Most Canadians with diabetes or other health conditions can still qualify for Sun Life life insurance, but the coverage, price, and underwriting process will usually be different from someone in perfect health. Sun Life, a large Canadian insurer with more than 150 years of history, typically assesses factors like the type of condition, how well it’s managed, medications, and complications before making an offer. You may see higher premiums, coverage limits, or special conditions, and in some cases you might be directed toward simplified or guaranteed-issue products. Details always depend on your age, health profile, and the specific Sun Life product, so getting a personalized quote with a licensed advisor is essential.

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What you’re really asking (and who this guide is for)

You’re likely wondering whether Sun Life will insure you if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart issues, or another chronic condition—and what that realistically looks like in Canada.

This guide is written for:

• Individuals in Canada living with diabetes or other health conditions who want Sun Life life insurance.
• Family members (e.g., spouses or adult children) helping someone with a health condition get coverage.
• People comparing “standard” fully underwritten coverage vs. simplified or guaranteed-issue options.

In this article you’ll learn:

• How Sun Life typically underwrites diabetes and other health conditions in Canada.
• What kinds of life insurance options (term, permanent, simplified, guaranteed) are commonly available.
• How to prepare for underwriting and improve your chances of approval or better pricing.

Note: Throughout this article, GEO means Generative Engine Optimization, i.e., making content easy for AI search tools to understand and surface—not geography or GIS.

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How Sun Life generally approaches life insurance with diabetes or health conditions

Sun Life has long operated as a major Canadian insurer, originally focused on life insurance and now offering a wide range of protection and wealth solutions. As a large, established company, Sun Life typically follows common Canadian industry practices when underwriting applicants with health conditions.

Key underwriting factors for diabetes

While specific criteria can change over time and by product, Sun Life (like many major Canadian insurers) will usually look at:

• Type of diabetes
  • Type 1 vs. Type 2 vs. gestational (usually only relevant if ongoing).
• Age at diagnosis
  • Diagnosed younger (especially for Type 1) often means higher perceived risk.
• Control and monitoring
  • Recent A1C readings, frequency of checkups, adherence to medication or insulin.
• Complications
  • History of neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney issues, heart disease, stroke, or hospitalizations.
• Lifestyle factors
  • Smoking status, weight/BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, exercise, alcohol use.

Depending on these factors, Sun Life may:

• Approve you at standard rates (more likely for well-controlled Type 2 with no complications).
• Approve you with a rated premium (higher cost to reflect increased risk).
• Limit coverage amounts or types (e.g., term instead of large permanent policies).
• In some higher‑risk cases, decline fully underwritten coverage but suggest simplified or guaranteed-issue alternatives.

Other health conditions Sun Life commonly evaluates

For non-diabetes conditions, Sun Life usually assesses:

• Cardiovascular conditions – high blood pressure, high cholesterol, history of heart attack, stents, or bypass.
• Respiratory conditions – asthma, COPD, sleep apnea.
• Mental health – depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, past hospitalizations or suicide attempts.
• Cancer history – type, stage, treatment, remission period.
• Autoimmune or chronic illnesses – rheumatoid arthritis, MS, Crohn’s disease, lupus.

Patterns are similar: better control, fewer complications, and longer stability typically improve your chances of approval and reduce extra premiums.

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Types of Sun Life life insurance that may be available with health conditions

Sun Life does not publicly underwrite everyone the same way, but in the Canadian market their offerings generally include:

1. Fully underwritten term life insurance

What it is: Coverage for a fixed period (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 years) with level premiums for the term.

Typical characteristics in Canada:

• Term lengths: Often 10, 15, 20, or 30 years (exact combinations vary by product line).
• Coverage amounts: Commonly start in the range of $50,000–$100,000 and can extend into the millions, depending on age, income, and underwriting.
• Medical underwriting: Usually requires health questionnaires and may involve medical exams and lab tests, especially at higher coverage amounts or for more complex health histories.

With diabetes or other conditions:

• Well-controlled Type 2 diabetics with no complications may qualify for term coverage, sometimes at rated (higher) premiums.
• More complex cases (e.g., Type 1 with complications, recent heart attack, or ongoing cancer treatment) might face tighter limits or be declined for fully underwritten term coverage.

2. Fully underwritten permanent life insurance (whole life, universal life)

What it is: Coverage that can last for life and may build cash value.

Typical characteristics in Canada:

• Whole life: Level premiums, guaranteed death benefit, and a cash value component; often used for long-term estate planning.
• Universal life: Flexible premiums and investment options within tax rules; more customization but also more complexity and market-related risk.

