Life insurance with epilepsy

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Every day, 80 people in the UK are diagnosed with epilepsy. If you have this common medical condition, you could still qualify for life insurance, and it won’t necessarily be more expensive.

This blog covers how epilepsy life insurance works and what to expect during the application process.

Can I get life insurance with epilepsy? 

Yes, life insurance is available for people with epilepsy and other pre-existing medical conditions. It offers peace of mind that your loved ones or dependents will be financially cared for if you die. 

The type of life insurance policy you can buy with epilepsy and the cost of premiums will depend on several factors such as: 

• the severity of your condition
• frequency of your seizures
• how recent your diagnosis is
• ongoing treatment plans 
• any other medical conditions. 

When applying for life insurance for epilepsy you must tell your provider about the condition. If you or someone acting for you gives false or inaccurate information, it could invalidate your policy, and your beneficiaries may be denied the payout they’re entitled to in the event of your death. 

Will I need a medical check for epilepsy life insurance?

Providers will normally review your life insurance application without you needing any review by a doctor. If your epilepsy is more severe with more frequent, or more recent episodes the provider may want to check this, and may then ask for a more detailed report on your condition from your doctor. However, In most cases, you will still be offered a policy for life insurance with epilepsy. 

Although you may not need a medical test, you will be asked a series of straightforward questions about your condition. You may also be required to provide additional information to support such as any complications or unusual side effects arising from your epilepsy. 

What questions will I be asked when applying for life insurance for epilepsy? 

Insurance providers will ask you a series of questions about your condition when applying for epilepsy life insurance. This allows them to calculate the risk of providing cover and work out the cost of your premiums. If you have epilepsy and are applying for life insurance, the following factors may apply: 

Frequency and intensity of seizures 

Your provider will consider how often you experience epileptic seizures and how severe they are when calculating the risk of providing you with life insurance. Frequent seizures may put you at higher risk and result in higher premiums, or the provider may be unable to offer you cover. 

Changes in medication

You’ll need to tell your provider about any recent changes to your medication and dosage you’re taking to manage your epilepsy. This may impact your ability to buy life insurance.  

Your treatment plan 

Providers will evaluate your treatment plan including any hospital admissions that have occurred. How frequent and recent any hospital admissions for epilepsy are may influence your life insurance premiums or may mean the provider is unable to offer you cover.

Can I get life insurance for epilepsy if my condition is mild?  

Yes, if you have a mild form of epilepsy and rarely experience seizures, you are likely to find a life insurance policy for your specific needs. 

However, if between when you applied and before your policy has started, the situation changes, your condition worsens and your seizures become more frequent, you should always inform your insurer as early as possible. This will ensure your policy is still valid and your dependents will receive the payout they’re entitled to should you pass away.  

Will I have to pay higher premiums for life insurance with epilepsy? 

Life insurance premiums aren’t necessarily higher with epilepsy. You could be offered life insurance if your epilepsy: 

• Has not required admission to a hospital in the last few years.
• Only has momentary interruptions to your awareness but no falling to the ground with jerking movements. 
• Was diagnosed at least six months ago. 
• Has not caused an attack or seizure for more than a year.  

However, if the symptoms of your condition are not covered by these definitions, your epilepsy life insurance premiums may be higher, although they won’t go up during the term of the policy. 

Can I get critical illness cover with life insurance for epilepsy? 

Yes, most customers who live with epilepsy can get critical illness cover, though this may depend on the cause of your condition. It is also important to note that epilepsy is considered a chronic condition rather than critical illness, and so it is not one of the conditions covered by LV= policies. 

Many people with epilepsy add critical illness cover to either a level term life insurance policy or decreasing life insurance policy for an extra cost. You can find out more about the different types of life insurance here. 

What are the benefits of life insurance with epilepsy? 

If you have epilepsy, life insurance offers a financial safety net for your loved ones and dependents should you pass away. 

Like all life insurance policies, it can provide your beneficiaries with a lump sum payment after you’ve gone. The money could be used to help cover expenses including: 

• mortgage or rent 
• unpaid debts or loans 
• household and utility bills 
• funeral expenses 
• university / education fees  
• an inheritance for others. 

If you have epilepsy, it’s important to have the right life insurance cover in place. It’s important to speak with an expert about your options to find the right policy for you.   

How difficult is it to get life insurance with epilepsy? 

People living with epilepsy may face challenges when applying for life insurance. For example, some insurers may perceive that your risk of premature death is higher with epilepsy. 

Providers always consider the frequency and severity of your seizures and the potential impact on life expectancy when reviewing life insurance applications and calculating the cost of a policy. However, if you have epilepsy, life insurance is still available as a means of protecting your loved ones financially.  

Life insurance with epilepsy 

If you’re considering life insurance with epilepsy, our advisers offer independent professional advice about the range of policies open to you. Contact us today.