Yes, you can get life insurance with epilepsy. Many people with well-controlled seizures qualify for standard or near-standard rates. Underwriters evaluate your seizure type, how often they occur, time since your last episode, and the medications you take. An independent agent who works with multiple carriers can help you find the best rates for your situation.
About 3.4 million Americans are living with epilepsy right now. If you’re one of them, you’ve probably wondered whether you can get life insurance and what it might cost.
Here’s the good news. Epilepsy doesn’t automatically disqualify you from coverage. Many people with this condition get approved every day, and some even qualify for standard rates. The key is understanding how insurance companies evaluate epilepsy so you can put your best foot forward.
This guide walks you through what underwriters look for, how your seizure history affects your rates, the types of coverage available, and tips to help you get approved at the best price.
Can You Get Life Insurance with Epilepsy?
Yes. People with epilepsy can absolutely get life insurance. This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the answer is encouraging.
Insurance companies have come a long way in how they view epilepsy. Today, many carriers offer term life insurance and other policies to applicants with seizure disorders. Your approval and rate class will depend on how well your condition is managed.
If your epilepsy is well-controlled with medication and you’ve been seizure-free for a few years, you may qualify for standard rates or even better. If your seizures are more frequent or recent, you might receive a table rating, which adds a percentage to your premium. In some cases, a carrier may postpone or decline coverage, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Different insurance companies have different underwriting guidelines, and the right one can make all the difference. Working with a broker who specializes in high risk life insurance gives you access to carriers that are more favorable toward epilepsy.
What Underwriters Look At
When you apply for life insurance with epilepsy, the underwriter reviews your medical history to assess risk. They aren’t just checking a box that says “epilepsy.” They’re looking at the full picture of your condition.
Here are the main factors they evaluate:
- Type of seizures. Focal (partial) seizures that don’t affect consciousness are viewed more favorably than generalized tonic-clonic seizures, which involve loss of awareness and full-body convulsions.
- Seizure frequency. How often do seizures occur? Less frequent episodes mean lower risk in the underwriter’s eyes.
- Time since last seizure. This is one of the biggest factors. The longer you’ve been seizure-free, the better your chances of getting a favorable rate.
- Medications. Underwriters want to see a stable medication regimen. Being on a single anti-seizure drug at a consistent dose is ideal. Multiple medications or frequent changes can signal a harder-to-control condition.
- Underlying cause. Idiopathic epilepsy (no known cause) is generally rated more favorably than epilepsy caused by brain injury, tumors, or stroke.
- Complications. Any history of status epilepticus (prolonged seizures), seizure-related injuries, or hospitalizations will factor into the decision.
Being upfront and thorough on your application helps. Provide your neurologist’s records, a clear medication history, and documentation of your seizure-free period. The more complete your file, the better an underwriter can assess your case accurately.
How Seizure History Affects Your Rates
The length of time since your last seizure is the single most important factor in determining your rate class. Here’s a general overview of how insurance companies typically classify applicants with epilepsy:
| Seizure-Free Period | Likely Rate Class | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 5+ years | Preferred or Standard | Best available rates, similar to someone without epilepsy |
| 2 to 5 years | Standard | Standard pricing with no table rating in many cases |
| Under 2 years | Standard + Table Rating | Premiums may be 50-150% higher than standard rates |
| Recent or uncontrolled | Postpone or Decline | Many carriers will wait 3-6 months after diagnosis or recent seizure |
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines. Every insurance company has its own underwriting criteria. That’s why working with an independent agent who knows which carriers are most favorable toward epilepsy is so important. One company might offer you a table rating while another gives you standard rates for the exact same health profile.
The type of seizure matters too. Focal seizures that don’t involve loss of consciousness typically get better ratings than tonic-clonic seizures. If your epilepsy is caused by a childhood condition that’s been fully controlled for years, some carriers may barely factor it into your rate at all.
Types of Life Insurance for People with Epilepsy
Not all life insurance policies work the same way, and your options depend on the severity of your condition.