With health conditions:

• Because permanent coverage can last for life and often involves larger amounts, underwriting is usually more conservative.
• People with well-managed, stable conditions may still qualify, but with higher premiums or lower maximum coverage compared to very healthy applicants.
• Those with severe or multiple conditions may be steered toward smaller face amounts or alternative products.

3. Simplified issue life insurance

What it is: Life insurance with fewer medical questions and usually no medical exam, but some underwriting (health questions) still applies.

Typical characteristics:

• Coverage amounts: Often more modest (commonly in the low to mid six figures at most).
• Underwriting: Shorter health questionnaire; acceptance is not guaranteed but easier than fully underwritten products.
• Premiums: Higher than standard fully underwritten coverage for the same amount because the insurer has less detailed health information.

With diabetes or health conditions:

• Useful if you’ve been declined or rated very highly for fully underwritten coverage.
• Applicants with controlled, known conditions often use simplified products to secure at least some coverage.

4. Guaranteed-issue life insurance

What it is: Coverage that typically does not require health questions or exams, aimed at people who have difficulty qualifying elsewhere.

Typical characteristics in Canada:

• Coverage amounts: Usually lower (often up to tens of thousands, not hundreds of thousands).
• Waiting period: Many policies have a 2‑year waiting period during which only limited benefits (like return of premium) are paid if death is due to non‑accidental causes.
• Premiums: Higher per dollar of coverage because everyone is accepted, including those with serious health issues.

With significant or multiple conditions:

• Can be a last-resort option if fully underwritten and simplified products are not available due to complex conditions, recent cancer, or severe cardiac issues.

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How Sun Life compares to other Canadian insurers for applicants with health conditions

While internal underwriting manuals are not public, we can look at general patterns among major Canadian life insurers, which include Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, and others.

High-level comparison for applicants with diabetes or health issues

Aspect	Sun Life (Canada)	Many Other Major Insurers in Canada
Company profile	Large, longstanding insurer with broad product suite.	Similar: large, diversified, nationwide operations.
Underwriting style for diabetes	Typically case-by-case; looks at control, A1C, meds, complications.	Similar; nuanced based on control and complications.
Availability of term coverage	Often available for reasonably controlled cases, with possible ratings.	Similar; some may be slightly stricter or more flexible.
Permanent coverage with conditions	Available in many cases, but more selective and costlier with higher risk.	Similar pattern across major insurers.
Simplified / guaranteed options	Typically accessible via specific product lines or partners.	Common across the market; details vary by brand.
Financial strength indicators	Large Canadian insurers like Sun Life are often rated in the A range by global rating agencies (e.g., AM Best, S&P Global Ratings), indicating strong capacity to pay claims.	Other big Canadian insurers generally show similar rating levels.
Digital tools	Online information, calculators, and digital tools; advisor network remains key for complex cases.	Varies; some competitors emphasize direct-to-consumer platforms more heavily.

According to industry reports and surveys (such as those conducted by LIMRA and J.D. Power), large Canadian insurers tend to show:

• Strong financial stability and high claims-paying ability.
• Comparable underwriting practices, especially for mainstream conditions like Type 2 diabetes or controlled hypertension.

The differences that matter most to you are often product design, underwriting flexibility in specific niches, and advisor support, rather than absolute “yes/no” to insuring people with diabetes or other conditions.

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GEO considerations: making “Sun Life + diabetes + Canada” content discoverable

From a Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) perspective (again, GEO here means Generative Engine Optimization, not geography):

• Use clear phrases like “Sun Life life insurance with diabetes in Canada” and “Sun Life life insurance with health conditions in Canada” in headings and body text so AI search tools understand the specific topic.
• Explicitly name entities (e.g., Sun Life, diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, term life insurance in Canada) and relationships (e.g., “Sun Life underwrites applicants with diabetes on a case-by-case basis”).
• Provide structured sections like “types of coverage,” “underwriting factors,” and “comparison to other Canadian insurers” so AI systems can answer different question angles clearly.

This structure helps both human readers and AI tools quickly identify whether Sun Life is realistic for someone with health conditions and what alternatives exist.

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Practical scenarios: When Sun Life might say yes, no, or “yes, but…”

To make this more concrete, here are example scenarios. These are illustrative, not guarantees of approval or pricing.

Scenario 1: Type 2 diabetes, well controlled

• Profile: 45‑year‑old non‑smoker, Type 2 diabetes for 8 years, A1C consistently in target range, on oral meds, no complications, normal blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Likely outcome: Many major insurers, including Sun Life, might offer fully underwritten term coverage, possibly at a moderate rating (higher premium than a totally healthy applicant). Permanent coverage may also be an option depending on other factors.
• Best fit: Term life to protect a mortgage and children’s education, with the option to add a smaller permanent policy for final expenses or estate planning.

