Life Insurance and Epilepsy: Background
Can You Get Life Insurance with Epilepsy?
Does Life Insurance Cover Epilepsy?
Does Epilepsy Affect Life Insurance Rates, and How?
What Life Insurance Types Can You Get with Epilepsy?
What is the Best Life Insurance for Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a medical condition marked by short periods of uncontrolled brain activity caused by abnormal electrical signals in the brain. These episodes can manifest as convulsions (violent shaking), absence seizures (temporary loss of awareness), automatisms (unusual repetitive behaviors), paresthesia (numbness or tingling sensations), and even loss of consciousness.
A person is diagnosed with epilepsy if they have:
About 300,000 Canadians are currently affected by epilepsy. Although the majority of new cases occur among seniors and young children, it is important to note that epilepsy can onset at any age.
With the right care, it is possible to manage epilepsy and limit or even prevent seizures. However, it can be dangerous if not well controlled. Therefore, the underwriter will make every effort to make sure there are no underlying causes for the seizures.
Can you get life insurance if you have epilepsy? There are options and those options depend on a variety of factors. Let’s explore this question in greater depth.
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So, if you are asking the question “Can I get life insurance with epilepsy?” the answer is likely, “Yes!” However, the terms and premiums differ widely. It is important to note that each insurance company has its own underwriting guidelines and their decision-making processes vary. When applying for life insurance with epilepsy, insurance companies typically assess the risk based on several factors, including:
Standard life insurance applications may also require an attending physician’s statement (APS), especially if:
The insurance company will base its decision, premium, and coverage on the applicant’s risk factors. Thankfully, no-medical life insurance for someone with epilepsy is available in most cases. No medical life insurance comes in two forms: simplified issue policies have a questionnaire but no medical exam. The other type, guaranteed issue policies, have neither a questionnaire nor a medical exam. | Expert tip from David Hutchison “Epilepsy is a condition that on its own not only can affect the outcome of a life insurance, but can also come into play when it’s an associated condition resulting from something else such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, etc. There is a chance that a client can qualify for Standard rates should they be seizure free for at least 5 years along with no implications from epilepsy on their ability to drive. If the client is still experiencing seizures there’s the potential of a rating or even a decline depending on the frequency, with seizures occurring a few times per year resulting in a potential rating of 150% – 200% with more severe and frequent attacks and any affects on driving most likely leading to a decline. In order to best prepare clients and to ensure that the information required for a decision is available, consider asking these questions: Is the client currently allowed to drive? If so, were they ever not – when and for how long?
This will help to streamline any application and sets expectations ahead of going through the application process.” |
So, if you are asking the question “Can I get life insurance with epilepsy?” the answer is likely, “Yes!” However, the terms and premiums differ widely. It is important to note that each insurance company has its own underwriting guidelines and their decision-making processes vary. When applying for life insurance with epilepsy, insurance companies typically assess the risk based on several factors, including:
Standard life insurance applications may also require an attending physician’s statement (APS), especially if:
The insurance company will base its decision, premium, and coverage on the applicant’s risk factors.
Thankfully, no-medical life insurance for someone with epilepsy is available in most cases. No medical life insurance comes in two forms: simplified issue policies have a questionnaire but no medical exam. The other type, guaranteed issue policies, have neither a questionnaire nor a medical exam.
“Epilepsy is a condition that on its own not only can affect the outcome of a life insurance, but can also come into play when it’s an associated condition resulting from something else such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, etc.
There is a chance that a client can qualify for Standard rates should they be seizure free for at least 5 years along with no implications from epilepsy on their ability to drive.
If the client is still experiencing seizures there’s the potential of a rating or even a decline depending on the frequency, with seizures occurring a few times per year resulting in a potential rating of 150% – 200% with more severe and frequent attacks and any affects on driving most likely leading to a decline.
