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- If you have epilepsy, you can still get life insurance in Canada. Many insurance providers offer life insurance with epilepsy, though they assess each case individually based on your health and medical condition
- Your insurer will consider your age at diagnosis, seizure frequency, type and severity of epilepsy, overall health, and how well-managed your condition is. Well-controlled epilepsy improves your chances of approval at standard premiums
- You can choose from several life insurance options, such as traditional life insurance, term life insurance, permanent life insurance, and no-medical life insurance options. No-medical life insurance policies are ideal for patients with severe or uncontrolled epilepsy, but may have higher premiums and lower coverage
- Life insurance costs for epilepsy are 25% to 100% more as compared to standard rates, depending on your condition’s stability and the type of policy you choose. However, if your condition is stable and well-managed, you can qualify for better rates
- Some insurance companies that offer life insurance for epilepsy include Assumption Life, Canada Protection Plan, Humania Assurance, UV Assurance, and IA Access Life
- Life insurance options for epilepsy patients in Canada
- What do insurers look for when you have epilepsy?
- Under what circumstances can life insurance for epilepsy be denied?
- What is the cost of life insurance for epilepsy in Canada?
- Best insurance companies offering life insurance for epilepsy in Canada
- How to improve your chances of getting approved?
- Get the most affordable life insurance for epilepsy in Canada
- Frequently asked questions
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that leads to recurring seizures and affects about 300,000 Canadians, roughly 1 in 100 people. Having epilepsy doesn’t mean you cannot get life insurance in Canada.
This is one of the most common misconceptions people face when buying life insurance with pre-existing conditions. Insurers don’t automatically reject applications of epilepsy patients, but assess each case based on their specific situation.
In this article, we’ll take you through different life insurance options for epilepsy, eligibility criteria, cost factors, and tips for getting the best life insurance for epilepsy in Canada.
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Life insurance options for epilepsy patients in Canada
There are several life insurance options available for epilepsy patients. These include term life insurance, traditional (medically underwritten) life insurance, permanent life insurance, and no-medical life insurance.
Traditional life insurance
A traditional life insurance policy requires you to answer health-related questions and also requires a medical exam. This type of life insurance offers good coverage at a standard premium, however, with a detailed medical exam.
For epilepsy patients looking to buy traditional life insurance, the insurer will review your medical history, frequency, control, severity, type of epilepsy, etc. If your condition is stable and you are otherwise healthy, you can qualify for traditional life insurance at standard rates.
Term life insurance:
Term life insurance with epilepsy comes in durations like 10, 20, or 30 years. Shorter terms (e.g., 10 years) have lower premiums but expire sooner, while longer terms (e.g., 20 years) offer extended coverage at higher costs.
Permanent life insurance
This type of life insurance policy offers lifelong coverage, ensuring a death benefit is paid to your beneficiary whenever you pass away. It also includes a cash value component that grows over time. Types of permanent life insurance include whole life insurance, universal life, and variable life insurance. These policies carry a higher premium but offer lifelong coverage.
No-medical life insurance
If your traditional life coverage isn’t approved, you can opt for a no-medical life insurance policy. This life insurance option does not require a detailed medical exam and is quickly approved. A simplified issue life insurance policy asks a few health questions, offering moderate coverage.
A guaranteed issue life insurance is the easiest, as it requires no medical questions or exams. So the approval is certain, and easiest in these policies, making them the best option for those with a severe case of epilepsy. However, premiums under no-medical policies are higher, and coverage is limited compared to traditional ones.
What do insurers look for when you have epilepsy?
Insurance providers evaluate several factors when assessing applications of epilepsy patients. Understanding these criteria helps you prepare for the application process well in advance. These criteria include your age, date of onset, severity of symptoms, frequency of seizures, medical history, and treatment and hospitalization.
| Factors | Why it matters |
| Date of onset and diagnosis |
|
| Severity of symptoms |
|
| Frequency and control |
|
| Type of epilepsy |
|
| Medical history & treatment |
|
Under what circumstances can life insurance for epilepsy be denied?
While most epilepsy patients can get some form of life insurance, certain situations may lead to the denial or postponement of coverage. These include uncontrolled epilepsy, incomplete information, recent diagnosis, or unstable condition.
|
Circumstances |
Reason for denial |
| Frequent or severe seizures | High risk due to frequent or intense seizures |
| Uncontrolled epilepsy | Increased mortality and morbidity risk |
| Recent hospitalizations | Indicates severity and poor control |
| Incomplete or inaccurate medical Disclosure | Concealment or missing information can invalidate the application |
| Coexisting health issues | Additional health problems increase the overall risk |
What is the cost of life insurance for epilepsy in Canada?
The average premium for life insurance with epilepsy in Canada is typically 25% to 100% higher than standard rates. For example, a 40-year-old male seeking $250,000 of 20-year term coverage might pay around $160 per month if rated for epilepsy, compared to about $80–$100 per month for someone without pre-existing conditions.