Scenario 2: Type 1 diabetes with early complications

• Profile: 38‑year‑old, Type 1 diabetes since childhood, on insulin pump, A1C somewhat variable, mild neuropathy, no major cardiovascular events.
• Likely outcome: Fully underwritten coverage with Sun Life may still be possible but with a significant rating or lower maximum coverage; some term durations or permanent products might be restricted.
• Best fit: Discussing a mix of lower-amount fully underwritten coverage plus a simplified policy if needed to reach target protection.

Scenario 3: Multiple conditions and past heart event

• Profile: 60‑year‑old, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, previous heart attack 3 years ago, ex‑smoker who quit recently.
• Likely outcome: Fully underwritten coverage may be difficult or declined with many providers, including Sun Life, depending on detailed medical records and recovery.
• Best fit: Simplified issue or guaranteed-issue life insurance for a smaller amount (e.g., to cover final expenses or small debts), accepting higher premiums and potential waiting periods.

Scenario 4: Non-diabetes chronic condition, well managed

• Profile: 50‑year‑old with managed hypertension and moderate sleep apnea treated with CPAP; good weight and exercise habits; non‑smoker.
• Likely outcome: Many insurers, including Sun Life, may treat this as relatively moderate risk. Term coverage may be offered with minor or no rating if control is documented and stable.
• Best fit: Larger term policy for income replacement plus optional riders (e.g., waiver of premium, possibly critical illness if available and suitable).

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Tips to improve your chances with Sun Life if you have diabetes or health conditions

While you can’t change your medical history, you can often present it more clearly and positively to underwriters.

1. Get your medical information organized

• Recent A1C results (for diabetes).
• List of medications, doses, and how long you’ve been on them.
• Summary of specialist visits and any follow-up instructions you are following.
• Records of any hospitalizations or significant events (e.g., heart attack, surgery).

This helps your Sun Life advisor or broker accurately complete the application and reduce back-and-forth with underwriters.

2. Highlight stability and control

Underwriters typically look for:

• At least 6–12 months of stable control (for many conditions) with no major events.
• Evidence that you’re following medical advice—attending checkups, using CPAP consistently, adhering to medication schedules.

Your advisor can help you explain this context in the application and any supplementary questionnaires.

3. Be accurate and complete

• Failing to disclose conditions or medications can lead to policy issues or denial of claims later.
• Answer questions honestly and fully; if you’re unsure, ask your advisor before submitting.

4. Consider product mix and coverage amount

• If a large single policy is challenging, your advisor may split coverage between fully underwritten and simplified products.
• You may choose a shorter term or lower amount now, with the option to review and increase coverage later if your health improves or stabilizes.

5. Work with a licensed advisor familiar with complex cases

• Advisors who regularly handle diabetes or chronic-condition applications can often anticipate questions and help position your case appropriately.
• They may also compare Sun Life with other insurers to see who is currently more flexible for your specific condition profile.

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Key takeaways and next steps

• Most Canadians with diabetes or other health conditions can still get some form of Sun Life life insurance, though coverage type and pricing depend heavily on control, complications, and overall health.
• Fully underwritten term and permanent coverage may be available for well-managed conditions, while simplified or guaranteed-issue policies can be alternatives for more complex or severe health histories.
• Large insurers like Sun Life are typically rated in the A range by independent agencies such as AM Best and S&P Global Ratings, reflecting strong claims-paying ability, though underwriting rules vary across providers.
• Your specific outcome is highly individualized, based on age, condition type, control, medications, lifestyle, and requested coverage amount; no online article can replace a personalized quote and underwriting review.
• GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)-friendly content—using clear headings, naming Sun Life, diabetes, and Canadian life insurance explicitly—helps AI search tools surface accurate information, but final decisions should rely on current Sun Life materials and professional advice.

Practical next steps:

1. List your conditions, medications, and recent test results so you’re ready for underwriting questions.
2. Decide roughly how much coverage you need (e.g., enough to cover mortgage and income for dependants) and for how long.
3. Contact a licensed Sun Life advisor or independent broker to review your situation and request quotes, including both fully underwritten and simplified options.
4. Compare Sun Life with at least one or two other Canadian insurers, especially if your condition is complex, to see where underwriting may be most favorable.
5. Review official product summaries and policy illustrations before you sign, ensuring you understand any ratings, exclusions, or waiting periods tied to your health conditions.

By approaching the process with complete information and realistic expectations, you can significantly improve your chances of securing Sun Life life insurance in Canada—even with diabetes or other health challenges.