Insurance for Diabetics in Singapore – Manulife Critical SelectCare Review 2025

Finding insurance for diabetics in Singapore can feel almost impossible. Many insurers decline applications outright or impose heavy exclusions, leaving people with diabetes underinsured. One plan that stands out is Manulife Critical SelectCare, specially designed for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or high BMI.

In this 2025 review, we’ll break down how Manulife Critical SelectCare works, its benefits, coverage for diabetics, exclusions, pros & cons, and whether it’s the right choice for you.

Why Getting Insurance for Diabetics in Singapore Is So Difficult

• Diabetes is linked to higher risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and cancer.

• Many insurers decline diabetic applicants because of this risk.

• Even if accepted, coverage often excludes diabetes-related complications.

This leaves a major protection gap for people with diabetes — which is where Manulife Critical SelectCare comes in.

Read more: How pre-exisiting medical conditions can affect your insurance application

Read more: I am healthy, why do I need insurance?

What is Manulife Critical SelectCare?

Manulife Critical SelectCare is a Critical Illness (CI) protection plan that accepts applicants with certain pre-existing conditions, including diabetes. For those searching for insurance for diabetics Singapore, this plan provides one of the few realistic options available in 2025. It’s designed to cover advanced stage illnesses, giving policyholders long-term protection that traditional Critical Illness plans may not offer.

Key Features:

• Provide coverage for client with diabetes or other chronic health conditions like high chloesterol and high blood pressure

• Protects against 7 type of critical illnesses

• Refund of 25% of total premiums paid if there are no claims during the cover period

• Coverage term till age 85

• For clients who are between age 40 to 70

How Manulife Critical SelectCare Works for Diabetic Applicants

Yes. This is the main selling point of the plan. Unlike most Critical Illness policies, Manulife Critical SelectCare is structured to consider applications from diabetics.

• Eligibility: Type 1 or 2 diabetes or high blood and/or cholesterol.

• Underwriting: Only 3 simple questions will be asked during application:

  1. Do you have any investigation, test, consultation, follow-up, surgery or procedure recommended by a doctor which is still pending? (exlcuding treatment and follow up for high blood, high cholesterol and diabetes mellitus)

  2. In the last 5 years, have you ever been hospitalized or undertaken surgery based on doctor’s advice or investigation?

  3. Have you ever been diagnosed with cancer (including carcinoma-in-situ), angina (chest pain), heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, dementia or mild cognitive impairment, chronic lung disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson, diabetic retinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis or osteoporosis?

👉 For diabetic individuals who have been rejected elsewhere, this makes Manulife Critical SelectCare one of the most accessible Critical Illness insurance options in Singapore.

Read more: Do I really need insurance in Singapore

Critical Illness Coverage Details in Manulife Critical SelectCare 

Critical Illnesses Covered

• Heart Attack of Specified Severity

• Major Cancers

• Stroke with permanent Neurological Deficit

• Alzheimer’s Disease/Severe Dementia

• Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease

• End Stage Lung Disease

• Fractures of Specified Sites as a result of an Accident

Special Benefit

You can claim an additional 25% of the sum assured (capped at $25,000 per condition) for:

• Osteoporosis with Fracture

• Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis

Pros and Cons of Manulife Critical SelectCare for Diabetics

✅ Provides one of the rare insurance for diabetics Singapore options, covering diabetes and other chronic conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol
✅ Death benefit of $10,000
✅ Suitable for high-risk individuals often declined elsewhere
✅ Peace of mind for families with critical illness history

❌ Limited or no coverage for early-stage critical illness
❌ Covers limited number of critical illnesses
❌ Entry age only start at 40 years old

Premium Example – How Much Does Insurance Cost for Diabetics? 

Male, 40 years old, non-smoker, with controlled Type 2 diabetes

• Sum Assured: S$100,000

• Premium (approximate): ~S$1422/year

Comparison: Manulife Critical SelectCare vs Other Critical Illness Plans

• Singlife MultiPay Critical Illness II – Recurrence coverage, but stricter on pre-existing conditions (diabetes often declined).

• FWD Critical Illness Plus – Can be bought online by yourself, but diabetes are usually declined.

• China Taiping i-Care – Affordable critical illness plans that covers all stages of CI, but diabetes are also usually declined.

👉 Compared to the market, Manulife Critical SelectCare is one of the few realistic insurance for diabetics in Singapore, making it a strong choice for individuals who otherwise struggle to find coverage.

Read more: 3 Best Critical Illness plans in Singapore

Final Verdict – Is Manulife Critical SelectCare the Best Insurance for Diabetics?

For Singaporeans with diabetes, Manulife Critical SelectCare fills a major insurance gap. While premiums are higher and early-stage illnesses are not covered, its willingness to accept diabetic applicants and offer critical illness coverage makes it a strong contender.

✅ Best for: Diabetics individuals who cannot qualify for regular Critical Illness plans but want long-term protection.
⚠️ Not ideal for: Those seeking comprehensive and early-stage Critical Illness coverage or lowest-cost premiums.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for the best insurance for diabetics in Singapore, and have been turned away by other insurers, Manulife Critical SelectCare may be your top option in 2025.

FAQ: Insurance for Diabetics in Singapore

Q: Can diabetics get insurance in Singapore?
A: Yes, but options are limited. Most insurers decline diabetics, but Manulife Critical SelectCare is one of the rare insurance for diabetics Singapore solutions available today.

Q: Does Manulife Critical SelectCare cover complications from diabetes?
A: No, it covers certain critical illness listed above in the article.

Q: Who should buy this plan?
A: Diabetics individuals, and those who have chronic conditions like high blood pressure and high chloesterol