You are 35 years old. You have a wife and two kids.
You apply for a Term Insurance policy to secure their future.
But the medical test results come back: Type 2 Diabetes.
The insurer rejects your application. You feel helpless.
India is the "Diabetes Capital of the World," yet millions believe they are uninsurable.
Good News: You CAN get Term Insurance.
You just need to understand the game of HbA1c and Loading.
Disclaimer: Approval depends on the insurer's underwriting guidelines. Type 1 Diabetes (Insulin dependent) is still very hard to insure compared to Type 2.
Diabetic? Stop Thinking You Can't Buy Term Insurance.
1. The Magic Number: HbA1c
Insurers don't care about your "random" sugar level after eating a laddoo.
They care about your HbA1c (average blood sugar over the last 3 months).
- HbA1c < 6.5%: Standard Premium (You are treated as healthy).
- HbA1c 6.5% - 7.5%: Accepted with "Loading" (Extra Premium).
- HbA1c 8.0% - 9.0%: Requires "Diabetic Specific Plans." Standard plans will reject you, but specialized plans (like from Bajaj or Tata) may accept you with strict medicals.
Strategy: If your HbA1c is 8.5+, don't apply blindly. Spend 3 months controlling your diet. Bring it down to 7.0-7.5, then apply. Your chances of approval skyrocket.
2. Prepare to Pay "Loading" (It's Worth It)
Because you are a higher risk, the insurer will ask for extra money. This is called "Loading."
💰 The Cost Reality
- Healthy Person Premium: ₹15,000 / year.
- Diabetic Person Premium: ₹22,000 - ₹25,000 / year (approx 50-70% extra).
Is it unfair? Maybe.
Is it better than ₹0 cover? Absolutely.
Paying ₹7,000 extra is a small price to guarantee your family gets ₹1 Crore. Don't let ego stop you from buying.
3. Don't Hide It (Section 45 & ABHA Warning)
Some agents might tell you: "Sir, just take a pill before the medical test and hide your diabetes."
DO NOT DO THIS.
- The Legal Trap (Section 45): If you die within **3 years** of buying the policy, the insurer investigates thoroughly. If they find you hid diabetes, they will reject the claim for "Non-Disclosure." Your family gets ₹0.
- The Digital Reality (2026): With ABHA (Health IDs) linking medical records, insurers can now trace your history easily. You cannot hide anymore. Be 100% honest.
4. Best Plans for Diabetics
Some insurers have launched specific products for those with high sugar levels.
| Insurer | Why It's Good |
|---|---|
| Bajaj Allianz | Offers a dedicated "Diabetic Term Plan" that accepts HbA1c up to 8.0% or higher, with incentives to lower premiums if you improve control. |
| Tata AIA | Vitality Program: Gives discounts on future premiums if your health checkups show improvement. |
5. What If You Get Rejected?
If all Term Plans reject you because your diabetes is uncontrolled (e.g., neuropathy or kidney issues):
- Wait & Improve: Wait 6 months, improve HbA1c, and re-apply.
- Employer Group Insurance: Rely on your corporate Group Term Life cover (which usually requires no medicals). Maximize this limit.
- Avoid "Saral Jeevan Bima" Myth: Many think this government-standard plan is "guaranteed acceptance." It is not. It still has medical underwriting. Don't bank on it if your health is severe.
Secure Your Family, Diabetes or Not
Diabetes is a condition, not a crime.
You can lead a long, healthy life, but you must also plan for the worst.
Don't let a higher premium stop you.
Action Plan: Check your HbA1c today. If it is under 7.5, apply for Term Insurance immediately and declare your condition proudly. Your honesty is the only thing that guarantees the claim.
Helpful Resources:
Bajaj Allianz: Diabetic Term Plan Details
Tata AIA: Param Rakshak (Vitality)
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