Epilepsy life insurance

Yes, depending on the severity of your condition, declaring epilepsy can have an effect on your ability to secure cover.

Sufferers from Petit Mal epilepsy (no loss of consciousness) who control their condition through medication and haven’t experienced a seizure in the past 5 years are likely to be able to arrange cover on standard terms.

Those who suffer from Grand Mal epilepsy (loss of consciousness) or those who experience Petit Mal attacks more than once a week are likely to be able to arrange cover but will likely experience higher (or loaded) premiums.

For those who’ve recently been diagnosed with epilepsy, it’s usually required that stabilisation of your condition is achieved before cover is accepted.

Sufferers of highly frequent or uncontrollable epilepsy, or those who have required hospitalisation/emergency treatment may find it more difficult to secure life cover.

Depending on the severity of your epilepsy, it can have an influence on the price you pay for your premiums.

Life insurance premiums are calculated based on the level of risk you pose to the insurer. The greater the likelihood of a claim, the higher the monthly premium.

Sufferers of mild epilepsy, with no other significant medical conditions, are likely to be able to secure cover on standard terms.

Although, insurers will typically require at least 5 years without seizures to offer standard terms.

Petit Mal sufferers who have recently experienced an attack or Grand Mal sufferers may experience loaded premiums due to the increased risk.

The cost of epilepsy life insurance premiums will differ significantly between insurers, making it essential to compare multiple quotes.

Your age and the aspects of your life you want to protect can help to determine which policy type will best meet your needs.

For example, if you’re in your 20s, 30s or 40s, have dependants and a mortgage, then affordable term life insurance may be an ideal option.

Whereas if you’re in your 50s, 60s or 70s then whole of life insurance or an over 50s plan may be more suitable.

The severity of your condition may also influence which policy type you choose.

For example, for someone with severe epilepsy, paying inflated premiums for the remainder of your life is unlikely to be a cost-effective option. Whereas term life insurance may be more affordable.

Read on to learn more about the different policy types available to those with epilepsy…

Whole of life insurance provides lifetime cover, guaranteeing your loved ones a pay out.

Due to the fixed sum assured, it can be used to cover the same financial commitments as level term cover.

Alternatively, as cover lasts for life, it’s ideal for providing an inheritance.

You’ll be required to provide medical information, as well as other key information, during the application process. This means you’ll need to declare your epilepsy.

For those with severe epilepsy, who’re likely to experience inflated premiums, whole of life insurance may not be the most cost effective option.

If wanting to provide a guaranteed pay out, and if you fit within the age bracket, you may want to consider an over 50s plan.

Those for those with mild epilepsy, who can secure cover on standard terms, you should be aware that it’s possible to pay more into a whole of life policy than it will pay out if taking out cover at a young age.

Whole of life insurance tends to be well suited to those who’re later on in life but can still secure cover on standard terms.

Compare multiple whole of life quotes using our award-winning broker service.

At Reassured, all term life insurance policies we arrange include terminal illness cover as standard.

This means that if you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness during the term of your policy, and are predicted to pass away within 12 months, you can make an early claim.

The early pay out could help to provide you with financial peace of mind, ensuring your loved ones are taken care of, prior to your passing.

As with life insurance, it’s possible to secure income protection if you suffer with epilepsy.

Income protection is an insurance policy that will pay out to you in the event you can’t work due to illness or injury.

Up to 70% of your income can be paid out and you’ll receive monthly (tax-free) payments.

If your condition is mild, it can be possible to secure income protection on standard terms.

Those with more severe cases may experience exclusions for epilepsy and related illnesses added to their policy and, in some cases, limits to the length of your deferred period (the time in between your first sick day and when your payments commence).

This can all depend on the provider, due to the varying underwriting processes used. This highlights the need to compare quotes to get the most comprehensive cover possible.

Reassured Advice can compare income protection quotes from the UK's leading providers, as well as smaller specialists, to help you find the best policy to meet your needs.

No, it’s unlikely that you’ll be asked to undergo a medical exam when applying for life insurance with epilepsy.

In most cases you’ll simply be asked to provide details about your condition.

If you have any complications or unusual patterns with your epilepsy, your application may need to undergo manual underwriting and you may need to provide further details.

In some cases insurers have the right to ask for a medical exam although, in regards to epilepsy, this is rare.

What’s more likely is for the insurer to request a GP report, so you may want your GPs details to hand when applying for life insurance.

You have the option to see your GP report before it gets sent to the insurer, you’ll need to visit your GP for this to happen.

Epilepsy can develop at any time of life, so if you’re diagnosed with epilepsy during the term of your policy you may be wondering what to do.

Being diagnosed with epilepsy during the term of your policy is unlikely to have an impact on your existing cover.

As long as all the information you provided at the point of application was correct, your cover will still be valid as per its terms and conditions.

You also aren’t obligated to inform your insurer of your new diagnosis.

If you apply for any additional cover after your diagnosis, your epilepsy will need to be disclosed and exclusions may be written into your new policy.

[1] https://epilepsysociety.org.uk/about-epilepsy/what-epilepsy/epilepsy-facts-and-myths