIES CARE IF YOU HAVE TYPE 1 DIABETES?
The insurance companies know that people with Type 1 diabetes can’t produce insulin. Because of its inability to create insulin, its body is unable to get the glucose it needs and will require insulin shots to manage diabetes and prevent future health problems.
Type 1 diabetics are generally considered higher risk applicants than those with Type 2 diabetes and may have trouble finding affordable coverage. Life insurance companies consider People with type 1 diabetes less manageable, particularly those who use insulin to control their condition.
Most life insurance companies consider the age of diagnosis when evaluating risk; a diagnosis later in life is viewed favorably. Type 1 diabetics are often diagnosed during childhood or teen years, which causes them to be considered to be at higher risk when applying for life insurance.
Diabetes is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, heart disease, and coronary artery disease. The uncontrolled sugar level in the blood can affect every organ in the body, including the heart and kidneys. Diabetes can cause severe complications like neuropathy, retinopathy, amputation, diabetic coma, and insulin shock, all of which may impact life expectancy.
A recent study shows that Type 2 diabetes may reduce life expectancy by ten years, while Type 1 diabetes is roughly 20 years. Type 1 diabetics have traditionally shorter lives than Type 2 diabetics. However, improvements in diabetes treatment today help people with diabetes live longer.
How Much Insurance Do I Need If I Have Type 1 Diabetes?
The amount of burial insurance you should buy varies depending on your personal and financial circumstances. However, burial insurance should cover the cost of your funeral, burial, and final expenses.
The first step to figuring out how much burial insurance you need is to know your end-of-life expenses. Your funeral cost is often the biggest single expense you need to pay. Other end-of-life expenses to consider are your outstanding medical bills, living expenses, credit card bills, and other debts.
Here’s an example of a funeral cost breakdown from the National Funeral Directors Association.
| AVERAGE FUNERAL COST WITH VIEWING AND BURIAL | |
|---|---|
| Non-declinable basic services | $2,300 |
| Removal/ transfer of remains to funeral home | $350 |
| Embalming & preparation of the body | $1,050 |
| Use of facilities for viewing & funeral ceremony | $965 |
| Hearse | $325 |
| Service car/van | $150 |
| Basic memorial printed package | $183 |
| Metal casket | $2,500 |
| Vault | $1,572 |
| Median Cost of a Funeral With Viewing and Burial | $9,420 |
| AVERAGE FUNERAL COST WITH VIEWING AND CREMATION | |
|---|---|
| Non-declinable basic services fee | $2,300 |
| Removal/ transfer of remains to funeral home | $350 |
| Embalming & preparation of the body | $1,050 |
| Use of facilities for viewing & funeral ceremony | $965 |
| Service car/van | $150 |
| Basic memorial printed package | $183 |
| Cremation fee (if firm uses a third-party crematory) | $368 |
| Cremation Casket | $1,310 |
| Urn | $295 |
| Median Cost of a Funeral with Viewing and Cremation | $6,970 |
| Rental Casket | $995 |
| Alternate Cremation Container | $150 |
How Should I Pay My Premiums?
The best way to pay your premium is through a savings or checking account. We recommend you set a bank draft from your savings or checking account. That way, the bank will automatically pay your premium each month, and you don’t need to worry about your policy lapsing due to non-payment.
Type 1 Diabetes And Burial Insurance Riders
Insurance policy riders add benefits to your policy. Adding insurance riders will enhance your policy to fit your needs. Some riders are built into your policy, while other riders can be added at an additional cost. Most riders are affordable, and it involves little to no underwriting.
Here’s a list of common burial insurance riders:
| FUNERAL FUNDS ADD-ONS | AVAILABILITY |
|---|---|
| Terminal Illness Add-On Benefit | Included with most plans |
| Nursing Home Care Add-On Benefit | Included with most plans |
What If I Was Rejected For Coverage Because Of Diabetes?
Some 1 diabetic clients come to us to get life insurance after having been rejected for coverage with another company.
Don’t lose hope if you have been rejected for insurance coverage because of Type 1 diabetes or diabetic complications. We can help you find affordable life insurance with a different company that will look at your health more favorably.
Even if you have advanced diabetes, we still have plans that you will qualify. Almost all burial insurance companies will issue you a policy that offers either first-day coverage or a first-day benefit plan.
We help people with diabetes get approved for coverage all the time. Even if you have been denied in the past, it doesn’t mean that we can’t find you insurance coverage that will easily fit in your budget today.
Benefits Of Burial & Funeral Insurance
Here are some of the benefits of purchasing a burial or funeral policy:
- No medical exam or doctor’s visit required – easy to get approved.
- Ease of issue – easy to qualify and get insurance coverage.
- No Money Down to get approved – have your policy start whenever you want.
- Level premium – your premium will never increase.
- Fixed death benefit – your death benefit will never decrease for any reason.
- Permanent protection – your policy can not be canceled by the life insurance company as long as you continue to pay your premiums.
- Tax-free – the death benefit is directly paid to your beneficiary tax-free upon your death
- Cash value builds up – burial insurance is a whole life policy that builds cash value over time.
