Yes. If your seizures are under control, you can often get term life. How long since your last seizure matters most.
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes seizures again and again, the Epilepsy Foundation says. It is the fourth most common brain and nerve disorder in the world. There are many kinds of seizures, and many people have more than one kind.
Insurers want to see control. The longer you go without a seizure, the better your rate. Policygenius says Legal & General America may give its preferred rates to people not taking epilepsy medicine. Steady medicine use matters, since missed doses or many changes signal poor control.
Keep a simple log before you apply. Write down your seizure type, how often they happen, the date of your last one, your medicines and any hospital visits. You will be asked to list your current medicines. If your job offers group life, MoneyGeek says epilepsy does not affect approval.
What insurers look at
- Time since your last seizure. Two years seizure free can support standard rates, and five to 10 years can support preferred rates.
- Type of seizure. Absence seizures are viewed better than tonic clonic (grand mal) seizures.
- How often seizures happen. Policygenius and MoneyGeek both say seven or more a year usually rules out regular term life.
- Blackouts and hospital stays. Long loss of consciousness or many hospital stays can lead to a no.
- Your medicine history. Missed doses or many changes in the past two years look like poor control.
- How new the diagnosis is. Both say most insurers wait until six months after you are diagnosed.
Coverage that may fit
Often the best fit. Controlled epilepsy with no seizures in the last two to five years likely qualifies. F&G's agent guide lists well controlled epilepsy with no seizures in two years as Standard to Table 3.
Health questions, no exam. Coverage usually tops out around $250,000. Policygenius describes simplified issue final expense plans for ages 45 and up.
For seizures that are not under control. It is for ages 45 to 85, with coverage usually $25,000 to $50,000. Policygenius points people with seven or more seizures a year here.
Common questions
Will I be turned down for having epilepsy?
Not always. Insurers won't automatically decline you. They look at your seizure type, how often seizures happen and how long you've been seizure free.
How long should I wait after a diagnosis?
Most insurers postpone your application if you were diagnosed in the past six months.
What if I have a lot of seizures?
Seven or more a year usually rules out regular term life, MoneyGeek and Policygenius say. Guaranteed issue or group life through work are options.
Do absence seizures count?
Yes, you still list them. Absence seizures five or more years ago may qualify for preferred rates.
Sources
General information, not medical advice. Insurer rules change. An agent can tell you which companies treat your condition best.
