Life insurance with epilepsy

Medical advancements and new treatments have made it more possible to control many types of epilepsy. But insurers can still be wary about offering life insurance coverage, meaning you may have to deal with pricey premiums.

Can I get life insurance if I have epilepsy?

Possibly, but it’s not guaranteed. Some insurers will extend coverage to people with a history of epilepsy, though you may have to pay a higher premium. Your chances of getting approved depend on what type of epilepsy you have, how often you have seizures and what other health risks you face.

Consider talking with an insurer before filling out an application to find out if they automatically deny coverage to applicants with epilepsy. Focusing on insurers who are willing to consider all aspects of your condition can save you time and increase your chances of approval.

Questions you’ll typically be asked by an insurer

Along with standard medical questions about your history and current health, expect to be asked specific questions about your epilepsy, such as:

Why do I need to disclose so much information?

Life insurance companies base premium prices on risk, or how likely it is that they’ll need to pay out a claim. Failing to report any medical conditions accurately can result in any potential claims being denied — even if you’ve faithfully paid your premiums.

Confronting invasive questions about your epilepsy can stir up fear, frustration and other unexpected emotions. Consider talking to your loved ones if you need support when answering health-related questions or undergoing medical exams. And remember: You are not your diagnosis.

How to compare policies

When comparing insurers, factor in:

What can I do if I’m denied?

If your application is denied, talk to the insurer and get as much information as possible about why. Once you know why you were denied, you have several options moving forward:

• Apply to another insurer. If your denial was based on specific standards of the insurer you applied with, you can try getting coverage with another insurer.
• Wait before reapplying. If you’ve recently changed medications, been hospitalized or had a seizure or increase in frequency of seizures, you may be more likely to be approved if you wait. Life insurance companies are more likely to approve someone who has had their condition under control for a year or more.
• Consider other types of insurance. If you’re denied by multiple insurers or even after waiting, you may want to consider getting a different type of insurance.

Other types of insurance

Aside from traditional life insurance, you may also want to consider:

• Accidental death insurance. Also known as AD&D insurance, this pays out a benefit if you die in an accident. Because it doesn’t cover death due to an illness or medical condition, people who don’t qualify for life insurance may qualify for AD&D insurance with competitive rates.
• Final expense insurance. This pays out a much smaller benefit if you pass that’s intended to help with funeral costs.
• Critical illness insurance. This pays out a lump sum benefit if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness or medical condition such as cancer or a stroke. You’ll want to carefully check any exclusions before taking out a policy, as some insurers may not cover epilepsy.
• Income protection insurance. Also known as disability insurance, this pays out a percentage of your income if you’re unable to work. You’ll want to check the fine print to see if it covers missing work due to epilepsy. Some insurers may specifically exclude that from coverage based on your medical history.

Compare life insurance providers

Bottom line

Getting life insurance if you have epilepsy can sometimes be more expensive or require additional medical underwriting, but it’s not impossible. Compare insurance companies to find one that fits your needs.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I get life insurance if I currently have frequent seizures?

  Possibly, but the more recent and/or frequent your seizures are, the more likely it is that your application will be denied. Talk with the insurer you’re interested in to find out if you’re eligible for coverage.

• Do I have to tell my insurer if I had seizures as a kid?

  Yes. Even if it’s been a long time since you’ve had a seizure, you’ll need to tell your insurer about any relevant medical history.

• Can I get life insurance if I have partial seizures?

  Possibly, but it depends on the insurer and your health history. Talk with the insurer you’re interested in to find out if you’re eligible for coverage.