title: Epilepsy and insurance in the UK: an exploratory survey of the experiences of people with epilepsy.
abstract: We investigated problems in obtaining insurance as reported by people with epilepsy who were members of a major United Kingdom patient organisation. Information was collected via questionnaires mailed to a random sample of the membership, 347 of whom replied. Overall, 62% of respondents reported experiencing a problem obtaining insurance coverage (increased premiums, restricted coverage, or outright refusal). Thirty-six percent of respondents reported having been refused one or more types of insurance on the grounds of their epilepsy. Although the low response rate to the study represents an important source of bias, extrapolation from our figures suggests a problem prevalence rate of at least 10%. Adoption of an evidence-based and standardised approach to informing assessments of risk is vital if insurance companies are to provide fair and reasonable terms for insurance coverage to their clients with epilepsy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Primary Care, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jacoby
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jacoby
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003625:Data Collection; D003710:Demography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000191:economics*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007341:Insurance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019458:Insurance Coverage; D015273:Insurance Selection Bias; D008297:Male; D017057:Medically Uninsured / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom