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How well your epilepsy is controlled, and whether you’ve experienced complications or related injuries, will play a key role in the outcome of your application.
Why is epilepsy a factor in life insurance?
Epilepsy affects people in different ways. Some people have infrequent seizures that are well managed with medication, while others experience more frequent or unpredictable episodes.
Insurers consider epilepsy a risk factor because of the potential for accidents and injuries. Another risk factor is sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), although this is thankfully rare.
The risk of a claim being made is usually higher if someone has poorly controlled epilepsy or has required hospital treatment as a result of a seizure.
How do insurers assess epilepsy-related risk?
When you apply for life insurance and declare a diagnosis of epilepsy, insurers will usually ask for more details, including:
The type of epilepsy you have (e.g. focal or generalised seizures).
How often you experience seizures, and when the last one occurred.
Whether your seizures are controlled by medication.
If you’ve been hospitalised due to a seizure.
Whether you’ve had any accidents or injuries (e.g. from a fall).
Any time off work due to your condition.
Whether you’re allowed to drive.
In many cases, insurers will request a report from your GP to understand the nature and stability of your condition.
How do insurers respond to epilepsy?
When assessing an application for life cover, insurers’ responses can vary depending on individual circumstances:
Well-controlled epilepsy, especially where seizures are rare and medication is effective, may lead to standard terms or only a small premium increase.
Moderate cases, where seizures occur occasionally but are being managed, may result in higher premiums or more detailed medical underwriting.
Uncontrolled or severe epilepsy, particularly if seizures are frequent or have caused injury, may result in higher premiums, policy exclusions, or cover being declined altogether.
The length of time since your last seizure can also be a key factor. Insurers may be more inclined to offer standard terms or a moderate increase in premium if you’ve been seizure-free for several years.
What exclusions might apply?
Some insurers may include exclusions related to epilepsy or seizure-related complications. For example, they may not pay out for a death or injury that results directly from a seizure.
These exclusions are more common in critical illness or income protection policies than in life insurance, but it's important to check your policy terms carefully.
The importance of full disclosure
Even if your epilepsy is mild or well-managed, it’s vital to disclose it when applying for life insurance. This includes the type of epilepsy, how often you have seizures, and whether you take any medication.
If information is withheld, your insurer may refuse to pay out on a future claim. Full disclosure helps ensure your policy works as expected and offers the protection your family may one day need.