If you have epilepsy — a neurological disorder that causes recurring seizures — [1] life insurance companies won’t automatically decline you for coverage. However, they will consider factors such as the date of your last seizure, the frequency of your seizures, what kind of seizures you have, and their severity to determine the type of policy they can offer you and how much you’ll pay for life insurance.
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How does epilepsy affect your life insurance rates?
When applying for a life insurance policy with an epilepsy diagnosis, the main factors that affect your rates are:
The type of seizures you get
How frequently you get them
How severe they are
Types of seizures
Absence seizures
Absence seizures, formerly known as petit mal seizures, cause you to blank out or stare into space for a few seconds. They are most common in children, though they can occur in adults as well.
If you haven’t had a petit mal seizure in the last five to 10 years, depending on the insurance company, you may be assigned Preferred rates — the second-most affordable rates, usually assigned to people with a lower-than-average insurance risk.
If you haven’t had a petit mal seizure in the last two years, you may be eligible for Standard rates. Standard rates are assigned to people with an average level of insurance risk.
But if you’ve had an absence seizure more recently, you’ll likely qualify for a Substandard risk classification — or be declined for traditional coverage, depending on the severity and frequency of your petit mal seizures. Substandard rates are higher than average and are usually assigned to people with more serious health conditions.
Tonic-clonic seizures
Tonic-clonic seizures, formerly known as grand mal seizures, can cause strong muscle movements on both sides of your body, including convulsions. People with tonic-clonic seizures are considered higher risk by insurers and might not always be eligible for traditional life insurance.
If you have a history of tonic-clonic seizures, you’ll most likely be assigned a Substandard risk classification, which will increase the cost of your premiums. Substandard rates are more expensive than Standard rates and are usually reserved for people with complex health conditions.
Other types of seizures
There are many other types of seizures, including simple focal seizures, complex focal seizures, and secondary generalized seizures.
If you have experienced more than one type of seizure, the life insurance company will want to know more details about your medical history and underlying condition to get a better picture of your insurance risk.
Frequency of seizures
Five or more years since last seizure
If you haven’t had a seizure in the last five to 10 years, you may qualify for a Preferred risk classification, which comes with better-than-average life insurance rates. Your options will depend on the life insurance company you’re applying with and the type of seizure, or seizures, you’ve had.
Two years since last seizure
If you haven’t had a petit mal seizure in the last two years, you may qualify for a Standard risk classification, which means you’ll pay average rates.
Fewer than seven seizures per year
If you have fewer than seven moderate seizures per year, you may qualify for a Substandard risk classification, which means you’ll pay higher-than-average rates.
Seven or more seizures per year
If you have seven or more seizures per year, you generally won’t qualify for traditional life insurance, but may have other options, including guaranteed issue life insurance.
Epilepsy diagnosis or first seizure in the last six months
If you’ve been diagnosed with epilepsy in the last six months, or you’ve experienced your first seizure(s) in the last six months, your life insurance application will be postponed until you’re at least six months out from either event.
Severity of seizures
Markers of seizure severity
The severity of your seizures, regardless of the type of seizures you have, will also impact your life insurance options. There are two markers of severity that may make it difficult for you to qualify for traditional life insurance: prolonged unconsciousness and hospitalization.
Prolonged unconsciousness
If you’ve experienced prolonged unconsciousness during a seizure, you may be declined for traditional coverage.
Hospitalization
If you’ve had multiple hospitalizations related to seizures, you may be eligible for only more expensive rates usually reserved for people with serious health conditions, or your application may be declined.
What life insurance health classification will you be assigned based on your epilepsy?
When you apply for life insurance, you get assigned a health classification based on your health history and lifestyle choices. Below you’ll find a quick recap of how your epilepsy diagnosis may determine your health classification.
Life insurance health classification | Rates | Qualifying health factors |
|---|---|---|
Preferred: For applicants who are lower-than-average risk to insure. | Most affordable | One or two well-controlled, minor health conditions (like a history of absence seizures five or more years ago). |
Standard: For applicants who are an average risk to insure. | Average | One or two moderate or chronic health conditions, or several years out from a more serious health incident (like a history of absence seizures, or one or two per year). |
Substandard (table ratings): For applicants who are a higher-than-average risk to insure. | Most expensive | A more serious ongoing health condition (like a recent history of tonic-clonic seizures). |
→ Learn more about life insurance classifications
8 questions you’ll be asked about your epilepsy when you apply
When you apply for life insurance, you’ll be asked to provide details about your health history, including your epilepsy diagnosis.
