Jeffrey Wade
It is possible to get life insurance when you have epilepsy, but the acceptance terms of your policy will depend on the type of seizures you have, how often they occur, and how well your condition is controlled.
The type of epilepsy you have will influence the policies available to you and the price you pay. For instance, people with Absence Seizures (Petit Mal) Epilepsy should be able to obtain cover with no additional loadings or exclusions, whereas those with Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Grand Mal) Epilepsy may incur a small loading to their premium.
The number of seizures you experience will also affect the cost of your cover. Generally, fewer than 12 attacks per year will attract a minor loading to the policy, and over 12 attacks per year will mean a slightly higher loading. Some insurance companies will offer standard terms if you have fewer than 50 attacks per year or have not had an attack for over six months.
If your epilepsy is well-managed, you could find that you pay standard rates for cover with 'no loading'.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is life insurance available for people with epilepsy? | Yes |
| Does epilepsy disqualify you from life insurance? | No |
| Does epilepsy affect insurance? | No major differences to the policy |
| Does life insurance pay out for epilepsy? | Yes |
| Does epilepsy affect the cost of life insurance? | Yes |
What You'll Learn
Life insurance with epilepsy: what you need to know
It is possible to get life insurance when living with epilepsy, but the acceptance terms of your policy will depend on the type of seizures you have, the regularity of your symptoms, and how well your condition is controlled.
What insurance companies will want to know
Insurance companies will want to know more about your medical history when you apply, and this might involve asking for extra medical information like your GP records. They may ask:
- What type of epilepsy you have (e.g. tonic-clonic (grand mal), absences (petit mal) or nocturnal epilepsy)
- When you were diagnosed with epilepsy
- When you last had a seizure
- How often you have epileptic seizures
- What medication you take
Certain insurance companies will offer better prices to customers with epilepsy, so it's worth shopping around to find the best quotes. Various things can affect the price of life insurance for someone with epilepsy, including:
- Type of epilepsy
- Type of seizures
- Regularity of symptoms
- Whether your epilepsy is well-managed
If your epilepsy is controlled by medication, your seizures don't include a loss of consciousness, and you haven't had a seizure in the past six months, you will likely pay standard rates.
If you have tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal epilepsy), it is more likely that the prices for life insurance will be subject to a small premium increase. If you have 12 or fewer attacks per year, the increase is likely to be very light; if you have more than 12, then the increase will probably be higher.
Some insurance companies will offer standard terms if you have fewer than 50 attacks per year or have not had an attack for over six months.
Critical illness cover
Critical illness cover for people living with epilepsy can be straightforward to arrange if you have absence epilepsy and it is well controlled. You may be able to obtain critical illness cover when you have absence seizures at standard terms, if you approach a suitable insurer.
Epilepsy with tonic-clonic seizures will probably result in the insurance provider placing a small premium increase on your policy. If symptoms are frequent, this could increase premiums further.
Income protection
Income protection for people living with epilepsy that is classed as absence seizures can sometimes be accepted at standard premiums, but the policy may come with an exclusion for any claim related to epilepsy.
For individuals with tonic-clonic epilepsy, income protection is more likely to be offered at an increased premium or with an exclusion. It may be possible to choose between a higher premium (with epilepsy claims included) or an exclusion (cheaper, but epilepsy is not covered).
Where to find the best epilepsy life insurance quotes
The best way to find the cover you need for a lower price is to speak to an expert epilepsy life insurance advisor, who will have a better understanding of epilepsy life insurance and how your condition can affect your policy.
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How does epilepsy affect insurance premiums?
People with epilepsy can get life insurance, but the premiums will depend on the type of epilepsy and its severity. The Insurance Surgery, a UK-based company, offers epilepsy life insurance and states that the premiums will depend on the type of epilepsy (e.g. Grand Mal or Petit Mal) and the severity of the condition (e.g. frequency and severity of attacks).
If your epilepsy is well-managed and you have not experienced any symptoms or seizures for several years, you could find that you pay standard rates for cover with 'no loading'. Generally, if you have fewer than 12 attacks per year, you will attract a minor loading to the policy. Over 12 attacks per year will mean a slightly higher loading. If your epilepsy is controlled by medication, your seizures don't include a loss of consciousness, and you haven't had a seizure in the past six months, you will likely pay standard rates.
In the US, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has helped more Americans with epilepsy get covered. The law includes protections to ensure coverage for people with pre-existing conditions like epilepsy, and it has ended lifetime and annual dollar limits on coverage. Before the ACA, 17.7% of adults aged 18-64 with active epilepsy were uninsured. After the ACA went into effect, the rate of uninsured adults with active epilepsy dropped to 7.3%.
Medicare in the US is a federally-funded insurance program that provides health services for over 70 million low-income Americans, including over 40% of people living with epilepsy. It covers inpatient and outpatient care, and enrollees with epilepsy have extensive prescription drug coverage. However, Medicare is one of the only remaining forms of coverage in the US that does not have an out-of-pocket maximum.
Epilepsy Action, a UK-based organisation, works with PIB Insurance Brokers to provide basic-level personal accident insurance if you are killed or injured in an accident, including as a result of a seizure. The insurance includes £1,000 worth of cover per member in the event of death, loss of limbs, loss of sight, loss of speech or hearing, or permanent total disablement resulting from an accident.
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Can you get critical illness cover with epilepsy?
