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Life Insurance for People with Epilepsy
Yes. Life insurance is available for the majority of individuals with Epilepsy. The key is to contact an impaired risk life insurance expert like Coach B., who understands life insurance underwriting.
- updated last on March 3, 2023
Epilepsy and Life Insurance
Epilepsy can complicate the process of obtaining life insurance, but it is not impossible to get coverage. The cost and type of policy you qualify for will depend on the severity and frequency of your seizures and other factors such as age and overall health. It’s essential to work with an agent who understands the nuances of epilepsy and life insurance to get the best possible coverage for your needs.
Life insurance for epilepsy
If you have epilepsy, getting life insurance may be more challenging, but it is not impossible. You must disclose your condition and provide information about your seizures, medications, and treatments. Depending on the severity of your epilepsy and how well it is controlled, your premiums may be higher than those without a pre-existing medical condition. It is essential to shop around and work with an agent or broker who knows the ins and outs of underwriting policies for individuals with epilepsy.
Is epilepsy a critical illness
Yes, epilepsy can be considered a critical illness. This is because it is a chronic neurological disorder that can severely and unpredictably affect a person’s health and well-being. While seizures are the most visible symptom of epilepsy, they can also cause other complications such as falls, injuries, and even sudden death in some cases. As such, many insurance policies classify epilepsy as a critical illness and provide coverage for related medical expenses.
Buying Life Insurance with Epilepsy
People with long-term diseases are typically denied insurance policies. However, each insurance firm implements different rules. Can you get an insurance plan if you have epilepsy?
The simple answer would be yes. However, your rating may be different from company to company. You can be eligible for a Standard rate, but it depends on the regulations of the firm you decided to enroll in.
People with epilepsy are probably worried that they cannot qualify for life insurance or pay higher premiums if they were granted. If you have epilepsy and insurance plans are stressing you out, you should remind yourself that epilepsy is a common medical problem.
According to the statistics from the National Institute of Health, 1 in every 26 Americans has epilepsy and a total of 3 million people. Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder, so expect that many people with epilepsy enroll in life insurance for epilepsy policies.
Taking The First Step In Getting Life Insurance for People with Epilepsy
The sooner, the better. You should apply for an insurance policy as early as possible. If you get a plan when you’re a lot older, you will be assigned more expensive fees. You need to know what the insurance companies consider when granting a policy to people with epilepsy. Hence, you need information about their company regulations.
Further, you need to adjust your lifestyle according to what will make you a qualified candidate. For example, if they need to ensure that you are on regular treatment, you must prove that you take medications or other medical interventions for your condition.
Here are the things you need to know about epilepsy and life insurance plans:
Insurance Firms Ask About Life Insurance For Someone With Epilepsy
Firstly, an insurer would want to know how your condition affects your life. That includes how frequently you experience symptoms and how serious these are.
Insurance firms know that people’s experience with epilepsy varies from person to person. And because every experience is different, the gravity and recurrence of symptoms are different, too. Further, people with this condition engage in other treatments.
Your insurer would want to know the course of your disease. They may ask when did it start and when were you diagnosed. The insurance firm wants this information from you so that they can give you a suitable insurance policy.
For instance, an individual has rare seizure episodes and takes prescription drugs. He also engages in a diet plan and exercise that his doctor advised. This individual will be considered by an underwriter as a lower risk compared to a person with recurring seizures.
When you apply for a policy, except that the insurer will ask you to give comprehensive information about your condition, it is best to prepare for the potential questions to have a clear answer in mind. The data you provide are critical deciding factors for your insurance plan’s approval.
Life insurance underwriters want to know:
- When did you have your first seizure?
- What Type of Seizure(s) did you have? – Absence Seizure, Simple Partial Seizure, Complex Partial Seizure, or Tonic-Clonic Seizure.
- How often do you have episodes and date of last episode?
- Do you take any medications to control Epilepsy?
Different Kinds of Seizure
Insurance firms do their research about medical conditions. For instance, they know that epilepsy’s main symptom is seizures. They dig deeper into this information and determine the kinds of seizures that their clients may experience.
If you understand your diagnosis well, then that’s an advantage. However, knowing your condition may not be enough to increase your chance of getting a policy. It will be helpful to know other kinds of seizures.
Absence Seizure
People with absence seizure experience sudden unresponsiveness. As its name suggests, people with this kind of seizure seem absent-minded for a few seconds. This seizure type is very uncommon.
- Focal Onset Aware Seizure
This seizure affects only one hemisphere of the brain. It lasts for a minute or two, and the individual is conscious while the seizure attacks.
- Focal Onset Impaired Awareness Seizure
This seizure is almost identical to the above-mentioned type. However, this seizure involves loss of consciousness that can last up to two minutes.
- Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure
This kind of seizure shows more physical symptoms than the previous ones. The tightening of muscles marks this seizure. The person may also pass out. The episode can occur within 4 minutes. Symptoms of a tonic-clonic seizure are what laypeople imagine when they think of epilepsy. Therefore, explaining to your insurer what your seizures look like is essential.
Remember that you need to be honest when disclosing your symptoms. An insurance firm evaluates your risk based on the symptoms of your condition. These include the duration of seizure, its effects on your body, and your level of awareness when it occurs. Some episodes may consist of two concurrent seizures or one seizure type following another. Each of these factors determines how your medical condition impacts your daily life.
“How many seizure episodes do you have each year” and “did you experience a thirty-minute long seizure” are questions you might encounter.
Seizure Predictability
A predictable seizure has a much lower risk. Hence, the insurance firm would want to know whether your seizures are symptomatic (with known triggers, like a substance or a stressor) or idiopathic (with no identified cause).
Commitment to Treatment
You have a higher chance of getting an insurance plan if you have been committed to your treatment plan. An insurance firm will be impressed if they know that you did all the possible ways to improve your condition. You can show your diligence by getting regular check-ups and strictly following your doctor’s directions.
If you are taking prescription drugs and proving that you are taking these medications, insurers can grant you an acceptable insurance policy.
Health Background
The insurance firm will also ask you about other possible ailments aside from epilepsy. Therefore, you should ensure that you are of good well-being regardless of epilepsy. It can keep your stress levels low, engage in physical activities, and maintain a healthy diet.
What If My Symptoms Are Serious?
If you are having second thoughts about your eligibility because your symptoms are recurrent and unpredictable, here are some options if you are determined to get insurance.
Life insurance firms offer this kind of policy where the applicant doesn’t need to take a medical exam. A great option for someone with no episodes in a few years and pretty good health overall. You will still need to reveal your medical background, but the insurer will consider your current well-being and not your past symptoms.
If you have been rejected in other policies, this is might be our best choice. Guaranteed issue plans typically range from $5,000 to $30,000 in face amount but it could be enough to cover your final expenses.
Life Insurance Quotes
Best health insurance for epilepsy
When searching for health insurance for epilepsy, looking for a plan that includes coverage for specialist care and prescription medications is essential. Many plans also have limitations on coverage or higher premiums for pre-existing conditions, so it’s essential to read the fine print carefully. It may be helpful to work with a healthcare broker or navigator who can assist in finding a plan that meets your specific needs and budget.
Best travel insurance for epilepsy
When traveling with epilepsy, it’s essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers pre-existing medical conditions. Some of the top options for the best travel insurance for patients include Allianz Global Assistance, Seven Corners, and Medjet. Be sure to review policy details carefully and make sure they offer coverage for seizures and other epilepsy-related events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get life insurance if I have epilepsy?
Yes, it is possible to get life insurance if you have epilepsy. However, the cost and availability of policies will depend on the severity of your condition and how well it is controlled. Some insurers may request additional medical information from your doctor before deciding. Working with an agent who can help you navigate the process and find a policy that works for you is essential.
Which insurance company covers epilepsy?
Insurance companies that offer health insurance coverage for epilepsy include Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, and Humana. It is important to note that coverage can vary based on individual policies and plans. It is recommended to contact the specific insurance company to determine their coverage options for epilepsy.
What is the average lifespan of a person with epilepsy?
There isn't necessarily an average lifespan for people with epilepsy, as it can vary greatly depending on individual factors, such as the severity of the condition and any coexisting health issues. However, studies have shown that people with epilepsy tend to have a slightly shortened lifespan compared to the general population. It's essential to work closely with your healthcare team to properly manage your epilepsy and any related health issues to ensure the best possible quality of life.
What's the most affordable life insurance for someone with epilepsy?
While having epilepsy can impact the cost of life insurance, it is still possible to get coverage. One option is to look for guaranteed issue policies that do not require a medical exam and will accept you regardless of any pre-existing conditions. Another option is to work with an independent broker to help you compare policies and find the most affordable one that meets your needs. It's essential to disclose your epilepsy diagnosis upfront and be prepared to provide medical records or other documentation as needed.
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About Coach B.
After starting his financial career with Phoenix Home Life Insurance Company back in 1992, Scott decided he wanted to provide people with an easier and more enjoyable way to buy life insurance. That was the start of Coach B. Life Insurance, whose mission is to be transparent, honest, and helpful to customers — without ever bugging or pushing them.
In the years since then, he has worked tirelessly to improve the process of shopping for insurance. His goal is to make sure that everyone who comes to Coach B. — whether they end up buying a policy or not — has the best possible experience.
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