How to Get Life Insurance with Epilepsy

Living with epilepsy brings its own unique set of challenges, but securing financial protection for your family and future shouldn't be one of them. A common question we hear at WeCovr is: "Can I get life insurance, critical illness cover, or income protection if I have epilepsy?"

The simple answer is yes, in the vast majority of cases.

However, the outcome of your application—and the price you pay—depends entirely on the specifics of your condition. Insurers need to understand the type of epilepsy you have, how it's managed, and its impact on your daily life. This is not a reason to be discouraged. It’s an opportunity to present a clear and accurate picture of your health, and with the right guidance, you can secure highly suitable and affordable cover.

This definitive guide explains how UK life insurers assess applications from people with epilepsy. We will explore how seizure frequency and medication management directly influence your premiums and cover options. We will also demystify the underwriting process and show you how to build the strongest possible case to secure the protection you need.

How seizure frequency and medication management impact your premium rates

When a life insurance underwriter assesses your application, their goal is to understand and quantify risk. For someone with epilepsy, the risk isn't just about the condition itself, but about the potential for seizures to cause accidental injury or to be a symptom of an underlying neurological issue.

Therefore, underwriters focus on one key principle: stability and control. An applicant who can demonstrate their epilepsy is well-managed, stable, and has minimal impact on their life is a much lower risk than someone with a recent diagnosis, frequent seizures, or who is not compliant with treatment.

Here are the specific factors insurers scrutinise:

1. Type of Epilepsy and Seizures

Not all seizures are the same. Insurers will want to know the exact type you experience, as some carry a higher risk of injury.

• Tonic-Clonic (formerly Grand Mal): These seizures involve loss of consciousness and full-body convulsions. They are considered higher risk due to the potential for falls and injury.
• Focal Aware / Focal Impaired (formerly Simple/Complex Partial): These seizures affect a smaller part of the brain. While less dramatic than tonic-clonic seizures, those causing a loss of awareness still carry a risk of accident.
• Absence Seizures (formerly Petit Mal): These involve brief lapses in consciousness but typically without physical convulsions, posing a lower risk of injury.

The underwriter needs to know if your seizures involve loss of consciousness, falls, or uncontrolled movements.

2. Frequency and Date of Your Last Seizure

This is arguably the most critical factor. The time elapsed since your last seizure is a powerful indicator of how well your condition is controlled.

Here is a general guide to how insurers might view different timeframes:

Insider Tip: If you had a single, isolated seizure many years ago with no recurrence (e.g., a febrile convulsion in childhood), it may have no impact on your application at all. Full disclosure is still essential.

3. Medication and Treatment Adherence

Are you taking medication as prescribed by your neurologist or GP? Consistency is key.

• Consistent Treatment: Being on a stable, long-term medication plan with good results is viewed very favourably.
• Recent Medication Changes: If your doctor has recently changed your medication type or dosage, insurers may postpone a decision. They want to wait and see if the new treatment is effective at controlling your seizures.
• Treatment Compliance: An underwriter will see from your GP report whether you are collecting your prescriptions and attending your review appointments. Being compliant with medical advice is a huge positive.

4. Diagnosis Details and Investigations

Insurers want to see that your condition has been thoroughly investigated.

• Date of Diagnosis: A long-standing, stable condition is less of a concern than a very recent diagnosis.
• Cause: Is the cause of your epilepsy known (symptomatic) or unknown (idiopathic)? If it was caused by a past head injury, for example, this is a known event. If it's linked to an underlying or progressive neurological condition, underwriting will be much more complex.
• Tests: Have you had an EEG or an MRI scan? Normal results from these tests are reassuring for an underwriter.

5. Lifestyle and Associated Factors

The underwriter looks at you as a whole person.

• Driving: Do you hold a driving licence? The DVLA has strict rules for drivers with epilepsy, and being able to hold a licence is a strong positive signal of control.
• Alcohol Consumption: Heavy alcohol use can be a trigger for seizures and is a general health risk. Moderate or no alcohol consumption is viewed favourably.
• Occupation: Your job matters, especially for Income Protection. An office-based role carries less risk than operating heavy machinery or working at height.

By gathering this information, an underwriter builds a complete risk profile, allowing them to make a fair and evidence-based decision.

Understanding the Underwriting Process for Epilepsy

"Underwriting" is simply the name for the risk assessment process an insurer undertakes before offering you a policy. For a condition like epilepsy, this process is more detailed than for someone with no pre-existing medical conditions.

The Golden Rule: Full and Honest Disclosure

When you apply for any protection policy, you have a duty to answer all questions truthfully and completely. This is not just a moral obligation; it's a contractual one.

