Epilepsy And Life Insurance: What You Need To Know

Life insurance is an important product for anyone to have, especially if you have epilepsy. While epilepsy can affect the cost of your monthly premium, it does not mean you will always be declined for a policy. The effect epilepsy has on your life insurance application will depend on the severity of your condition, how well it is managed, and your general health and lifestyle.

The type of epilepsy you have and the frequency and severity of your seizures will be important factors in determining the type of policy you can buy and how much you'll pay for coverage. If your epilepsy is controlled with medication and you haven't had a seizure in the last two to five years, you'll likely be able to buy term life insurance, the most common and affordable type of coverage. On the other hand, if you were first diagnosed with epilepsy in the last six months or experience more than seven seizures per year, your coverage options may be limited to final expense insurance, which doesn't have medical requirements for approval.

In any case, it's important to be honest about your epilepsy diagnosis and related medical information when applying for life insurance. Withholding information or providing false details could lead to your cover becoming invalid, meaning no payout will be issued.

Epilepsy and life insurance premiums

Yes, it is possible to get life insurance if you have epilepsy. However, the specifics of your epilepsy history will determine the type of policy you can buy and how much you will pay for coverage.

The type of epilepsy you have, the frequency and severity of your seizures, and the effectiveness of your treatment will all be considered by insurers when determining your life insurance rates. The more frequent and severe your seizures are, the more you will likely pay for life insurance.

When applying for life insurance with epilepsy, you will typically need to provide detailed information about your condition, including:

• The date of your diagnosis
• The type of epilepsy you have
• The frequency of seizures
• The date of your last seizure
• Any medications you are taking
• Your treatment history
• Any relevant medical reports or test results

There are several life insurance policy options available for people with epilepsy. Term life insurance is a good option as it is the most affordable type of coverage and can be converted to a whole life or universal life policy after the term expires. No-medical life insurance may also be a good choice if you are concerned about having a medical exam, especially if you have frequent seizures or are not managing your epilepsy as prescribed by your doctor.

It is possible to be denied life insurance due to epilepsy, especially if you have severe epilepsy or are not following your doctor's recommendations for controlling your seizures. However, if you are asymptomatic or your seizures are well-controlled, you may be able to receive standard rates or even reduced premiums.

Types of epilepsy and seizures

There are three major groups of seizures: generalized onset seizures, focal onset seizures, and unknown onset seizures. The type of seizure depends on where the seizure activity in the brain starts and how it spreads.

Generalized Onset Seizures

Generalized onset seizures affect both sides of the brain or groups of cells on both sides simultaneously. This group includes:

• Tonic-clonic seizures (formerly called grand mal seizures) which can cause strong muscle movements on both sides of the body, including convulsions.
• Absence seizures (formerly known as petit mal seizures) where people blank out or stare into space for a few seconds.
• Myoclonic seizures which cause sudden jerking movements, often in the arms, head, and neck.
• Tonic seizures which cause muscles to tense up, usually lasting under 20 seconds, and can cause loss of balance and falls if the person is standing.

Focal Onset Seizures

Focal onset seizures start in one area or group of cells in one side of the brain and can spread to other areas, causing mild or severe symptoms. This group includes:

• Focal onset aware seizures (formerly called simple partial seizures) where the person is awake and aware during the seizure.
• Focal onset impaired awareness seizures (formerly called complex partial seizures) where the person is confused or their awareness is affected.

Unknown Onset Seizures

When the beginning of a seizure is unknown or unwitnessed, it is called an unknown onset seizure. As more information is gathered, an unknown onset seizure may later be diagnosed as a focal or generalized seizure.

Applying for life insurance with epilepsy

If you have epilepsy, you may be concerned about getting approved for life insurance or wonder if it will be expensive. Finding a quality life insurance policy with well-controlled epilepsy shouldn't be hard. However, if you have severe epilepsy or don't control your seizures, you may have trouble acquiring affordable life insurance.

The type, frequency, and severity of seizures you have, in addition to other factors like your age, gender, lifestyle habits, and your full health profile, will determine the type of life insurance policy you may be eligible for.

The main factors that affect your rates are:

• The type of seizures you get
• How frequently you get them
• The severity of your seizures

The more frequent and severe your seizures are, the more you’ll pay for life insurance, but some insurers offer more competitive rates than others.

When applying for life insurance with epilepsy, you will typically be required to provide detailed information about your condition. This may include the following:

• The date of your first seizure
• When you were first diagnosed with epilepsy
• The type of epilepsy you have and whether there was a specific cause
• The frequency of your seizures and the length of time since your last seizure
• Whether the epileptic attacks cause a change in consciousness
• Whether you are taking any medication
• If you are receiving any treatment
• Whether you have been hospitalised due to epilepsy
• If there is an underlying cause for your epilepsy
• If you have any other medical conditions

It is crucial to disclose your epilepsy diagnosis and be honest when applying for life insurance. Providing inaccurate or misleading information can result in your policy being invalidated or your claim being denied.

