You can get life insurance with epilepsy but you may pay a higher premium.
Your seizure frequency and epilepsy type can significantly affect cover eligibility and cost.
You should always disclose your epilepsy and be ready to answer further questions from the insurer.
Thanks to improvements in medicine, it's possible to have epilepsy and live a normal life. If you're looking for life insurance, you can still get cover but be aware that you will be charged a higher premium due to your epilepsy history.
Is epilepsy covered by life insurance?
Yes. All causes of death are usually covered by life insurance. To make sure that epilepsy is covered by the life insurance policy you're considering, check the exclusions in the product disclosure statement (PDS), and also make sure that the policy is not just designed to cover accidental death. With some policies, there are waiting periods (the time you need to wait before you're covered). You can also ask the insurer about these things before you commit to buying a policy.
Can I get life insurance if I have epilepsy?
Yes, it's possible but it depends on a few factors such as the type of epilepsy you have, how often you have seizures, and other health issues you may face. If you're able to get insurance, it's very likely that you'll pay more for a policy. It really comes down to the severity of your condition and how much impact epilepsy has on your life.
When you apply for life insurance with epilepsy, the insurer is likely to come back with one of the following answers:
They'll cover you but will charge you a higher premium.
They'll add an exclusion to illnesses and death related to epilepsy.
They'll refuse to cover you.
The answer they give you will depend on the severity of your condition.
Good. If you have less than 2 seizures a year, you'll be considered lower risk and should be able to get cover.
Fair. If you have around 2 to 5 seizures a year and your epilepsy is relatively under control, you'll most likely pay a good bit more for a policy but you should still be able to get cover.
Poor. If your epilepsy isn't under control and you have multiple seizures a year you may find it hard to get cover. If this is the case, consider a specialist insurer.
Get covered for epilepsy with these providers
Our research team looked at 31 life insurers in August 2021 and found 14 that will cover epilepsy in Australia. During the online application process, you will need to mention your epilepsy history.
You pay the same price as buying directly from the life insurer.
We're not owned by an insurer (unlike other comparison sites).
We've done 100+ hours of policy research to help you understand what you're comparing.
🔎 What will a life insurer ask during the application process?
If you have epilepsy, the life insurance provider is likely to ask you:
What type of epilepsy you have.
When you were diagnosed.
If there is a specific cause for your epilepsy.
The frequency of attacks you have.
How long it has been since the last attack.
If the attacks involve a change or loss of consciousness.
In most cases, your insurer will ask for a medical history report. You can usually get this from your doctor.
Do I have to let my insurer know if I have a seizure during my cover?
When you apply for insurance, your monthly payments (premiums) are calculated based on your health, lifestyle, age and job you have at the time. You don't generally need to inform your insurer of any changes once your policy has been accepted, so long as you've been truthful when you first applied.
If you want to update your policy though, for instance, you may want to increase your cover when you get a new home or get married, then you'll have to let the insurer know about your seizures by undergoing another medical report.
Do I have to declare epilepsy when I apply for life insurance?
✅ Yes. You need to disclose all relevant medical information when you apply for life insurance. If you have epilepsy, it's considered a pre-existing medical condition, so you'll need to let the insurer know. If you don't, you risk voiding your policy and could be refused a payout when you die.
Asking questions about your health is an important part of the underwriting process so it's crucial that you are truthful. When you apply, you'll also be asked about your family medical history, your age, job and lifestyle habits.
Is it worth getting life insurance if I have had epilepsy?
✅ Yes. If you have epilepsy, you may have to pay more for life insurance, but there's a reason for that – you're at a greater risk of something serious happening. To protect yourself and the people who depend on you, it's worth getting a life insurance policy. It can pay off debts like your mortgage and car loan, as well as cover everyday living expenses for your family, from groceries to utilities.
Frequently asked questions about life insurance and epilepsy
If you develop epilepsy after your life insurance policy has commenced, you generally do not need to inform your insurer as long as you were truthful during your initial application. Your premiums and cover conditions are typically fixed based on your health status at the time of application. However, if you decide to increase your cover amount or add additional benefits to your policy, the insurer will likely reassess your health, including your new epilepsy diagnosis. In this scenario, your new premiums or terms might be adjusted to reflect your updated health profile.
Having well-controlled epilepsy can significantly improve your chances of obtaining life insurance and may lead to more favourable terms. Insurers view applicants with stable, well-managed conditions as lower risk. They will assess factors such as your seizure frequency, the duration since your last seizure, your medication regimen and any other associated health conditions. Demonstrating consistent medical management and infrequent seizures generally results in a better outcome for your application, often leading to lower premiums than for those with poorly controlled epilepsy.
To potentially secure a more affordable life insurance premium with epilepsy, consider these strategies. Firstly, maintain comprehensive medical records that detail your diagnosis, treatment history, seizure frequency and the effectiveness of your medication. Secondly, compare quotes from multiple insurers as their underwriting criteria for epilepsy can vary widely. Thirdly, consider using a financial adviser or specialist broker who has experience placing cover for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. They can navigate the market for you, identifying insurers more likely to offer competitive rates based on your specific health profile.
Yes, using a financial adviser or specialist broker can be highly beneficial when seeking life insurance with epilepsy. They have expertise in dealing with complex medical conditions and understand which insurers are more accommodating or offer specific products for individuals with epilepsy. A broker can help you present your medical information effectively, negotiate with insurers on your behalf and compare various policies to find the most suitable and affordable option, saving you time and potentially improving your chances of approval.
Yes, the type of epilepsy you have can significantly influence your life insurance options and the terms offered. Insurers will assess your specific diagnosis, whether it is focal or generalised epilepsy, your seizure type and the impact on your daily life. Some types of epilepsy may be considered lower risk if they are well-controlled and do not significantly impair daily function. More severe or uncontrolled types, or those associated with additional health complications, might lead to higher premiums or specific exclusions. Providing clear, detailed information about your specific epilepsy type is crucial during the application process.
Gary Ross Hunter has over 6 years of expertise writing about insurance, including life, health, home, and car insurance. Having reviewed hundreds of product disclosure statements and published over 800 articles, he loves simplifying complex insurance topics for everyday readers. Gary has contributed to major outlets like Yahoo Finance, The Sydney Morning Herald, and news.com.au, and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Literature from the University of Glasgow, along with a Tier 2 General Advice certification, ensuring his work adheres to ASIC’s RG146 standards.
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