Can I get life insurance with epilepsy?

Yes, it’s possible to arrange life insurance if you have epilepsy.

It’s often believed that having epilepsy automatically results in increased premiums, restricted protection or the risk of being declined. However, this isn’t necessarily the case.

Epilepsy is a complex condition, therefore your individual circumstances will be taken into consideration during the application process to establish the right option for you.

Over 600,000 people in the UK are living with epilepsy, with 87 people being diagnosed with the condition everyday[1].

With this in mind, insurers are used to receiving applications from people with epilepsy.

If you have concerns about securing life insurance, why not contact Reassured?

We can guide you through the application and compare quotes from multiple insurers, free of charge.

We also have a specialist team who have a great track record of finding cover for those who have struggled to secure protection in the past.

All quotes are fee-free and no-obligation, simply get in touch.

Topics covered in this life insurance with epilepsy guide include:

Compare Life Insurance with Epilepsy Quotes »

Getting life insurance with epilepsy (defining seizure types)

One of the main factors insurers will consider is the type of seizure you experience and how severe/frequently you experience them.

Insurers would once consider whether seizures were ‘grand mal’ or ‘petit mal’. However, due to advancements in the understanding of epileptic seizures, there are now different classifications:

  • Absence seizures (previously referred to as petit mal)
  • Focal aware seizures
  • Focal impaired awareness seizures
  • Mylonic seizures
  • Tonic and atonic seizures
  • Tonic clonic seizures (previously referred to as grand mal)[2]

If you’ve been living with epilepsy for a while and are more used to using older definitions, this isn’t an issue.

What is life insurance for epilepsy?

Officially, there’s no such product as epilepsy life insurance. This simply refers to a life insurance policy taken out by a person diagnosed with epilepsy.

Life insurance can provide your loved ones with a lump sum payment after your passing, which could be used to help cover:

Mortgage

Mortgage or rent
Bills And Utilities Pos Pink

Household bills & utilities
Family Living Pos Pink

Family living costs
Funeral

Funeral costs
Debts

Unpaid debts or loans
Inhertiance

An inheritance

While life insurance can be beneficial for everyone, having a pre-existing medical condition (where the risk of developing other conditions is increased) can highlight the importance of having the right cover in place.

Speaking with an expert to find out about your options can allow you to establish what’s right for you.

At Reassured we can provide you with all the information you need to know to make a fully informed decision.

How much life insurance do you need?

Enter your financial commitments and key costs to understand how much epilepsy life insurance you might need.

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£137,934 is the estimated mortgage debt per household in the UK.

The purchase of a home is likely to be the largest financial commitment any of us will make in our lifetime. Your life insurance should cover your remaining mortgage balance to allow your loved ones to stay in the family home should anything happen to you.

Source: Moneynerd.co.uk
£
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The average monthly household budget in the UK is £2,548 (that’s £30,576 per year), which is spent on transport, food & drink, utilities (gas, electricity, water etc), clothing, council tax and leisure activities.

With energy prices hitting a record high and the cost of living rising sharply in the UK, you may wish to factor in utility bills and family living expenses into your cover.

Source: Nimblefins.co.uk
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The average personal debt of UK adults has risen to £34,566 (not including mortgage debt), with credit cards, personal loans and overdrafts being the most common forms of debt.

Factoring in any debts into your life insurance cover means that, if they need to be paid back from your estate after your passing, your loved ones won’t miss out financially.

Source: Money.co.uk
£
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According to SunLife, the average cost of a funeral in the UK is £3,953 (with the overall cost of dying at £9,200).

Funeral costs have increased by 116% since 2004 and are a significant cost which should be factored into the amount of life insurance you secure.

Source: SunLife.co.uk
£
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When factoring in cover for your children, you may wish to calculate the amount based on how long it is until they reach financial independence.

This could include childcare (£7,000 per year for part-time care), school expenses (£1,519 per school year for uniforms, lunches, stationary etc), as well as an additional sum for further education (this could be a contribution of up to £5,000 per year).

Sources: Daynurseries.co.uk, Primarytimes.co.uk & Savethestudent.org
£
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2 in 5 adults say they are relying on an inheritance to fund their retirement.

Factoring in an inheritance to your sum assured could allow loved ones to live a more financially comfortable life. Alternatively, you could leave a cash gift to a charity of your choosing.

Source: Moneyage.co.uk
£
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If you’re lucky enough to have your own savings or are part of the 30% of UK residents who already have a life insurance policy in place, this can provide financial protection for loved ones.

By entering your current cover, savings or death in service amount you can reduce the sum assured you require.

Source: Scottishbusinessnews.net
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Is epilepsy a pre-existing medical condition?

Yes, if you have epilepsy at the point of application, this will be considered pre-existing.

