Life insurance with epilepsy in the UK: what to declare and how your records help

A common worry after an epilepsy diagnosis is whether you can still get life insurance, income protection, or critical illness cover. The short answer is yes — epilepsy rarely means being refused outright. What it affects is how insurers assess your application, and being able to answer their questions accurately makes the whole process quicker and often cheaper.

This is general information, not financial advice. For a policy tailored to your circumstances, speak to a regulated insurance broker — ideally one experienced with medical conditions.

Can you get cover with epilepsy?

Most mainstream insurers offer life insurance to people with epilepsy. Well-controlled epilepsy — few or no seizures, stable medication — is often accepted at standard or near-standard rates. More frequent or poorly controlled seizures may mean a higher premium (a "loading") or, in some cases, needing a specialist insurer. The key point: there are almost always options, but the terms depend heavily on the detail you can provide.

What insurers typically ask

When you apply, expect questions such as:

• When were you diagnosed?
• When was your most recent seizure? — the length of time since your last seizure is one of the biggest factors.
• How often do you have seizures, and what type?
• What medication are you on, and has it changed recently?
• Have you been hospitalised or had any seizure-related injuries?
• Are you under a specialist, and when did you last see them?

Vague answers lead to cautious underwriting. Precise answers — backed by records — let the insurer price your risk accurately, which usually works in your favour.

Why accurate seizure records help

Insurers may ask your GP for a medical report, but your own seizure log helps you complete the application confidently and consistently:

• You can state your last seizure date precisely instead of guessing — and time since last seizure directly affects your terms.
• You can describe your frequency honestly and accurately, which matters if your control has improved over time.
• Your answers match your medical records. Inconsistencies between what you declare and what your GP reports can cause delays or, worse, problems with a future claim.
• You demonstrate good management. A person who tracks their condition and attends reviews presents as lower risk than one who doesn't.

Declare honestly — it protects your policy

The most important rule with any insurance is full and accurate disclosure. Under-declaring your seizure frequency to get a lower premium can invalidate the entire policy, meaning a claim could be refused when your family needs it most. Accurate records aren't about looking better than you are — they're about giving true information so your cover actually pays out. That's exactly what a reliable log gives you.

Practical tips

• Use a broker who understands medical underwriting. They know which insurers are most sympathetic to epilepsy.
• Have your details ready before you apply: diagnosis date, last seizure, medication, specialist details.
• Review cover as your control improves. If you've been seizure-free for longer than when you first took out a policy, it may be worth re-shopping for better terms.
• Keep tracking. The same log that helps at your GP appointments and supports a PIP claim also makes insurance applications straightforward.