Seizure Control Is the Key Factor

Underwriters evaluate seizure frequency and control status. Applicants with seizure-free periods of years or minimal seizure activity are viewed very favorably. Applicants with frequent breakthrough seizures or a recent diagnosis face more scrutiny. The critical question underwriters ask is: “How long has it been since your last seizure?” and “How often do you typically experience seizures?”

Dilantin Specifically

Dilantin is a well-established, commonly prescribed antiepileptic medication. Underwriters recognize it as standard seizure treatment. No special concerns attach to this specific medication—it’s evaluated the same as any antiepileptic regimen. What matters is whether your current medication regimen is effectively controlling your seizures.

Mortality Risk Depends on Seizure Control

Uncontrolled seizures carry mortality risk from accidents, SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Nocturnal Death in Epilepsy), and injury. Well-controlled seizures pose minimal additional mortality risk beyond general health. Underwriters assess risk based on seizure control status. This is why your seizure history is so critical to the underwriting outcome.

How Frequently Do You Experience Seizures?

This is the most critical factor. Applicants with no seizures for 5+ years are viewed very favorably. Applicants with seizures every few months or more frequently face more complex underwriting. The longer your seizure-free period, the better your underwriting outcome. If you’re having breakthrough seizures despite medication, this raises red flags about adequate seizure control.

When Were You Diagnosed?

Recently diagnosed applicants face more scrutiny than those with long-standing, well-controlled seizure disorders. If you were diagnosed 15 years ago and have been seizure-free for 10 years, underwriting is straightforward. If you were recently diagnosed or your seizure control is still being optimized, underwriting requires more documentation and evaluation.

Have You Had Any Seizure-Related Injuries or Complications?

Underwriters assess whether you’ve experienced injuries from seizures, SUDEP incidents, hospitalization for status epilepticus, or other complications. Applicants without significant complications are viewed more favorably. Well-managed complications are insurable but may result in higher rates.

How Well Is Your Seizure Disorder Documented?

Clear medical records with EEG results, neurologist notes, and documented seizure history significantly strengthen your application. Well-documented diagnosis with clear seizure frequency assessment moves through underwriting quickly. Poorly documented or unclear history triggers requests for additional medical records and specialist input.

Do You Have Other Health Conditions?

Seizure disorder alone is evaluated based on control status. Other health conditions compound your underwriting evaluation. A 35-year-old with well-controlled seizure disorder and no other issues receives favorable underwriting. A 55-year-old with seizure disorder plus hypertension and diabetes gets a rate based on the complete health picture—seizure control plus overall health status.

Seizure Disorder Diagnosis Details

Provide the year of diagnosis, the neurologist who diagnosed you, and the specific type of seizure disorder (temporal lobe epilepsy, generalized epilepsy, etc.) if you know it. Include the circumstances of diagnosis—how the seizures presented and when they were first identified. Clear diagnostic information is essential.

Seizure Frequency and Recent History

Provide your current seizure frequency—are you seizure-free, or how often do you experience seizures? When was your last seizure? How long have you maintained your current level of control? Provide this information as completely and accurately as possible. This is the most important information for underwriting.

Current Medication and Treatment

Name Dilantin and any other anti-seizure medications you take. Note dosages and how long you’ve been on your current regimen. Explain any recent medication changes and the reason for them. A stable, long-term medication regimen suggests your seizures are well-controlled.

Medical Oversight and Monitoring

Name your neurologist and how frequently you’re monitored (typically every 6-12 months). Indicate whether you have recent EEG results or other diagnostic testing. This demonstrates ongoing professional supervision and appropriate medical management.

Seizure-Related Injuries or Complications

Honestly disclose any injuries from seizures, hospitalizations for status epilepticus, or other complications. If you have no complications, state this clearly. If you have resolved complications (such as past head injury), explain the current status and recovery. Complete health information is essential.

Years of Seizure-Free Status

The longer your seizure-free period, the stronger your application. Provide documentation from your neurologist confirming seizure-free status and the duration. Multiple years of seizure freedom demonstrate excellent disease control and significantly favor approval.

Complete Medical Documentation

Gather recent neurologist notes, EEG results, and seizure frequency documentation. Include clear medical records showing diagnosis and treatment history. Comprehensive documentation expedites underwriting significantly. Recent evaluation (within 6 months) demonstrates the current status.

No Seizure-Related Complications

Applicants without significant seizure-related injuries or complications typically receive more favorable underwriting. If you have no complications, this significantly strengthens your application and typically results in lower rates.

Long-Term Medication Stability

If you’ve been on Dilantin for years with stable dosing and good seizure control, that’s very favorable. It demonstrates your current medication regimen is working effectively. Recent medication changes can trigger additional questions.

Completion and Honesty

Applications with complete, accurate information move through underwriting faster. Any inconsistencies, omissions, or discovered undisclosed medical information will slow the process significantly. Complete honesty from the start leads to faster approval.