This means you’ll need to disclose your diagnosis and you’ll likely need to answer additional questions about your personal circumstances.

If you have any other medical conditions alongside epilepsy, you’ll also need to provide details of these.

Strokes, TIA/CVA and tumours are common amongst those with epilepsy. If you have experienced any of these, your application will likely need to go through manual underwriting and your ability to secure cover could be affected.

Rest assured, you should still be able to secure some form of cover. This could be through an over 50s plan (where no medical information is required) or through a specialist insurer.

It’s essential that you provide all the necessary information regarding your health when asked. Insurers need to know this information to find you suitable cover.

Withholding information or providing false details could lead to your cover becoming invalid, meaning no pay out will be issued when the time comes.

Read our comprehensive life insurance with pre-existing medical conditions article for more information »

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Does epilepsy affect life insurance?

Yes, depending on the severity of your condition, epilepsy could have an effect on your life insurance application.

Epilepsy is a very complex condition and each person is likely to experience different symptoms and seizures.

For this reason, when applying for life insurance, you’ll likely be asked some additional questions about the personal circumstances of your condition.

The information required could include (but isn’t limited to):

  • Date of diagnosis
  • Type of seizure
  • Date of last seizure
  • Severity/frequency of seizures
  • If you’re taking any medication
  • If you’re receiving any treatment
  • Whether you have been hospitalised due to epilepsy
  • If there is an underlying cause for your epilepsy
  • Whether you have any other medical conditions

If you have epilepsy that’s well controlled through medication, your seizures don’t result in a loss of consciousness and you haven’t experienced a seizure in the last 5 years, the impact on your application is likely to be minimal.

Those who experience frequent seizures, with loss of consciousness, may be able to secure cover but will often find that premiums are increased.

If you have uncontrollable epilepsy and/or you have been hospitalised due to your condition, it may be more difficult to secure cover - but rest assured you can still obtain some form of life insurance.

By using a broker you can find suitable cover for your personal circumstances.

At Reassured we work with a panel of insurers including mainstream providers and specialists. Simply get in touch to find out about your options.

What’s the best life insurance for epilepsy?

As someone with epilepsy, you can still choose between multiple life insurance options.

However, due to your condition, some policies may be more suitable than others.

With most policy types, you’ll need to provide medical information. Depending on the severity of your condition this could impact the price you pay and your eligibility.

Below we have broken down the most common types of life insurance and how epilepsy could affect your application:

Epilepsy level term life insurance

Level term life insurance

Level term life insurance provides cover for a specified period (the term) and offers a fixed sum assured (pay out) if you pass away during this time.

  • Term length up to 40 years
  • Terminal illness cover included at no extra cost
  • Ideal for helping to cover an interest only mortgage, other large debts and/or family living costs
  • Medical information required during the application
  • Depending on the severity of your epilepsy, your premiums and eligibility could be impacted
Epilepsy decreasing term life insurance

Decreasing term life insurance

Decreasing term life insurance provides cover for a specified period and offers a sum assured that reduces over time (if you pass away during the term).

  • Term length up to 40 years
  • Terminal illness cover included at no extra cost
  • Ideal for helping to cover an interest only mortgage, other large debts and/or family living costs
  • Medical information required during the application
  • Depending on the severity of your epilepsy, your premiums and eligibility could be impacted
Epilepsy whole of life insurance

Whole of life insurance

Whole of life insurance provides lifelong cover, guaranteeing a pay out to your loved ones when you pass away.

  • Rest of life cover
  • Ideal for helping to cover inheritance tax or providing an inheritance
  • Medical information required during the application
  • Depending on the severity of your epilepsy, your premiums and eligibility could be impacted
  • Could be costly if paying inflated premiums for the rest of your life
Epilepsy over 50 life insurance

Over 50 life insurance (over 50s plan)

Over 50 life insurance guarantees acceptance to those aged 50 - 85 and also provides a guaranteed pay out.

  • Rest of life cover with guaranteed acceptance
  • Smaller sum assured (maximum of £20,000) which can help to cover funeral costs
  • No medical information required during the application so your condition won’t affect your premiums or eligibility
  • Ideal for those in this age bracket who have struggled to secure standard cover

Reassured can compare all of the above policies to help you find the right option to meet your needs.

Our life insurance comparison service is fee-free and no-obligation. Why not put us to work today?

Additional policies

As well as the life insurance policies listed above, there are some additional policies you could consider to provide an extra safety net.

We have listed these below and how they could be affected by epilepsy.

Terminal illness cover

Included at no extra cost with all term life insurance policies.

Make an early claim on your policy if you’re diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and given less than 12 months to live.

The funds could help to cover end of life care or could allow you to get your financial affairs in order for your loved ones.

