Life insurance with epilepsy

Epilepsy is a common medical condition which causes unprovoked seizures following bursts of electrical activity in the brain. If you have epilepsy, life insurance is still available and you might even find that the condition doesn't make it more expensive. However, as we'll explain in this guide, getting life insurance with epilepsy means you'll have to disclose medical information about how the condition affects you.

Discover how life insurance for epilepsy patients works in the UK.

What will a life insurance company ask about my epilepsy?

If you have epilepsy, your life insurance provider will typically need to know the following:

  • The type of epilepsy you have, and if there is was a specific cause
  • When you were diagnosed
  • The frequency of fits or attacks you have, and how long it's been since the last one
  • Whether the epilepsy attacks involve a change or loss of consciousness

It goes without saying that you will need to disclose your epilepsy when applying for life insurance; if you, or someone acting on your behalf, gives inaccurate information when you apply, Legal & General is entitled to amend or cancel the policy and could refuse to pay the cover amount.

In a situation like this, we may not refund any payments you have made for cover (also known as premiums).

Do I need a medical for life insurance with epilepsy?

No - you can normally complete your life insurance application online, and are offered a policy, even if you have epilepsy. Many applicants will simply be asked a few straightforward questions before a decision is made. however, you may be asked to provide additional information, especially if there are any complications or unusual patterns with regards to your epilepsy.

How to explain the types of epilepsy seizures

During the application process, you will be asked about your condition, but how can you describe your symptoms? Fortunately, the International League Against Epilepsy have produced guidance to help patients classify the way they experience epilepsy. Here are the three main types of seizure:

  • Focal onset seizures – This is when you’re ‘awake and aware’ during a seizure. In cases where you’re confused or partially aware, it may be referred to as a ‘focal impaired awareness seizure’.
  • Generalised onset seizures – These seizures involve impaired awareness and affect both sides of the brain at the same time. They happen without warning, and the patient will be unable to remember what happened during the seizure.
  • Unknown onset seizures – This is a way of referring to a seizure when the exact starting point is unknown, perhaps because you were asleep, or there was nobody else present to confirm when it took place.

Will I have to pay more for life insurance if I have epilepsy?

That depends as there are many factors that can affect the cost of life insurance when it comes to epilepsy. Depending on the cause of your epilepsy, if your epilepsy does not include a change or loss of consciousness, was diagnosed more than six months ago, you have less than 12 attacks a year, and the last attack occurred more than a year ago, then you are likely to be offered life insurance at standard rates. 

If, however, your experience of epilepsy falls outside those definitions, your premiums may be higher, though they won't rise during the length of the policy.

Can I get Critical Illness Cover if I have epilepsy?

Yes, depending on the cause of your epilepsy, most customers are still able to get our Critical Illness Cover, but please note that epilepsy isn't a condition covered by the policy.

Critical Illness Cover can be added for an extra cost when taking out Life Insurance or Decreasing Life Insurance.

More resources about epilepsy

Most people experience epilepsy as a lifelong condition, and it's important that individuals with epilepsy can get access to an affordable life insurance to protect their loved ones. Here are some further resources about epilepsy:

life-cover-and-epilepsy