Burial Insurance With Health Conditions
Burial Insurance With Diabetes:
Most Diabetics Qualify — But Carrier Choice Is Critical
37 million Americans have diabetes. Most qualify for level benefit burial insurance — but only at the right carrier. One major carrier automatically puts all diabetics in graded coverage regardless of how controlled your diabetes is. Knowing which carrier to use is everything.
Can diabetics get burial insurance?
Yes — and the options are better than most diabetics expect. With 37 million Americans living with diabetes, final expense carriers have developed well-tested underwriting guidelines that accommodate diabetics across every stage of the disease. The question isn’t whether you can get covered. The question is which carrier you apply with — because the same diabetic profile gets level benefit at one carrier and graded benefit at another.
The two most important factors carriers evaluate are how you manage your diabetes (oral medications vs. insulin) and whether you have developed serious complications such as kidney failure, dialysis, or amputation. But there is a critical carrier-specific factor that most people don’t know about:
⚠ Mutual of Omaha — Important warning for diabetics: Mutual of Omaha automatically places all diabetics into graded benefit coverage — no exceptions, regardless of how well-controlled your diabetes is, what medications you take, or how long you’ve had it. Even a Type 2 diabetic on metformin alone with perfect A1C gets graded at Mutual of Omaha. See our full Mutual of Omaha review for details. American Amicable, Americo, and Royal Neighbors are the right options for level benefit.
LL
From Larry La Spina — Licensed Independent Broker
NPN #21598508 • Licensed in 49 states • 10+ A-rated carriers
Diabetes is the condition I place most often — and the Mutual of Omaha trap is the #1 mistake I see. A diabetic goes to Mutual of Omaha expecting their best rates and ends up in graded benefit when they would have qualified for level benefit at American Amicable or Royal Neighbors. Americo has some of the best rates in the market but goes strictly by medications, so I need to know exactly what you’re taking before I can quote you there. Call me and I’ll tell you in 10 minutes exactly which carrier fits your profile: (754) 800-1152.
Your coverage options based on diabetic profile
Best outcome
Type 2, oral medications only, no complications
Level benefit at American Amicable, Americo (medication-dependent), and Royal Neighbors. Full coverage from day one. Avoid Mutual of Omaha — they will grade you regardless of control.
Strong outcome
Type 2, insulin-dependent, no complications
Level benefit available at American Amicable and Royal Neighbors of America. Full coverage from day one. Carrier selection is critical — most carriers restrict insulin users.
Good outcome
Type 1, controlled, no major complications
Level or graded benefit available. American Amicable is typically the most lenient carrier for Type 1. Multiple options available depending on overall profile.
Moderate outcome
Diabetes with neuropathy, retinopathy, or minor complications
Graded benefit most likely. 2-year waiting period for non-accidental death, but locked-in premiums from day one. Full coverage after 2 years.
Still covered
Diabetes with kidney disease, dialysis, or amputation
Guaranteed issue coverage available from AIG/Corebridge with no health questions. 2-year waiting period applies. Not ideal but never uninsurable.
Recent event
Recent hospitalization for diabetes (past 12–24 months)
Graded or guaranteed issue most likely. Apply now to lock in current rates. Once stable 24 months post-discharge, level benefit options often open up.
Sample monthly rates by coverage tier (2026)
Sample rates for a $15,000 policy, non-smoker. Actual rates depend on carrier, health profile, and state.
Level benefit
Full coverage from day one. Available at Am. Amicable, Americo, Royal Neighbors. Not available at Mutual of Omaha for diabetics.
Age 60$54/mo
Age 65$68/mo
Age 70$89/mo
Age 75$121/mo
Graded benefit
Partial payout years 1–2, full benefit year 3+. What Mutual of Omaha offers all diabetics, even well-controlled ones.
Age 60$62/mo
Age 65$78/mo
Age 70$102/mo
Age 75$138/mo
Guaranteed issue
No health questions. Accepts any diabetic. Higher cost, 2-year wait. Last resort option.
Age 60$78/mo
Age 65$98/mo
Age 70$128/mo
Age 75$172/mo
Why carrier selection matters for diabetics: Americo has some of the best rates in the market but underwrites strictly based on your specific medications — your exact drug list determines your tier. American Amicable has lenient underwriting and is often the #1 choice for insulin users. Royal Neighbors combines competitive pricing with lenient underwriting. Mutual of Omaha has the best rates for non-diabetics but is the wrong choice if you have diabetes of any kind.
What health questions will carriers ask?
Typical diabetes underwriting questions
1
Are you insulin-dependent?Primary dividing line for most carriers. Oral medication users get better terms at most carriers. American Amicable and Royal Neighbors are the standouts for insulin users — both offer level benefit even with insulin.
2
Have you experienced kidney disease, dialysis, or kidney failure?The most impactful complication. Dialysis typically means guaranteed issue only. Kidney disease without dialysis may still qualify for graded benefit at some carriers.
3
Have you had any amputations related to diabetes?Significant underwriting factor. Most carriers offer graded or guaranteed issue to amputees, but coverage is always available.
4
Have you been hospitalized for diabetes in the past 12–24 months?Recent hospitalization significantly affects tier. Stable for 2+ years is the key threshold.