For permanent life insurance, the average premium can be $175 per month for $100,000 of coverage at age 60. The actual cost of premiums varies based on your age, coverage amount, control and severity of epilepsy, and the type of policy chosen.
Best insurance companies offering life insurance for epilepsy in Canada
Most insurers offer life insurance with epilepsy through their traditional or no-medical life insurance policies. These include Assumption Life, Canada Protection Plan, Humania Assurance, UV Assurance, and IA Access Life.
Best life insurance companies for epilepsy patients
| Company | Plan Name(s) | Medical Requirements | Coverage Range | Highlights |
| Assumption Life | Golden Protection, Platinum Protection | No medical exam, short questions | Up to $250,000 Up to $750,000 |
Immediate coverage, flexible options, available for ages 18–85 |
| Canada Protection Plan | Deferred Elite Simplified Elite Deferred Life
Guaranteed Acceptance Life |
No medical exam, some plans, no questions | Up to $350,000 Up to $500,000 Up to $75,000Up to $50,000 |
Fast approval, ideal for high-risk or declined applicants, multiple no-medical options |
| Humania Assurance | Whole Life Insurance Without Medical Exam | No medical exam | Up to $300,000 | Guaranteed issue, quick approval, good for hard-to-insure applicants |
| UV Assurance | Express Life
Immediate Life |
No medical exam, simplified issue | Up to $150,000 Up to $500,000 |
Flexible permanent coverage, accessible for those with health conditions |
| IA Access Life | Deferred, Deferred Plus, Immediate Plus | No medical exam, short questions | Up to $100,000 Up to $350,000 Up to $500,000 |
Simplified issue, easy application, available for various health profiles |
*The plans mentioned above are for a 30-year-old non-smoker male diagnosed with epilepsy
How to improve your chances of getting approved?
Several strategies, like comparing options, providing a complete medical record, applying at the right time, and working with an insurance broker, can increase your chances of getting approved for life insurance with epilepsy in Canada.
- Disclose complete information: Make sure to disclose all the relevant information related to your medical condition, such as doctor’s report, medical history, seizure frequency, and hospitalization, if any, at the time of approval. Any hidden or misleading information can lead to claim denial at the time of need
- Apply at the right time: Apply for life insurance for epilepsy when your condition is stable and you haven’t had seizures in the last 6 months or 1 year. Applying at the right time can improve your approval chances
- Compare plans: Compare epilepsy life insurance quotes from multiple insurance providers, as each insurer has different guidelines and exclusions around pre-existing conditions. However, doing so can be exhausting. Our licensed advisors at PolicyAdvisor can not only compare plans of 30+ insurers for you but also advise you on the best life plan for your medical condition without any cost
Get the most affordable life insurance for epilepsy in Canada
Depending on your medical condition and its severity, getting life insurance for epilepsy in Canada can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Insurers may charge higher premiums or require more documentation, but many Canadians with epilepsy still secure coverage, especially if their condition is well managed.
Our licensed advisors at PolicyAdvisor can compare plans from over 30 top insurance companies at no cost, helping you find the best life insurance quote for your situation and guiding you through the application process to improve your chances of approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is epilepsy considered a pre-existing medical condition?
Yes, epilepsy is considered a pre-existing condition by health insurance providers in Canada. If you have been diagnosed with this condition before applying for life insurance, make sure to declare it on your application. If you fail to disclose your condition, you may face rejection if your claim is related to the condition.
Will life insurance cover death caused by epilepsy?
Yes, your life insurance policy will cover death caused by epilepsy, provided the policy was active and you have paid your premiums. Death generally doesn’t affect the payout as long as the life insurance policy terms are met.
Will epilepsy increase my life insurance premium?
Absolutely, your premium may increase if you have epilepsy. However, it depends on how stable your condition is. If your seizures are well-controlled with few episodes, your premium will be slightly higher than standard. However, if your epilepsy is severe, it will typically lead to higher premiums.
Do I need to give a medical exam for life insurance with epilepsy?
Giving a medical exam depends on your insurer and policy type. If you are planning to go with traditional life insurance with epilepsy, you will have to go through a detailed medical exam. However, if you are looking for no-medical options like simplified issues and guaranteed issue life insurance, you will have to answer a few medical questions or no questions at all.
What happens if I am diagnosed with epilepsy after getting life insurance?
If you are diagnosed with epilepsy after getting a life insurance policy, it will not impact your existing coverage. Your insurer will not cancel your policy or update your premium rates if you are diagnosed later. You are only required to disclose medical conditions that you have at the time of application.
If you are an epilepsy patient in Canada, you can still qualify for life insurance, even with a pre-existing condition. Insurers consider factors such as seizure control, medical history, and overall health to determine eligibility and premiums. By understanding your life insurance options for epilepsy, cost factors, best insurers, and following some tips, you can improve your chances of approval and find the right coverage for your needs.
Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador. “Statistics and Facts.” Accessed May 2025.