You should be prepared to answer questions about your history with epilepsy and seizures, including:
When were you first diagnosed with epilepsy?
When was your first seizure? When was your most recent seizure?
How often do you have seizures?
What type of seizures do you have?
What types of treatment have you had? Any surgeries or implants?
What medications are you currently on?
Have you ever been hospitalized for a seizure?
Have you ever lost consciousness during a seizure?
What kind of life insurance can you get if you have epilepsy?
The type, frequency, and severity of seizures you have, in addition to other factors like your age, gender, lifestyle habits, and your full health profile, will determine the type of life insurance policy you may be eligible for.
Term life insurance
Term life insurance is one of the most affordable life insurance coverage options on the market. It only lasts for a set term — usually 10 to 30 years — and doesn’t come with any complex tax restrictions or regulations.
Term life is the best option for most people looking to protect their income and provide their family with a financial safety net to cover any debts — including a mortgage or other types of personal loans. Many people with a history of seizures and epilepsy can still qualify for term life coverage.
Whole life insurance
Whole life insurance and other types of permanent life insurance are good options for high-net-worth individuals who want to use life insurance to diversify their investment portfolio, or people with long-term financial obligations, like dependents who require lifelong care.
Whole life insurance never expires and comes with a cash value that earns interest in addition to the death benefit payout, but it’s usually significantly more expensive than traditional term life policies. If you’re already maximizing your contributions to investment accounts with tax benefits — like a Roth IRA or a 401(k) — and would like to add another investment option, whole life might work for you.
Best life insurance companies for people with epilepsy
Methodology
Why you can trust our picks
Our recommendations are based on internal and external expert analysis, as well as our Policygenius Life Insurance Price Index, which uses real-time data from leading life insurance companies to determine pricing trends. When reviewing a life insurance company, our editorial team uses a proprietary scoring rubric with five factors — price, policy details, financial strength, transparency, and customer experience — to assign an unbiased rating between one and five stars. These ratings are also taken into consideration as part of our company recommendations. We don’t get paid for our reviews.
Our reviews and recommendations can help you find a reliable insurer for your family’s financial protection, but the best life insurance company for you depends on multiple factors. A licensed agent at Policygenius can support you during the application process to ensure you get the right coverage for your circumstances at the most competitive price.
Transamerica
4.6
No-medical-exam option
Why we chose it
Transamerica is one of the oldest and largest life insurance companies, with over 12 million active accounts today. It offers affordable rates for almost every age, and you can even skip the medical exam if you fall under a certain age or coverage amount.
Pros and cons
Pros
Competitive rates for term life insurance
No-medical-exam available for qualifying applicants, including smokers and people between 60 and 70, which is rare
One of the fastest turnaround times in the industry for traditionally underwritten term policies
Cons
Term life not available in New York
Not a good option for people with a history of cancer, alcohol abuse, or asthma
Best overall term life insurance for people with epilepsy: Transamerica
Transamerica consistently offers some of the most competitive rates on the market for people with epilepsy. It also has a history of providing coverage to some people with epilepsy that would be declined elsewhere. Many people with a history of absence seizures will be able to get Standard rates with Transamerica. Standard rates are average and usually assigned to people who have well-controlled or resolved moderate health conditions, and who have an average level of risk.
Best term life insurance for people who have tonic-clonic seizures: Transamerica
Transamerica tends to be more flexible than many other insurers when it comes to tonic-clonic seizures. People who might not qualify for traditional life insurance with other insurers due to the frequency or severity of their seizures may be able to qualify with Transamerica.
However, if you experience tonic-clonic seizures, you’ll most likely qualify for Substandard rates — meaning you’ll pay higher-than-average rates for your coverage, which are usually assigned to people with more complex health conditions.
2023 Policygenius award winner
Legal & General America
4.9
30+ year terms
All 50 states
No-medical-exam option
Why we chose it
Legal & General America, which also does business as Banner Life and William Penn, has some of the longest term lengths — up to 40 years — and most competitive life insurance rates available, even for people with a history of medical conditions.