5
What medications are you currently taking?Carriers check prescription databases. Americo underwrites almost entirely by medication list — your exact drugs determine your tier. Listing medications accurately is essential.
How your diabetes medication affects your coverage
Metformin (Glucophage)
Best outcome
Most common oral diabetes med. Carriers view very favorably. Level benefit at American Amicable, Americo, and Royal Neighbors. Note: still graded at Mutual of Omaha.
Jardiance, Farxiga, Invokana (SGLT-2)
Good outcome
Viewed favorably. Indicate well-managed Type 2. Level benefit at most carriers except Mutual of Omaha, which still grades all diabetics.
Ozempic, Trulicity, Victoza (GLP-1)
Good outcome
Increasingly common. Most carriers treat as oral-equivalent management. Level benefit typically available at American Amicable and Americo.
Glipizide, Glimepiride, Glyburide
Good outcome
Standard sulfonylureas. Level benefit at American Amicable and Royal Neighbors when used without insulin.
Insulin (Lantus, Humalog, Novolog, etc.)
Moderate — carrier-dependent
Narrows options but doesn’t eliminate them. American Amicable and Royal Neighbors offer level benefit to insulin users without serious complications.
Insulin + kidney medications
Graded or GI likely
Combination of insulin and kidney-related medications typically results in graded benefit or guaranteed issue. AIG/Corebridge GI is the reliable fallback.
Carrier comparison for diabetics
| Carrier | Type 2 oral meds | Insulin users | With complications | Key notes |
|---|
| American Amicable | Level benefit ✓ | Level benefit ✓ | Graded | Lenient underwriting — #1 for insulin users |
| Royal Neighbors | Level benefit ✓ | Level benefit ✓ | Graded | Competitive pricing + lenient underwriting — great for female applicants |
| Americo | Level benefit ✓ | Case by case | Graded | Best rates but strictly medication-based — need exact drug list |
| Transamerica | Level benefit | Limited | Graded | Standard Type 2 profiles, strong financial rating |
| Mutual of Omaha | Graded only ⚠ | Graded only ⚠ | GI | ALL diabetics go graded — no exceptions regardless of control |
| AIG / Corebridge | Guaranteed issue | Guaranteed issue | Guaranteed issue | Any diabetic, any stage — no health questions. Last resort. |
Tell us your diabetic profile — we’ll match you to the right carrier
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Frequently asked questions
Can I get burial insurance if I have Type 2 diabetes?
Yes. Most Type 2 diabetics qualify for level benefit burial insurance at American Amicable, Americo, and Royal Neighbors — full coverage from day one with no waiting period. The important caveat: do not go to Mutual of Omaha if you have diabetes. They automatically place all diabetics in graded benefit regardless of control, medication, or A1C levels. See our
Mutual of Omaha review for the full breakdown.
Does Mutual of Omaha cover diabetics?
Mutual of Omaha does cover diabetics, but all diabetics are automatically placed in graded benefit — no exceptions. Even a perfectly controlled Type 2 diabetic on metformin alone gets graded at Mutual of Omaha. Mutual of Omaha has excellent rates for non-diabetics and is a great carrier for many health profiles, but if you have any form of diabetes, American Amicable, Royal Neighbors, or Americo are better options for level benefit.
Does insulin use disqualify me from burial insurance?
No. Insulin use narrows your options but doesn’t eliminate them. American Amicable and Royal Neighbors of America both offer level benefit policies to insulin-dependent diabetics without serious complications. You need an independent broker who knows which carriers to approach — a direct carrier or online tool won’t surface these options.
What health questions will carriers ask about my diabetes?
The key questions are: (1) Are you insulin-dependent? (2) Do you have kidney disease, dialysis, or kidney failure? (3) Have you had any amputations? (4) Have you been hospitalized for diabetes in the past 12–24 months? (5) What medications are you currently taking? Americo underwrites almost entirely by medication list, so your exact drugs matter enormously there.
What is the difference between level, graded, and guaranteed issue coverage?
Level benefit pays full death benefit from day one — no waiting period, best rates. Graded benefit pays a reduced amount in years 1–2 and the full benefit from year 3 onward. Guaranteed issue has no health questions but costs more and has a 2-year waiting period. Most diabetics qualify for level benefit at the right carriers — don’t accept graded if level is available elsewhere.
How much does burial insurance cost for a diabetic?
A 65-year-old Type 2 diabetic non-smoker typically pays $68–$78/month for $15,000 in level benefit coverage at the right carrier. The gap between a well-placed policy and a poorly-placed one can easily be $30–$40/month on the same coverage amount, plus graded benefit provides less protection in the first two years.
Can I get burial insurance with Type 1 diabetes?
Yes. Type 1 is more restrictive than Type 2 but not disqualifying. American Amicable is typically the most lenient carrier for Type 1 diabetics without serious complications, often offering level or graded benefit. All carriers’ guaranteed issue products are available to Type 1 diabetics regardless of severity.
What if I was recently hospitalized for diabetes?
Apply for coverage now — don’t wait. Apply for graded or guaranteed issue to lock in your current age rate. Once you are 24 months post-discharge and stable, level benefit options at carriers like American Amicable often open up and we can help you re-evaluate at better rates.
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