Failing to disclose your epilepsy is considered 'non-disclosure'. If the insurer discovers this later—which they almost certainly will at the point of a claim—they have the right to void your policy and refuse to pay out.

This would mean all the premiums you've paid would be wasted, and your family would be left without the financial safety net you intended to provide. It is never worth the risk.

The Application and GP Report (GPR)

Your application will include a detailed medical questionnaire. For epilepsy, expect questions on:

• The date of your first and last ever seizure.
• The types of seizure you have had.
• The frequency of seizures over the last 5 years.
• Details of all medications, including dosages.
• Dates of any hospital admissions.
• Whether you are under the regular care of a specialist.

In nearly all cases, the insurer will then write to your GP to request a medical report, known as a GPR. This is standard practice and allows them to verify the information you've provided and get a full picture of your medical history.

The Four Possible Underwriting Outcomes

After reviewing your application and GP report, the insurer will come back with one of four decisions:

1. Standard Rates: This is the best-case scenario, where you are offered cover at the standard price with no modifications. This is achievable for individuals who have been seizure-free for many years (typically 5-10+) and have no other significant health concerns.
2. Premium Loading: This is the most common outcome for people with well-managed epilepsy. The insurer offers you the policy but increases the standard premium by a set percentage to reflect the increased risk. This is often called a "rating" or "loading". For example, a "+100%" loading means you would pay double the standard premium. While this sounds high, it means you have secured full cover.
3. Exclusions: An insurer might offer you a policy but with a specific clause that excludes claims related to your condition. This is rare for Life Insurance but more common for Critical Illness Cover and Income Protection. For example, a CIC policy might be offered with a "neurological conditions exclusion". This means you couldn't claim for a stroke, but you would still be fully covered for cancer, a heart attack, and all other conditions listed in the policy.
4. Postponement or Decline: If your epilepsy is newly diagnosed, poorly controlled, or you are undergoing changes in treatment, an insurer may postpone their decision for 6-12 months. This gives time for the condition to stabilise. In the most severe and uncontrolled cases, an application may be declined. Crucially, a decline from one insurer does not mean you are uninsurable. Different companies have different appetites for risk. This is where a specialist broker's knowledge is invaluable.

What Types of Protection Can You Get with Epilepsy?

Having epilepsy doesn't limit you to just one type of cover. Depending on your circumstances, a full suite of protection products may be available to create a robust financial safety net.

Life Insurance

Life insurance pays out a cash lump sum if you die during the policy term. It’s designed to clear debts like a mortgage and provide for your family's future. For epilepsy, this is generally the most accessible type of cover.

• Term Life Insurance: This is the most common and affordable type. You choose a lump sum amount and a policy term (e.g., £250,000 over 25 years to match your mortgage). If you die within that term, the policy pays out. If you survive the term, the policy ends. Underwriting outcomes will range from standard rates to a premium loading, depending on your seizure history.
• Family Income Benefit (FIB): This is a smart alternative to standard term insurance. Instead of a single lump sum, it pays out a regular, tax-free monthly or annual income to your family for the remainder of the policy term. This can be easier for a family to manage than a large lump sum and is often more affordable. Underwriting is identical to term life insurance.
• Whole of Life Insurance: This policy guarantees a payout whenever you die, as there is no fixed term. These plans are most commonly used for two specific purposes:
  1. Guaranteed Legacy: To leave a fixed sum of money to children or grandchildren.
  2. Inheritance Tax (IHT) Planning: To provide a lump sum to cover a future IHT bill.

Important Clarity on Whole of Life Policies: In the modern UK protection market, most whole of life plans are pure protection policies with no cash-in value. If you stop paying your premiums, the cover ceases and you get nothing back. These plans are transparent, straightforward, and relatively affordable for their purpose. At WeCovr, we specialise in comparing these modern, guaranteed cover plans from across the market.

You should be aware that older types of whole of life policies, often called with-profits or investment-linked plans, worked differently. Part of your premium funded the life cover, and the rest was invested. These plans were designed to build a 'surrender value' over time. However, they were often complex, expensive, and their performance was not guaranteed. Surrendering them early frequently resulted in getting back less than you had paid in.

Critical Illness Cover (CIC)

Critical Illness Cover pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of specific serious conditions, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke.

Getting CIC with epilepsy can be more challenging than getting life insurance. Underwriters are cautious because of the potential link, however small, between epilepsy and other neurological events like stroke.

The likely outcomes are:

• Standard Terms: Possible if your epilepsy is very mild, diagnosed long ago, and you've been seizure-free for many years.
• Premium Loading: A loading may be applied.
• Exclusion: The most common specific outcome is the offer of a policy with a neurological conditions exclusion. This means you are covered for all other specified conditions (which typically includes over 75% of claims, such as most cancers and heart attacks) but not for conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, or others affecting the brain and nervous system. While not perfect, this can still be an exceptionally valuable policy.