Exclusions for conditions linked to epilepsy could be added, meaning you wouldn’t be able to claim for these reasons.

Critical illness cover

Can be added to term life insurance for an additional cost.

This will allow you to make an early claim if you’re diagnosed with a specified serious illness (listed within your policy).

The funds could help to replace any lost income as a result of your illness and/or pay for any private medical treatment.

Exclusions for conditions linked to epilepsy could be added, meaning you wouldn’t be able to claim for these reasons.

Income protection

Receive monthly, tax free payments if you’re unable to work due to sickness or injury.

Between 50 - 70% of your usual earnings could be protected (depending on the insurer).

Income protection and life insurance can be taken out simultaneously (if your budget allows) to provide cover during your working life and after your passing.

Exclusions for conditions linked to epilepsy could be added, meaning you wouldn’t be able to claim for these reasons.

Available through Reassured.

Family income benefit

An alternative form of life insurance which will pay out in monthly instalments if you pass away during the policy term.

If your family would struggle to budget a large lump sum, this could be a more suitable form of cover.

The monthly payments can help to cover regular monthly outgoings such as mortgage or rent payments and household bills.

Depending on the severity of your condition your premiums and eligibility could be affected.

Available through Reassured.

How much is life insurance for someone with epilepsy?

The price you pay for life insurance as someone with epilepsy will vary depending on your personal circumstances.

You’ll need to provide key information during the application in order for insurers to accurately calculate your life insurance premium.

This will include general information, details about your condition, as well as details about your chosen policy.

General information:

Details about your condition:

  • Type of seizures
  • Frequency and severity of seizures
  • Medication/treatment
  • Any hospitalisation

Policy details:

  • Policy type
  • Sum assured
  • Policy term

By assessing these factors insurers can establish the level of risk involved with offering you cover and your premium will be set accordingly.

Comparing quotes can allow you to find an affordable deal for your personal circumstances.

Using our award-winning service you can compare quotes from leading UK providers and specialist insurers to find our best deals.

Specialist life insurance through Reassured starts from £15 per month » .

Free & Personalised Quote Comparison »

Can you be denied life insurance for epilepsy?

It’s possible for insurers to decline an application. However, it’s unlikely to be declined simply due to epilepsy.

If multiple high-risk factors are identified (such as being at an older age, drinking alcohol or smoking in excess or having a risky occupation/hobby), this could lead to an application being denied.

You may also experience your application being declined or postponed if your diagnosis is recent.

Typically, insurers will need a set period to pass in order to see how the condition progresses and what your symptoms are like before offering you cover.

What if I have been declined previously?

If you’ve previously been refused for life insurance, you still have options. Just because one insurer declined you, doesn’t mean they all will.

You could secure cover through a specialist insurer, these are providers who specialise in offering cover to non-standard applicants (such as those with medical conditions).

Alternatively, if you’re aged 50 - 85, you could secure an over 50s plan where you won’t need to provide any medical information.

At Reassured we have a specialist impaired risk life insurance team who have a great track record of securing cover for those who have previously been declined.

Simply get in touch to find out about your options.

Will I need to undergo a medical exam?

It’s unlikely you’ll be required to undergo a medical exam when applying for life insurance with epilepsy.

In most cases you’ll be required to provide information about your condition and, in some scenarios, insurers may ask for a medical report from your GP.

These details can’t be obtained without your permission and you have the right to read through the report before it’s sent off.

This is so insurers can gather a full picture of your health and provide you with suitable cover.

If you have complications or unusual patterns with your epilepsy, you could be asked to undergo a medical exam. Again, this will be so insurers can get a better understanding of your health.

If a medical exam is needed it will be arranged and paid for by the insurer.

What if I am diagnosed with epilepsy during the policy term?

If you’re diagnosed with epilepsy during the term of your policy, you don’t need to inform your insurer.

As long as you weren’t seeking a diagnosis prior to securing cover and all the information you provided on your application is correct, there will be no effect on your existing cover.

The only time your new diagnosis may impact cover is if you secure a new policy as you’ll need to provide new medical information.

Compare life insurance quotes for people with epilepsy

Comparing quotes can help you find an affordable deal on a life insurance policy which meets all your needs.

It’s particularly important to compare quotes if you have a pre-existing medical condition, such as epilepsy.

This is because your risk level will vary between insurers and so will the price they offer you.

At Reassured we can help you compare quotes from some of the UK’s best insurers, as well as smaller specialists.

We can provide you with our best quotes from our panel, free of charge.

Get in touch today to protect your loved ones.

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Sources:

[1] https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/press/epilepsy-facts-and-terminology

[2] https://epilepsysociety.org.uk/about-epilepsy/epileptic-seizures

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