Term life insurance is usually the best fit for people with well-controlled epilepsy. It provides coverage for a set period (10, 15, 20, or 30 years) and offers the most affordable premiums. If you’ve been seizure-free for two or more years and are on a stable medication plan, term life is likely within reach.
Final expense insurance is designed for smaller coverage amounts, typically $5,000 to $25,000, and is often used to cover funeral costs and end-of-life expenses. Some final expense policies use simplified underwriting with limited health questions, which can be helpful if your epilepsy has been harder to control. This is a strong option for seniors looking for guaranteed coverage.
Guaranteed issue life insurance requires no medical exam and no health questions at all. Anyone who applies gets accepted. The trade-off is that coverage amounts are lower, premiums are higher, and most policies include a two-year waiting period before the full death benefit kicks in. This is a last-resort option, but it’s there if you’ve been declined elsewhere.
The smartest move is to start with traditional term life or final expense coverage before jumping to guaranteed issue. You might qualify for better coverage than you think.
Tips to Get Approved at the Best Rate
Getting the best life insurance rate with epilepsy comes down to preparation and working with the right people. Here are some practical steps:
Work with an independent agent. This is the most important thing you can do. An independent agent represents multiple insurance companies and knows which ones are most favorable toward epilepsy. Applying to the wrong carrier can result in an unnecessary decline that shows up on your insurance record.
Get your medical records in order. Request a current report from your neurologist that includes your diagnosis, seizure history, medication regimen, and a statement about how well your condition is controlled. A clear, up-to-date medical record makes the underwriter’s job easier and works in your favor.
Don’t apply right after a diagnosis or seizure. Most insurance companies will postpone an application if you’ve had a seizure within the last 3 to 6 months. Waiting until your condition has stabilized gives you a much better shot at approval.
Be completely honest on your application. Never minimize your seizure history or leave out medications. If the insurance company discovers inconsistencies when they pull your medical records, it creates credibility issues that can hurt your case. Full transparency is always the best approach.
Consider a no-exam policy if needed. If your epilepsy makes traditional underwriting difficult, no-exam policies skip the medical exam and rely on health questions and database checks. You may pay a bit more, but the streamlined process can be worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be denied life insurance because of epilepsy?
Not necessarily. Many people with epilepsy get approved for life insurance. Your chances depend on how well your condition is controlled, the type of seizures you have, and how long you’ve been seizure-free. If one company declines you, another may approve you at reasonable rates.
How long do I need to be seizure-free to get good rates?
Most insurance companies want to see at least two years without a seizure for standard rates. Five or more seizure-free years can qualify you for preferred rates with some carriers. Even if you’ve had a recent seizure, coverage options still exist.
Do I need a medical exam to get life insurance with epilepsy?
Not always. Some policies, like simplified issue and guaranteed issue plans, don’t require a medical exam. Traditional term life insurance often does include an exam, but the process is straightforward. Your neurologist’s records usually matter more than the exam itself.
Does the type of epilepsy medication I take affect my rates?
Yes. Underwriters look at what medications you take, how long you’ve been on them, and whether your dosage has been stable. Being on a single anti-seizure drug at a steady dose is viewed more favorably than taking multiple medications or having frequent changes.
Can children with epilepsy get life insurance?
Yes, though options may be more limited. Some carriers require a longer seizure-free period for children. Guaranteed issue policies are available regardless of age or health status, though coverage amounts are smaller.
Key Takeaways
- Epilepsy does not automatically disqualify you from life insurance. Many people with controlled seizures qualify for standard or near-standard rates.
- The time since your last seizure is the biggest factor in your rate class. Two or more seizure-free years puts you in a strong position.
- Seizure type matters. Focal seizures without loss of consciousness are rated more favorably than tonic-clonic seizures.
- Working with an independent agent who knows which carriers are epilepsy-friendly can save you money and prevent unnecessary declines.
- If traditional coverage isn’t an option, final expense and guaranteed issue policies provide a safety net.
Ready to find out what life insurance options are available to you? Give us a call at 800-712-8519 for a free, no-pressure quote. We specialize in helping people with pre-existing conditions find the right coverage at the best rates.
