Health Insurance for Diabetics: What Employers Need to Know

Diabetes is a condition that affects over 4.4 million of people in the UK, and its prevalence is on the rise. For employers, it’s important that you understand how Health Insurance covers diabetes when considering Group Health Insurance options for your staff. 

Below, we'll explore the ins and outs of diabetes coverage under Health Insurance, addressing some of the most common questions and concerns that your team may have.

Can you get Health Insurance if you have diabetes?

One of the most common questions regarding diabetes and Health Insurance is: Can you get Health Insurance if you have diabetes? 

The answer is yes. In the UK, having diabetes doesn’t disqualify an individual from obtaining Health Insurance. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are considered pre-existing conditions, and many insurers, including YuLife, offer comprehensive coverage for individuals with diabetes. 

However, it's important to understand that while Group Health Insurance plans cover the initial diagnosis and necessary tests for diabetes, ongoing management of the condition is typically not included. Bupa, YuLife's partner in providing Group Health Insurance, outlines that diabetes is considered a chronic condition, and as such, ongoing treatment and regular check-ups may not be covered under their standard policies.

Here's how it works:

1. Diagnostic coverage

If an employee develops symptoms that suggest they may have diabetes, Health Insurance will cover the consultations and tests needed for diagnosis. For instance, if an employee develops symptoms, their initial GP referral and subsequent specialist consultations for diagnosis will be covered by Bupa.

2. Ongoing management

Once diabetes is diagnosed and stabilised, ongoing care, including medications and regular follow-ups, is typically not covered. These would need to be managed through the NHS or other private healthcare avenues. This is because diabetes is classified as a chronic condition with no known cure, and most Health Insurance policies do not cover chronic conditions.

3. Support services

Even though ongoing treatment is not covered, employees can still benefit from support services like Bupa’s Anytime HealthLine, which provides round-the-clock advice and information to help manage diabetes. 

YuLife also offers extensive support with our round-the-clock Virtual GP and mental health support. Employees can also access online resources such as the Bupa Diabetes Health Hub, which offers guidance on managing diabetes effectively.

What does Health Insurance for diabetics cover?

When considering Group Health Insurance for employees with diabetes, it’s important to understand the scope and limitations of the coverage provided. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s covered and what isn’t under Health Insurance for diabetics:

Diagnostic tests and initial consultation

Covered: If an employee develops symptoms indicative of diabetes, the initial consultations and necessary diagnostic tests, such as blood tests and specialist referrals, are covered. This is crucial for early detection and proper diagnosis.

Example: For instance, if an employee named Olivia experiences symptoms and is referred by her GP to a specialist, Bupa covers the diagnostic procedures needed to confirm the presence of diabetes.

Initial treatment phase

Partially Covered: The initial phase of treatment to stabilise the condition might be covered, including the first prescriptions and adjustments necessary to control diabetes. This phase often includes follow-up consultations to ensure that the treatment is effective.

Ongoing management and treatment

Not Covered: Once diabetes is diagnosed and managed, ongoing care, including regular consultations, medication, and long-term management, is typically not covered by Bupa’s – or any provider’s – Health Insurance policies. Diabetes, being a chronic condition, falls into the category of ongoing health issues with no known cure, which are excluded from coverage.

After diagnosis, Olivia would need to manage her condition through the NHS or other healthcare resources. This includes routine medication, regular monitoring, and any specialist consultations needed to maintain health.

Support services

Covered: While ongoing treatment is not covered, employees have access to Bupa’s and YuLife’s support services. 

Hospitalisation for complications

Conditionally Covered: If diabetes leads to complications that require hospitalisation, these situations may be covered depending on the policy terms and the nature of the hospitalisation. 

It’s essential for employers to check the specifics of their Group Health Insurance plan to understand these conditions.

Preventive measures and screenings

Partially Covered: Health Insurance plans may cover preventive measures and screenings that are part of the initial diagnostic process, but ongoing preventive care will generally need to be managed through the NHS.

Cost considerations for employers

When it comes to Group Health Insurance, employers often wonder about the costs associated with covering employees who have diabetes. While it is true that insuring individuals with chronic conditions can impact premiums, the increase is often mitigated by the group nature of the insurance plan. Group Insurance spreads the risk across a larger number of people, which can help keep premiums more manageable for employers.

In addition to the potential increase in premiums, employers should consider the cost benefits of providing Group Health Insurance for employees with diabetes. Proper management and treatment of diabetes can lead to fewer complications and absences from work, ultimately resulting in a healthier and more productive workforce. 

Offering Health Insurance that covers diabetes can also boost employee satisfaction and retention, as it demonstrates your commitment to employee wellbeing.

Understanding health insurance exclusions

While Group Health Insurance can offer extensive coverage for managing diabetes, it's important to be aware of potential exclusions that may apply. 

Exclusions are specific conditions or treatments that are not covered by an insurance policy. For instance, some policies may not cover experimental treatments or certain lifestyle medications related to diabetes.

As an employer, it’s important to be transparent with your employees about these exclusions and guide them to other resources that can help manage their health effectively. To understand more about Health Insurance exclusions, refer to our detailed guide on understanding Health Insurance exclusions.

Tailoring Group Health Insurance to support diabetic employees

As an employer, offering Health Insurance that supports your employees who have diabetes demonstrates your commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Here are a few ways you can tailor your Group Health Insurance and communicate its benefits to better support your diabetic employees:

• Educate Employees: Organise workshops and provide educational materials to help employees understand their Health Insurance benefits, including diabetes coverage.
• Wellness Programmes: Implement wellness programmes that encourage healthy living and diabetes management. YuLife’s gamified employee app offers daily challenges and competitions to inspire healthier lifestyles, which can be especially beneficial for employees managing diabetes.
• Flexible Coverage Options: Whether it’s us or a competitor, work with your insurance provider to explore options that allow employees to customise their coverage based on their individual needs, such as including specific diabetes management programmes or services.

By understanding the costs, coverage, and exclusions associated with diabetes and Group Health Insurance, we hope you can make informed decisions that benefit both your business and your workforce. Offering Health Insurance that covers diabetes is a valuable investment not only in your employees’ health and wellbeing, but also in boosting productivity and fostering a more supportive work environment. 

Sources for Health Insurance coverage for diabetics

Want to learn more about Health Insurance for diabetics and how you, as an employer, can ensure your team is getting the care and support they need? Below are some links to further reading on the topic:

1. NHS Diabetes Overview

This page provides an overview of diabetes, its types, and treatment options available in the UK. It can be used to support general statements about diabetes.

2. Diabetes UK: Diabetes Statistics

This page offers statistics about the prevalence of diabetes in the UK, which can be useful for background information and context when talking with your team.

3. ABI: Health Insurance Explained

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) provides insights into what Health Insurance covers, including chronic conditions such as diabetes.

About YuLife

YuLife is working to reimagine the insurance industry by protecting lives, rewarding living and inspiring life. We’re on a mission to transform traditional insurance into a life-enhancing experience each employee will value and use daily. 

How does it work?

Our award-winning app uses behavioural science and game mechanics to reward your people for living well while offering protection in case of crisis. And with our top-rated employee assistance programme, your team gets access to mental, financial and social support, virtual GPs, nutritionists, life coaches and more to help them live their best lives.

Because we believe that your employees should benefit from their insurance from day one — and that wellbeing should be accessible every day, for everyone.

Request a demo for your team today.