Yes, it is possible to obtain critical illness cover if you have epilepsy. The cover available to you will depend on the type of epilepsy you have and its severity. If your epilepsy is well-managed, you may find that you pay standard rates for cover with 'no loading'. If you have Absence Seizures (Petit Mal) Epilepsy, you should be able to obtain cover with no additional loadings or exclusions. However, if you have Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Grand Mal) Epilepsy, you may incur a small loading to your premium, and there may be an exclusion for epilepsy or neurological conditions in the TPD (Total and Permanent Disability) element of your policy.
Critical illness cover will pay out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a serious illness as defined under your policy. Most critical illness policies will cover liver or kidney failure, multiple sclerosis (MS), and major organ transplants.
The cost of your premiums will depend on the severity of your condition. Generally, if you have less than 12 attacks per year, you will attract a minor loading to the policy. Over 12 attacks per year will mean a slightly higher loading. If your epilepsy is controlled by medication, your seizures don't include a loss of consciousness, and you haven't had a seizure in the past six months, you will likely pay standard rates without any inflation on your premium.
In addition to critical illness cover, there are other types of insurance coverage available, including group benefit plans, HMOs, Medicare, and Medicaid. If you are employed, obtaining health insurance through your employer may be the most effective, least restrictive, and least expensive way to get the coverage you need. However, if you are not employed or your employer does not offer insurance, it can be challenging to find affordable coverage. In the US, the Affordable Care Act and the new federal health reform law have expanded options for individuals with epilepsy, including PCIPs (Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plans).
People with epilepsy can experience reduced access to health and life insurance. In many countries, legislation reflects centuries of misunderstanding about epilepsy, and people living with epilepsy and their families can be targets of prejudice and stigma. However, organisations like the Epilepsy Foundation and Epilepsy Action are working to improve access to insurance and provide support for individuals with epilepsy.
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What are the best epilepsy life insurance companies?
Yes, it is possible to get life insurance if you have epilepsy, although the type of policy and the premium you pay will depend on the specifics of your condition.
The best life insurance companies for people with epilepsy are those that offer competitive rates for those with pre-existing medical conditions. These are often smaller companies, but larger providers that have been known to offer high-risk policies include AIG, Banner Life, and John Hancock.
Transamerica is one of the largest life insurance companies and offers affordable rates for almost every age. It also has a history of providing coverage to people with epilepsy who would be declined elsewhere. If you have absence seizures, you may be able to get Standard rates, which are average and assigned to those with an average level of risk.
Legal & General America, which also does business as Banner Life and William Penn, has some of the most competitive rates for people with epilepsy, especially those with a history of absence seizures. If you haven't had a seizure in over five years, you may qualify for Preferred rates, which are the second-best health classification.
Mutual of Omaha offers guaranteed issue life insurance, which is aimed at covering end-of-life expenses and does not require a medical exam. This is a good option for those who can't qualify for traditional life insurance, such as people who have seven or more seizures a year.
The Insurance Surgery is a UK-based award-winning specialist insurance broker for those with medical conditions, high-risk occupations, or extreme sports. They offer expert advice and can help find the right cover at the right price.
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How do I find the best epilepsy life insurance quotes?
If you have epilepsy, you can still get life insurance, although the process can be daunting. The best way to find the best epilepsy life insurance quotes is to use a broker, as they are not tied to one insurance company and can shop the market for you.
Step-by-step guide to finding the best epilepsy life insurance quotes
Step 1: Prepare all the necessary information about your health. This includes any underlying cause, medication or control method, and the severity and frequency of seizures or attacks.
Step 2: Work out how much cover you need.
Step 3: Get in touch with a life insurance expert that understands medical conditions.
Step 4: You may need to provide a GP report.
Step 5: Browse the available options and, with advice from an expert, choose the correct cover for you.
What life insurance companies look for
One of the first things life insurance companies want to know is your specific type of epilepsy. This is because epilepsy doesn't come in one simple form. Research has identified many different symptoms and patterns that result in different versions of the disease. However, all types of epilepsy have one common symptom: seizures.
The type of epilepsy you are diagnosed with is important. A proper diagnosis can help epilepsy patients develop a holistic plan, including diet, exercise, and medication to manage symptoms.
What to do before applying for term life insurance
- Visit your doctor as often as recommended.
- Follow your doctor's advice regarding medication and treatment.
- Make sure your medical records are regularly updated.
- Get any other complications under control.
How epilepsy affects life insurance rates
Epilepsy is manageable and, in some cases, curable for some people, depending on the type and severity of symptoms. However, epilepsy can shorten an individual's lifespan by between two and ten years. This means that life insurance companies will consider you a higher risk and your premiums will be higher as a result.
How to improve your chances of getting approved for a policy
- Have medical information ready.
- Have your GP's contact details to hand.
- Lead a healthy lifestyle.
- Compare multiple quotes.
- Write your policy in trust.
- Use the services of a broker.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to get life insurance with epilepsy. The acceptance terms of your policy will depend on the type of seizures you have, the regularity of symptoms, and how well-controlled the condition is.
The cost of life insurance with epilepsy will depend on several factors, including the type of epilepsy, the frequency of seizures, and how well the condition is managed. The more severe the epilepsy, the higher the premium is likely to be.
When applying for life insurance with epilepsy, you will typically be asked a series of questions about your condition, including the type of epilepsy you have, when you were diagnosed, what medication you take, when you last had a seizure, and how often you have seizures.
