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Life insurance with epilepsy

You may qualify, but expect to pay higher premiums.

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Dawn Daniels
Updated
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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:

  • Is there a family history of epilepsy?
  • What type of seizures do you have?
  • How often do you have seizures?
  • When was your last seizure?
  • What medications are you currently taken?
  • When were you last hospitalized?
  • Is your epilepsy caused by an underlying condition or injury?
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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:

  • The monthly cost of premiums
  • The amount of coverage
  • What types of insurance you’re eligible for
  • Any waiting periods
  • Any exclusions or restrictions

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:

Compare life insurance providers

Name Product Issue age Minimum Coverage Maximum Coverage Term Lengths Medical Exam Required
Policygenius - Life Insurance
Policygenius - Life Insurance
18 - 85 years old
$50,000
$10,000,000
10, 15, 20, 25, 30 years
Depends on provider and policy
Compare 12+ top insurers side-by-side to get the best possible deal, and shop return of premium policies online.
Go to site
More Info
Sproutt
Sproutt
18 - 60 years old
$50,000
$4,000,000
5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years
No
Compare 40+ insurers and apply online to get the lowest possible price — no medical exam required.
Go to site
More Info
Everyday Life
Everyday Life
18 - 70
$100,000
$10,000,000
10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years.
No
Ladder multiple life insurance policies to save on the coverage you need for all your debts.
Go to site
More Info
JRC Life Insurance
JRC Life Insurance
18 - 85 years old
$5,000
$50,000,000
10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 years to lifetime/age 121
May be required
Compare policies up to $10 million from 45+ top insurance companies with the click of a button.
Go to site
More Info
Nationwide life insurance
Nationwide life insurance
18 - 80 years old
$25,000
$10,000,000
10, 15, 20 and 30 years
Yes
Get term, whole, universal or no-exam life insurance with up to $1 million in coverage.
Go to site
More Info
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Compare up to 4 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.

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