Life Insurance Epilepsy

Find out if you can take out life insurance as someone with epilepsy and compare quotes through Savvy today.

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, updated on July 19th, 2023       

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Life Insurance

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According to the 2017-18 National Health Survey, epilepsy affects approximately 151,000 Australians nationwide. However, with technology and treatments always improving, many of those with the condition may not only be able to stay on top of it more effectively but also potentially gain access to life insurance coverage which may not have been possible previously.

When it comes to finding the right life insurance policy for your needs, you can easily compare policies from multiple insurers side-by-side with Savvy. Whether you're looking for term life insurance, trauma cover or income protection, you can get a quote through us today.

Can I buy life insurance if I have epilepsy?

It’s possible to buy life insurance as someone with epilepsy. However, the process of getting coverage may be more complicated than for someone without a pre-existing medical condition. Epilepsy is considered a high-risk medical condition by many insurance companies, which means that you may have to pay higher premiums for coverage. However, others may offer life insurance with exclusions for epilepsy, while some may deny your application outright.

If you don’t disclose your epilepsy during this process, your policy may be voided should you suffer an incident related to your epilepsy which would otherwise prompt a life insurance claim.

To help you find the most suitable life insurance policy on offer for your profile, it’s essential to shop around and compare policies from different insurance providers. You can do just that with Savvy today by filling out a simple online quote form. From there, you’ll be able to review any options available based on the information you’ve provided.

What information will I need to provide about my epilepsy when applying for life insurance?

To obtain life insurance as someone with epilepsy, you’ll need to disclose your medical history and, in some cases, complete a medical exam. Insurance companies will also review your medical records and may request further information from your doctor.

Additionally, insurance providers will require more information about your medical history and condition, such as the frequency and severity of your seizures, the type of epilepsy you have and the medications you’re taking.

Some of the other points which may be sought by your life insurer include:

  • How long you’ve had epilepsy (when you were diagnosed)
  • Whether there are any additional causes for your epilepsy
  • How long since you had the most recent epileptic seizure
  • Whether you can drive

What other factors can affect the cost of my life insurance?

It isn’t just epilepsy which can impact the cost of your life insurance. Some of the other variables include:

  • Age: your premiums are likely to increase as you get older, with seniors paying more for cover than younger people.
  • Health status: your overall health, including any other pre-existing conditions and any illness in your family, such as heart disease, will be taken into account by insurers.
  • Profession: riskier occupations will often attract higher premiums, while some occupations might not be considered insurable.
  • Amount of coverage: the cost of your policy will increase in line with the amount of coverage you’ve purchased.
  • Policy type: not all policies will cost the same amount, both between insurers and different types of life insurance (such as life cover and TPD cover).
  • Smoking: premiums for smokers are significantly higher than for non-smokers.

Types of life insurance

Term life cover

Life cover can pay a nominated beneficiary a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness or pass away. This type of insurance can provide your immediate family or another loved one some financial assistance to cover funerals, medical costs and day-to-day expenses.

Income protection cover

If you’re injured or too sick to work for an extended period, income protection insurance is designed to help you focus on your recovery. You can be covered for up to 70% of your usual wage for a chosen period, such as five years or up to age 65, depending on the level of coverage you buy.

Total & permanent disability cover

This type of insurance is designed to offer cover to those who are permanently disabled by injury or illness and are no longer able to work. You can choose to take out cover for an inability to work in your current job or in any role suited to your qualifications.

Trauma cover

Trauma insurance is a type of policy which provides you with a lump sum payment in the event of a critical illness or major accident. The conditions eligible for claims will be outlined in your insurer's PDS, but can include cancer, heart disease, severe head trauma and cardiovascular disorders.

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Common questions about life insurance for epilepsy patients

Do I have to declare a seizure if I suffer one while I have life insurance cover?

Once you’ve been approved for life insurance coverage, you generally don’t need to update your provider if you have a seizure afterwards. Provided you’ve disclosed your epilepsy before purchasing the policy, you’ll only need to notify them if you’re looking to make a claim or adjust your coverage. If you’re required to undergo another medical exam, however, you’ll need to disclose any seizures you’ve had since the first exam.

Do I have to undertake a medical exam when applying for life insurance if I have epilepsy?

There may be options available for life insurance with no medicals, but whether you’re required to undertake one will depend on your insurer and the level of risk they see as part of your application. Check with your provider if you’re unsure about whether you need to complete an exam as part of the purchase process.

Can trauma cover include protection for epilepsy?

Trauma cover may include protection for epilepsy, but it’s important to check the specific terms and conditions of each policy to determine whether this is included. In some cases, while epilepsy itself may not be covered by trauma insurance, brain damage suffered as a result of a seizure may be included.

Will epilepsy be covered if I develop it after buying life insurance?

If you develop epilepsy after buying life insurance, it should still be covered as long as you disclosed any pre-existing medical conditions when you applied for the policy. It’s important to check the specific terms and conditions of your policy to determine the extent of your coverage.

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Disclaimer:

Savvy is partnered with Compare Club Australia Pty Ltd (AFS representative number 001279036) of Alternative Media Pty Ltd (AFS License number 486326) to provide readers with a variety of life insurance policies to compare. Savvy earns a commission from Compare Club each time a customer buys a life insurance policy via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased from these brands directly, as all purchases are conducted via Compare Club.

Savvy does not compare all life insurance policies or providers currently operating in the market. Any advice presented above or on other pages is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an insurance policy.

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