Standard to Modest Increases: Most Common

Applicants with seizure-free periods of 5+ years typically receive standard to 15-20% higher rates. This reflects that well-controlled seizure disorder poses minimal additional mortality risk. Younger applicants with long seizure-free histories may achieve rates close to standard.

Moderate Increases: For Recent or Frequent Seizures

Applicants with seizures within the past 2-3 years or who experience seizures annually may see rates 25-50% higher than standard. This reflects increased risk from uncontrolled seizures or recent breakthrough seizures. Improving seizure control typically improves rates over time.

Higher Rates or Denial: When This Happens

Applicants with frequent breakthrough seizures, recent diagnosis without adequate control, or significant seizure-related complications face substantially higher rates or possible denial. Applicants with multiple seizures per month or SUDEP risk factors may face extreme rates or coverage denial.

What Matters Beyond Seizure Control

Your age, smoking status, and other health conditions impact rates significantly. A 35-year-old with well-controlled seizure disorder pays moderate rates. A 65-year-old smoker with seizure disorder plus heart disease pays higher rates reflecting all health factors. Your overall health profile compounds the seizure disorder impact.

Optimize Seizure Control Before Applying

If your seizure disorder is not optimally controlled, work with your neurologist to improve seizure management before applying. Additional months or years of seizure-free status or improved seizure control significantly improve rates and approval odds. If you’re struggling with breakthrough seizures, address this first.

Gather Complete Medical Documentation

Request from your neurologist: recent office notes confirming seizure control status, EEG results, seizure frequency documentation, and history of diagnosis. Include multiple seizure logs if available. Comprehensive documentation moves applications through underwriting faster.

Be Completely and Honestly Transparent

On the application, disclose your seizure disorder, medications, and seizure frequency completely and accurately. Do not attempt to minimize or omit any information. Complete transparency leads to faster approval and prevents policy complications. Discovered omissions can result in denial.

Emphasize Seizure Control and Stability

Highlight your seizure-free period or low seizure frequency. Emphasize long-term stability on Dilantin and ongoing neurologist monitoring. Stress your medication adherence and that seizures are well-controlled. This demonstrates responsible medical management and strengthens your application.

Respond Immediately to Requests

Underwriters may request additional neurologist documentation or clarification about seizure frequency. Respond immediately to any requests. Quick responses significantly speed up underwriting timelines. Delays can add weeks to the process.

Will my seizure disorder disqualify me from life insurance?

Direct answer: No. Seizure disorder does not automatically disqualify applicants.

Seizure disorder is manageable and insurable. Underwriters evaluate how well your seizures are controlled. Well-controlled seizure disorder results in straightforward approval. Uncontrolled seizures complicate underwriting. Disqualification is extremely unusual unless very frequent uncontrolled seizures or significant complications exist.

Will my rates be significantly higher because of seizure disorder?

Direct answer: Typically 15-50% higher, depending on seizure control.

Applicants with years of seizure-free status typically receive standard to 20% higher rates. Those with ongoing but controlled seizures (annual or less frequent) see 25-50% increases. Plan conservatively for a 15-30% rate increase if seizures are well-controlled. Better seizure control leads to better rates.

Do I have to disclose my seizure disorder and Dilantin use?

Direct answer: Yes. Always disclose seizure disorder on life insurance applications.

Omitting seizure disorder is application fraud and will result in policy denial or cancellation. Insurance companies verify information through medical records. Complete disclosure protects your coverage and ensures smooth underwriting.

How important is my seizure-free period?

Direct answer: Very important. Seizure-free history is a major underwriting factor.

The longer your seizure-free period, the more favorable your underwriting. Years of seizure-free status significantly improve approval odds and rates. If you’re currently experiencing breakthrough seizures, working with your neurologist to improve seizure control before applying can dramatically improve your underwriting outcome.

How long does underwriting take with seizure disorder?

Direct answer: Typically 4-6 weeks. More involved than simple conditions.

Seizure disorder underwriting requires medical review and often includes a neurologist contact. If your application requires clarification about seizure frequency or additional documentation, timelines may extend. Complete documentation upfront significantly speeds the process.

Will I need medical testing?

Direct answer: Possibly. EEG or lab work may be requested.

Underwriters may request recent EEG results or lab work (especially if you’re on Dilantin, which requires monitoring). They may ask your neurologist to confirm your current seizure status. This is standard and expected for seizure disorder applications.

What if I’ve had seizure-related injuries?

Direct answer: Injuries complicate underwriting but don’t automatically mean denial.

Applicants with past seizure injuries are still insurable, but underwriting is more involved. Well-documented, resolved injuries typically result in insurable outcomes but with rate increases. Ongoing or severe complications may result in higher rates or additional scrutiny.

Will my insurance rates change after I get the policy?

Direct answer: No. Once approved and in force, your premiums remain locked in.

Any changes to your seizure frequency or Dilantin dosage after the policy is issued won’t affect your rates or benefits. Lock in coverage now and protect your family. Your premium remains the same for the life of your policy.