Income Protection (IP)

For many people, particularly the self-employed, Income Protection is the most important financial protection policy of all. It pays you a regular, replacement income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury.

This is the most difficult policy to secure with epilepsy, as the underwriting is the strictest. The insurer's primary concern is the risk of you needing to take time off work because of your epilepsy or an injury sustained during a seizure.

Key factors for an IP application include:

• Your Occupation: An HGV driver, pilot, or roofer with epilepsy will find it almost impossible to get IP. An office worker will find it much easier.
• Seizure Control: As with all other policies, the better the control, the better the chance of acceptance.
• Exclusions: An epilepsy-specific exclusion is highly likely. This means the policy will not pay out for any absence from work that is directly caused by your epilepsy. However, it would still pay out for any other reason you can't work—cancer, a broken leg, mental health issues, back pain, and so on. This still provides a vital safety net.
• Deferred Period: This is the waiting period from when you stop working to when the policy starts paying out. You can choose a deferred period to match your employer's sick pay scheme or your savings (e.g., 4, 8, 13, 26, or 52 weeks). A longer deferred period dramatically reduces the premium.

Personal Sick Pay plans are a type of short-term income protection, often with simpler underwriting. They might have a maximum claim period of 1 or 2 years, making them a good fit for some circumstances and potentially easier to obtain.

Specialist Protection for Business Owners & Self-Employed

If you run your own business or work for yourself, the financial risks of illness are even greater. Fortunately, specialist protection products are available.

For the Self-Employed, Contractors, and Freelancers

The lack of employer-provided sick pay makes you financially vulnerable from day one of an illness. Income Protection is not a luxury; it is a fundamental part of your business plan.

While underwriting can be tough, a specialist broker can navigate the market to find insurers who take a pragmatic view, especially if your role is office-based and your condition is stable. Securing a policy, even with an exclusion, protects your most important asset: your ability to earn.

For Company Directors

As a director, your health is critical not just to your own family, but to the stability of your business.

• Executive Income Protection: This is an Income Protection policy owned and paid for by your limited company. It covers your salary and dividends if you're unable to work. From the company's perspective, the premiums are typically classed as a legitimate business expense and are therefore tax-deductible. This can be a highly tax-efficient way to secure your income. The underwriting process is the same as for a personal IP policy.
• Key Person Insurance: This is a life insurance and/or critical illness policy taken out by the business on a key individual whose death or serious illness would cause a significant financial loss to the company. This could be you, a co-director, or a top salesperson. When assessing a key person with epilepsy, the underwriter will want to know about their seizure history and stability, as this directly relates to the risk of the business losing them. A policy payout gives the company the capital to manage the disruption, hire a replacement, or clear business loans.
• Shareholder or Partnership Protection: This is a business succession plan funded by life insurance. Policies are taken out on the lives of each shareholder or partner. If one dies, the policy pays out to the surviving owners, giving them the funds to purchase the deceased's shares from their estate. This ensures a smooth transition of ownership and prevents the deceased's family from being unwillingly stuck in a business they don't want to run. Underwriting is based on the individual health of each shareholder.

Disclaimer: This is general guidance only and does not constitute formal tax or financial advice. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances, policy terms, and HMRC interpretation, which cannot be guaranteed in advance. Whenever applicable, businesses and individuals should always consult a qualified accountant or tax adviser before arranging such policies.

How to Improve Your Life Insurance Application with Epilepsy

You can't change your diagnosis, but you can take proactive steps to present the strongest possible application to insurers. This can be the difference between a standard rate and a high loading, or between an acceptance and a postponement.

1. Be Prepared and Organised: Before you even apply, gather all the relevant information. Create a document with:

   • The exact date of your diagnosis.
   • The specific type(s) of seizures you have.
   • A log of seizure dates going back at least 5 years.
   • The names and dosages of all medications you take.
   • The name of your GP and neurologist/specialist.

2. Demonstrate Excellent Control and Management: This is your number one priority. Show the insurer that you are proactively managing your health.

   • Medication Adherence: Never miss your medication. Your GP records will show this.
   • Regular Reviews: Attend all your scheduled appointments with your GP and/or neurologist.
   • Lifestyle Management: If you know your seizure triggers (e.g., lack of sleep, stress, alcohol), demonstrate that you actively manage them. A healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a healthy weight and being a non-smoker, also has a hugely positive impact on any insurance application. At WeCovr, we support our clients' long-term health with complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to help them manage their diet and well-being.