Pros and cons
Pros
Competitive rates for a variety of health conditions
Fast instant-decision option for qualifying applicants
Variety of term lengths up to 40 years
Cons
Application underwriting can take longer than average
Does not have the most competitive rates for older applicants
Cheapest term life insurance for people with epilepsy: Legal & General America
Not only does Legal & General America, which also does business as Banner Life and William Penn, have some of the most affordable rates for life insurance across the board, it also has less strict guidelines than many other insurers to insure people with epilepsy, especially people with a history of absence seizures.
If you haven’t had a seizure in over five years, you may qualify for Preferred rates with Legal & General America — the second-best health classification, usually assigned to people with just one or two mild and well-controlled health conditions. If you haven’t had a seizure in two years, you may qualify for Standard rates — the third- or fourth-best rates, depending on the insurer.
And while people with more recent absence seizures, or a history of tonic-clonic seizures, may get a Substandard or table-rated health classification with Legal & General America — and thus pay some of the highest rates — they will pay lower premiums with Legal & General America than they would with the same risk classification at other companies.
Best term life insurance for people who have absence seizures: Legal & General America
Legal & General America can offer Preferred rates — the second-lowest rates — to some people who haven’t had an absence seizure in the past five years, and who aren’t being treated for epilepsy with medications. If you haven’t had a seizure in the past two years and your epilepsy is considered well-controlled, you can qualify for Standard rates, which are average.
If you have more than six absence seizures per year, or have experienced prolonged unconsciousness or hospitalizations, Legal & General America may offer you Substandard rates.
Mutual of Omaha
4.5
No-medical-exam option
Why we chose it
Mutual of Omaha is a reputable company that offers a variety of life insurance products — including a no-medical-exam option — so that you can select the type of life insurance that best suits your needs.
Pros and cons
Pros
No-medical-exam options for older applicants
Strong financial and customer ratings
Cons
Policies are more expensive than average
Slow turnaround time
Best guaranteed issue life insurance for people with epilepsy: Mutual of Omaha
Some people with epilepsy won’t be able to qualify for traditional life insurance, including people who have seven or more seizures a year. In that case, a guaranteed issue life insurance policy — aimed at covering end-of-life expenses, like a funeral or medical bills — can provide a small amount of coverage without a medical exam or any medical questions.
Mutual of Omaha’s guaranteed issue life insurance policy is one of the most affordable of its kind, and even people with recent or frequent seizures will be able to qualify. However, like many guaranteed issue policies, Mutual of Omaha’s option is only available to people age 45 and up.
Comparing the best life insurance companies for people with a history of epilepsy
Company | Policygenius rating | AM Best rating | Best for | |
4.6/5 ★ | A | Epilepsy, tonic-clonic seizures | ||
4.9/5 ★ | A+ | Affordability, absence seizures | ||
4.5/5 ★ | A+ | Guaranteed issue life insurance |
How much does life insurance cost if you have epilepsy?
A 30-year-old non-smoking female with epilepsy who hasn’t had an absence seizure in the past five years could pay around $23 per month for a 20-year term life insurance policy with a $500,000 death benefit payout. A 30-year-old non-smoking male with the same health profile could pay around $29 per month for a similar policy.
20-year term life insurance rates for people with epilepsy who have not had a seizure in over five years
Age | Gender | $500,000 coverage amount |
20 | Female | $22.65 |
Male | $30.20 | |
30 | Female | $22.98 |
Male | $29.32 | |
40 | Female | $35.27 |
Male | $42.94 | |
50 | Female | $78.29 |
Male | $102.50 | |
60 | Female | $194.16 |
Male | $268.04 |
Methodology: Approximate monthly rates are calculated for male and female non-smokers in a Preferred health classification obtaining 20-year a $500,000 term life insurance policy. Life insurance averages are based on a composite of policies offered by Policygenius from Legal & General America, Corebridge Financial, Lincoln Financial, Mutual of Omaha, Pacific Life, Protective, Prudential, Symetra, and Transamerica. Rates may vary by insurer, term, coverage, health class, and state. Not all policies are available in all states. Rate illustration valid as of 01/01/2024.