Other Common Uses For Final Expense Life Insurance With Type 1 Diabetes
All of these examples are appropriate uses for Final Expense Life Insurance:
- Burial insurance plan with Type 1 diabetes
- Cremation insurance plan with Type 1 diabetes
- Funeral home insurance plan with Type 1 diabetes
- Final Expense insurance plan with Type 1 diabetes
- Prepaid funeral plan insurance with Type 1 diabetes
- Mortgage payment protection plan with Type 1 diabetes
- Mortgage payoff life insurance plan with Type 1 diabetes
- Deceased spouse’s income replacement plan with Type 1 diabetes
- Legacy insurance gift plan to family or loved ones with Type 1 diabetes
- Medical or doctor bill life insurance plan with Type 1 diabetes
We can help you with any of the plans above. Your pricing will depend on your age, health, and coverage amount for each program option.
How Can You Get Affordable Rates With Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is considered a high-risk medical condition. Some companies will either decline your application or charge you a higher premium. However, other companies will consider it a manageable condition and most likely approve your application at a reasonable rate.
To get affordable rates on burial insurance for Type 1 diabetes, you should work with an independent agency like Funeral Funds, which is highly experienced in helping people with diabetes and diabetic complications.
We know which insurance companies offer the most favorable rates for Type 1 diabetes. Our understanding of your medical condition allows us to understand how each insurance company works and which company would be the best fit for you.
We will compare prices from different insurance companies to see which one will offer you the cheapest premium.
How Can Funeral Funds Help Me?
Finding a policy if you have Type 1 diabetes needn’t be frustrating; working with an independent agency like Funeral Funds will make the process easier and quicker.
We will work with you every step to find the plan that fits your financial requirements and budget. You don’t have to waste your precious time searching for multiple insurance companies anymore because we will do the dirty work for you.
We work with many A+ rated insurance carriers that specialize in covering high-risk clients like you. We will search all those companies and match you up with the best burial insurance company that gives the best rate.
We will assist you in securing the coverage you need at a rate you can afford, so if you are looking for Type 1 diabetes funeral insurance, or Type 1 diabetes burial insurance, or Type 1 diabetes life insurance.
Fill out our quote form on this page or call us at (888) 862-9456, and we can give you an accurate quote.
Additional Questions & Answers On Burial Insurance For Type 1 Diabetes
Can you get life insurance if you have type 1 diabetes?
Yes, people with type 1 diabetes can get life insurance. Some insurance companies offer first-day coverage plans for people with type 1 diabetes.
Can a person with type 1 diabetes get burial insurance?
People with type 1 diabetes can qualify for burial insurance if they are 50-85 years old.
Is type 1 diabetes considered a pre-existing condition?
Type 1 diabetes is considered a pre-existing condition if you already have it before applying for life insurance.
What is the life expectancy of a Type 1 diabetic?
Studies show that type 1 diabetics have an average life expectancy of 66 years for men and 68 years for women.
How does type 1 diabetes affect life insurance?
Type 1 diabetes will not affect your life insurance eligibility unless you have diabetic complications.
Does having diabetes affect your insurance?
No, type 1 diabetes does not affect your insurance eligibility. You may even qualify for a first-day coverage plan if you have type 1 diabetes.
Can you be denied life insurance for type 1 diabetes?
No, type 1 diabetes on its own will not cause your application to be denied unless you have diabetic complications such as neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, insulin shock, or diabetic coma.
Can a person with type 1 diabetes get funeral insurance?
Yes, type 1 diabetics can still qualify for funeral insurance. Insurance companies offer funeral insurance to people with type 1 diabetes.
Do you have to declare diabetes to life insurance?
If you have diabetes, you must declare your medical condition on the health questionnaire.
Can a Type 1 diabetic get final expense life insurance?
Yes, people with type 1 diabetes can get final expense life insurance coverage. They may even qualify for first-day coverage if they do not have diabetic complications.
Does type 1 diabetes get worse with age?
Type 1 diabetes often gets worse with age if glucose levels are not controlled.
Can I get cremation insurance if I have type 1 diabetes?
Yes, people with type 1 diabetes can get cremation insurance. They may even qualify for a first-day coverage plan if their condition is well-managed and they don’t have any diabetic complications.
Is type 1 diabetes a terminal illness?
No, type 1 diabetes is not considered a terminal illness.
Which is worse type 1 or 2 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is worse than type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is milder than 2 but both types can cause health complications to the eyes, blood vessels, and kidneys.
Is diabetes Type 1 a critical illness?
No, type 1 diabetes is not considered a critical illness.
Is type 1 diabetes a chronic illness?
Type 1 diabetes is considered a chronic illness because it is long-lasting. Once you have it, it is there for life. You can only manage your condition so it will not get worse.
How many times a day should a type 1 diabetes inject insulin?
People with type 1 diabetes usually start with two insulin injections a day. They usually receive four insulin injections a day when their condition worsens.
Can you be denied burial insurance because of type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes will not disqualify you for burial insurance coverage. You may only be denied for a first-day coverage plan if you have a recent diabetic complication, but you can always get a guaranteed issue burial insurance.
Can I get funeral insurance if I have type 1 diabetes?
Yes, people with type 1 diabetes can get cremation insurance. They may even qualify for a first-day coverage plan if their condition is well-managed and they don’t have diabetic complications.
Can type 1 diabetics qualify for final expense insurance?
Final expense insurance is easy to qualify for because it does not have a medical exam. Type 1 diabetics can easily qualify for final expense insurance with first-day coverage.
Can I get final expense life insurance if I have type 1 diabetes?
Yes, people with type 1 diabetes can get cremation insurance. They may even qualify for a first-day coverage plan if their condition is well-managed and they don’t have diabetic complications.
Do Type 1 diabetics live shorter lives?
The life expectancy of people with type 1 diabetes is generally reduced by over 20 years. However, recent medical advancements allow type 1 diabetics to live longer.