3. Work With a Specialist Protection Broker: This is the single most effective step you can take. Trying to navigate the insurance market on your own with a pre-existing condition is like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded. A specialist broker, like WeCovr, acts as your advocate.

   • Market Knowledge: We know which insurers have more favourable underwriting stances for epilepsy. Some are notoriously strict; others are far more pragmatic. We won't waste your time applying to the wrong ones.
   • Pre-Application Enquiries: We can speak to senior underwriters at various insurers on an anonymous basis before submitting a formal application. We can present the details of your case and get an indicative decision, protecting your application record.
   • Framing Your Application: We help you complete the application forms correctly, ensuring all information is presented clearly and accurately to pre-empt underwriter questions. We can help draft a supplementary cover note to the underwriter, providing context and reassurance about your condition's stability.
   • Managing the Process: We handle all the administration, including chasing the GP for their report, which can often be the biggest cause of delays.
   • Challenging Unfair Decisions: If an insurer comes back with a decision we believe is unfair or overly cautious, we have the expertise and relationships to challenge it on your behalf, often with positive results.

This expert guidance comes at no extra cost to you. Our fee is paid by the insurer upon the successful arrangement of your policy.

Real-Life Scenarios: Epilepsy and Protection Insurance

These examples show how underwriting works in the real world.

Scenario 1: The Young Professional with Well-Controlled Epilepsy

• Client: Maya, 32, a graphic designer. She was diagnosed with focal aware seizures at age 20. She has been completely seizure-free for over 8 years on a stable dose of Keppra. She's a non-smoker and is buying her first flat.
• Need: £300,000 of Level Term Life Insurance over 30 years to cover her mortgage.
• Process: Her broker submitted the application, highlighting the 8-year seizure-free period and excellent medication compliance confirmed in her GP report.
• Outcome: The insurer offered the full amount of cover at standard rates. Her long period of stability and control meant she was not considered a higher risk.

Scenario 2: The Self-Employed Builder with More Recent Seizures

• Client: Tom, 42, a self-employed builder. He has had tonic-clonic epilepsy for 15 years. His last seizure was 14 months ago, which was a "breakthrough" seizure attributed to a period of intense work stress.
• Need: Income Protection to cover his earnings of £4,000 per month.
• Process: His occupation is a high-risk factor. Several insurers immediately declined to quote for IP. His broker approached a specialist insurer known for its individualised underwriting.
• Outcome: The insurer agreed to offer an Income Protection policy with a 13-week deferred period. The terms were a +100% premium loading and a specific exclusion for any claim related to epilepsy. Tom was delighted. While he couldn't claim for time off due to a seizure, he was now financially protected if he broke his leg, was diagnosed with cancer, or suffered any other illness or injury that stopped him from working.

Scenario 3: The Business Director Planning for Inheritance Tax

• Client: Helen, 58, a company director. She has had epilepsy since childhood but has been seizure-free for over 20 years. Her estate is large enough to attract a significant Inheritance Tax (IHT) bill on her death.
• Need: A £400,000 Whole of Life policy, to be written in trust, to provide the funds to pay the IHT bill.
• Process: The application focused on the exceptional long-term stability of her condition. Her GP report confirmed decades of control.
• Outcome: The insurer offered the Whole of Life policy with a small +50% loading. Given her age and the guaranteed nature of the payout, this was an excellent result. The policy was placed in a trust, ensuring the money would be paid quickly to her beneficiaries outside of her estate, ready to meet the tax liability.

Your Questions Answered: Epilepsy and Insurance FAQ

Securing Your Future with Confidence

Having epilepsy should not be a barrier to securing the financial peace of mind that protection insurance provides. While the application process is more detailed, it is a solvable challenge.

The key takeaways are clear:

• Control is everything. A well-managed condition with a long seizure-free history will always achieve the best terms.
• Full disclosure is non-negotiable. Honesty ensures your policy will pay out when it's needed most.
• A range of cover is available, from life insurance to income protection, even if it comes with adjusted terms like a premium loading or an exclusion.
• Expert advice is crucial. Partnering with a specialist broker like WeCovr transforms the process from daunting to manageable, significantly increasing your chances of success.

We understand the nuances of the protection market and have deep experience in helping clients with epilepsy find the right cover from the right insurer. Don't let uncertainty stop you from protecting yourself and your loved ones.

Take the next step today. Contact WeCovr for a free, no-obligation discussion and quote. Let our experts guide you to the financial security you deserve.

Sources

• NHS
• Epilepsy Action
• Epilepsy Society
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• Association of British Insurers (ABI)
• Office for National Statistics (ONS)
• gov.uk