20-year term life insurance rates for people with epilepsy who have not had an absence seizure in over two years
Age | Gender | $500,000 coverage amount |
20 | Female | $33.82 |
Male | $42.64 | |
30 | Female | $34.41 |
Male | $43.11 | |
40 | Female | $53.51 |
Male | $67.19 | |
50 | Female | $121.88 |
Male | $156.80 | |
60 | Female | $292.85 |
Male | $408.84 |
Methodology: Approximate monthly rates are calculated for male and female non-smokers in a Standard health classification obtaining a $500,000, 20-year term policy. Life insurance averages are based on a composite of policies offered by Policygenius from Legal & General America, Corebridge Financial, Lincoln Financial, Mutual of Omaha, Pacific Life, Protective, Prudential, Symetra, and Transamerica. Rates may vary by insurer, term, coverage amount, health class, and state. Not all policies are available in all states. Rate illustration valid as of 01/01/2024.
20-year term life insurance rates for people with epilepsy who have fewer than seven moderate seizures per year
Age | Gender | $500,000 coverage amount |
20 | Female | $54.94 |
Male | $67.86 | |
30 | Female | $54.47 |
Male | $68.03 | |
40 | Female | $89.65 |
Male | $109.99 | |
50 | Female | $196.96 |
Male | $250.95 | |
60 | Female | $504.69 |
Male | $714.75 |
Methodology: Average monthly rates are calculated for male and female non-smokers in a Substandard T3 health classification obtaining a 20-year $500,000 term life insurance policy. Life insurance averages are based on a composite of policies offered by Policygenius from Legal & General America, Corebridge Financial, Lincoln Financial, Mutual of Omaha, Pacific Life, Protective, Prudential, Symetra, and Transamerica. Rates may vary by insurer, term, coverage amount, health class, and state. Not all policies are available in all states. Rate illustration valid as of 01/01/2024.
How to buy life insurance if you have epilepsy
Every life insurance company has its own guidelines for health conditions, including epilepsy. It’s important to compare quotes from multiple insurers when shopping for life insurance.
At Policygenius, we work with a dozen top insurers, and our licensed experts can help you choose the best company and policy for you.
Here’s how it works.
Do you have to disclose your epilepsy diagnosis history when applying for life insurance?
Yes, you should be as honest and forthcoming on your application for life insurance as possible, especially about your epilepsy and seizure history. If you lie on your life insurance application, you could be denied coverage and prevented from applying again, even with a different company.
What if you’re denied life insurance coverage because of your epilepsy?
Sometimes epilepsy can disqualify you from term life insurance, the most common type of life insurance. For example, if you have seizures more than seven times per year, or if you have prolonged unconsciousness during seizures, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to get a traditional life insurance policy.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t get life insurance. You may still have options.
Simplified issue life insurance
Simplified issue life insurance is a type of final expense insurance that’s available to people age 45 and older, and which covers expenses like funeral and medical bills.
Simplified issue rates are higher than traditional life insurance, and available coverage amounts are lower, but the application process is much simpler — you only have to answer a few medical questions, and many people with epilepsy can qualify.
Guaranteed issue life insurance
Guaranteed issue life insurance — another type of final expense life insurance — has an even more flexible application process than simplified issue life insurance. There are no medical requirements; you’ll just answer a few pre-screening questions with a life insurance agent to confirm the product is a good fit.
Guaranteed issue policies are also only for people age 45 and over (or age 50 and over for some companies). Coverage is expensive but permanent, and you can typically apply for a maximum coverage amount of $25,000.
Group life insurance
Group life insurance is a type of policy you can get through your employer or another kind of organization, like a trade organization. Because group policies don’t require medical questions or a medical exam, people who don’t qualify for personal policies will usually qualify for group coverage.
Coverage amounts offered are usually lower than you can get with a personal policy, and you may not be able to keep your coverage if you leave your job or organization.
Other health conditions that can affect your life insurance
Certain pre-existing conditions and other health-related concerns can affect your life insurance options or costs. A Policygenius expert can help you find the right policy for your needs.
Mental health issues such as depression or anxiety
Frequently asked questions
Can you get life insurance with epilepsy?
Yes, many people with epilepsy can get life insurance. But while some people who haven’t had seizures in two or more years may be able to qualify for average or lower-than-average rates, most people with epilepsy will have higher-than-average premiums.
What is the best life insurance for people with epilepsy?
Term life insurance from Transamerica is the best life insurance policy for many people with epilepsy for its favorable underwriting and low prices. Granted, the best policy for you will depend on your personal health factors and financial needs.
Does epilepsy affect life insurance?
Yes, if you have epilepsy or any other medical condition, it will affect your life insurance application. You’ll have to disclose your health history when you apply, and your rates will depend on the types and frequency of your seizures, as well as other factors.