In order to best prepare clients and to ensure that the information required for a decision is available, consider asking these questions:
Is the client currently allowed to drive? If so, were they ever not – when and for how long?
This will help to streamline any application and sets expectations ahead of going through the application process.”
Typically, life insurance covers death caused by epilepsy, provided the policy was active and its premiums were up to date at the time of the insured’s passing. During the claims process, the cause of death will be taken into consideration by the insurance company. However, it’s crucial to bear in mind that every life insurance policy is unique and the coverage for epilepsy-related deaths will depend on the specific terms and conditions of the policy. It’s recommended to go through the policy details and seek advice from the insurance provider to gain a better understanding of the coverage offered.
Life insurance premiums for individuals with epilepsy may be higher compared to those without pre-existing medical conditions. This reflects the increased risk associated with epilepsy. However, the actual cost will depend on various factors specific to your condition and the insurance company’s policies.
Here is an overview of how two Canadian life insurance companies treat epilepsy in their underwriting processes.
| Generalized epilepsy | Other types of epilepsy | |
| Insurer A | <6 months since the last seizure: postponed According to time elapsed and frequency of seizures: standard to +200 | According to time elapsed and frequency of seizures: standard to +100 Status epilepticus < 3 years: postponed Afterwards: standard to +200 |
| Insurer B | Ages 0 to 11: possible offer 2 years after first manifestations and depending on the degree of control: standard to +250% Ages 12 to 35: possible offer 1 year after first manifestations and depending on the degree of control: standard to +250% Ages 36 and over: possible offer 1 year after first manifestations and depending on the degree of control: standard to +100% Poor degree of control: decline | Febrile convulsions: (Available as of 4 years of age): Generally accepted at regular rate 2 years after the event Partial seizures and Petit mal: Ages 0 to 11: possible offer 2 years after first manifestations: standard to +100% Ages 12 and over: possible offer 1 year after first manifestations: standard to +100% Poor degree of control: decline |
Depending on your personal case, you may qualify for the following policies:
| Insurance Type | Medical Exam | Detailed Medical Questionnaire | Short Questionnaire | Coverage Limits | Important to Know |
| 1. Traditional, Medically Underwritten Life Insurance with PREFERRED RATES | Yes | Yes | No | $5,000,000+ | Is not available |
| 2. Traditional, Medically Underwritten Life Insurance with STANDARD RATES | Yes | Yes | No | $5,000,000+ | Only in the best cases e.g., more than 2 years after the first manifestations and with the high degree of control |
| 3. Traditional, Medically Underwritten Life Insurance WITHOUT A MEDICAL EXAM | No | Yes | No | $5,000,000+ | Is not available |
| 4. Traditional, Medically Underwritten RATED Life Insurance | Yes | Yes | No | $5,000,000+ | Yes, the most likely scenario of life insurance for epilepsy patients |
| 5. Simplified Issue Life Insurance | No | No | Yes | $1,000,000 | These questionnaires have a few health-related questions. You may be able to qualify but the rates will be high. |
| 6. Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance | No | No | No | $25,000 | Yes, you can always qualify for this one! There are some drawbacks. Guaranteed issue insurance does not pay claims in the first two years if the applicant passes away from a health condition. |
Collaborating with a broker can improve your chances of getting approved for a plan. Brokers have the ability to explore the market on your behalf and are not bound to endorse a single company’s offerings. Before starting the application process, the broker may contact the insurance company via email to determine the probability of your approval or denial. Also, brokers provide you with an application that is tailored to your distinct situation, thereby optimizing your chances of success.
Manulife, SSQ Life Insurance, Empire Life, Canada Life, Assumption Life and most other Canadian insurers have a rating system or simplified or guaranteed issue policies. It is important to check with multiple insurance providers or work with an insurance broker specializing in high-risk cases to find the best coverage options for your situation. Brokers shop the market on your behalf and their services are cost and risk free to you! Our long-term insurance brokers are happy to help. Complete the quote request to get started.