Options for life insurance with epilepsy

There are several options for life insurance if you have epilepsy:

• Term life insurance is the most cost-effective alternative and provides coverage for a set length of time. It is also the easiest type of life insurance to get.
• No medical life insurance may be a good choice if you are concerned about having a medical exam, especially if you have frequent seizures or are not managing your epilepsy as prescribed. This type of coverage does not require a medical check-up, but you will need to complete a thorough survey about your health.
• Simplified issue life insurance does not require a physical exam, but you will need to provide information about your medical history and current health. This type of insurance is designed for people who want quick approval and brief underwriting.
• Guaranteed issue life insurance does not require a physical exam or any health-related questions. Your coverage is guaranteed, but this results in more expensive rates and less coverage.

Tips for applying for life insurance with epilepsy

• 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 medical conditions under control
• Lead a healthy lifestyle
• Compare quotes from multiple insurers

Declaring epilepsy on a life insurance application

If you have epilepsy, you may be concerned about getting life insurance. However, it is possible to get life insurance coverage even with this condition. Here are some important things to know when declaring epilepsy on a life insurance application:

Be honest and provide detailed information

It is crucial to be honest and provide accurate information about your epilepsy diagnosis and medical history when applying for life insurance. Non-disclosure or providing misleading information can result in your policy being invalidated, and any future claims may be denied. Be prepared to answer questions about your epilepsy history, such as the date of your first seizure, the date of your diagnosis, the frequency and severity of seizures, any medications you are taking, and any hospitalisations due to epilepsy.

Understand the impact on your application

The severity and management of your epilepsy will play a significant role in the life insurance underwriting process and the premium amount. If your epilepsy is well-controlled with medication and you haven't had a seizure in several years, you may be able to obtain coverage at standard rates. However, if you have frequent seizures or uncontrolled epilepsy, your premiums may be higher, or you may have limited coverage options. The type of epilepsy and seizures you experience will also be considered, as some types are considered higher risk by insurers.

Shop around and compare quotes

Don't assume that you will be declined or charged high premiums due to your epilepsy. The impact of epilepsy on your life insurance application will vary depending on the insurer and their underwriting criteria. It is recommended to shop around and compare quotes from multiple providers, including specialist insurers who deal with high-risk cases. A life insurance broker can assist you in finding the most suitable options and navigating the complexities of the application process.

Consider different types of life insurance policies

There are various types of life insurance policies available, such as term life insurance, whole life insurance, and guaranteed issue life insurance. The best policy for you will depend on your personal circumstances, budget, and coverage needs. Term life insurance is often the most affordable option and may be suitable if you want coverage for a specific period, such as to help your family with mortgage payments or your children's education. Whole life insurance provides lifelong coverage but tends to be more expensive. Guaranteed issue life insurance may be an option if you are unable to qualify for traditional life insurance due to your epilepsy, but it offers lower coverage amounts and higher premiums.

Getting life insurance with epilepsy: case studies

Case study 1: Well-controlled epilepsy

John is a 30-year-old non-smoker who was diagnosed with epilepsy five years ago. He has not had a seizure in over two years and takes medication to manage his condition. John was able to qualify for a Standard life insurance policy with average rates. He pays around $29 per month for a 20-year term life insurance policy with a $500,000 death benefit payout.

Case study 2: Recent diagnosis of epilepsy

Sarah was diagnosed with epilepsy six months ago and is still working with her doctor to find the right treatment. She has not had any seizures since her diagnosis, but because it is so recent, her life insurance application was postponed. Sarah will need to wait at least six months before applying for coverage. In the meantime, she can work with an independent broker to explore her options and compare quotes from multiple insurers.

Case study 3: Frequent seizures with loss of consciousness

Michael has epilepsy and experiences seven to ten grand mal seizures per year, resulting in loss of consciousness. He was able to secure life insurance coverage but was assigned a Substandard risk classification due to the frequency and severity of his seizures. As a result, Michael pays higher-than-average rates for his life insurance policy.

Case study 4: Uncontrolled epilepsy with hospitalizations

Rachel has uncontrolled epilepsy and has been hospitalized multiple times due to her seizures. She was denied coverage by several insurers but was able to obtain a guaranteed issue life insurance policy through a specialist insurer. This type of policy does not require a medical exam or any medical questions, and it provides a small amount of coverage to help with end-of-life expenses.

Case study 5: Well-controlled epilepsy with no recent seizures

Maya was diagnosed with epilepsy ten years ago but has not had a seizure in seven years. Her epilepsy is well-controlled with medication, and she has made lifestyle changes to manage her condition. Maya was able to qualify for a Preferred risk classification and pays below-average rates for her life insurance policy.

Frequently asked questions