Does epilepsy affect car insurance?

In Canada, all drivers are legally mandated to inform the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) if they suffer from a medical condition that could impact their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Depending on their medical condition, some individual's driving privileges could be denied or suspended until they can prove that they meet the safety standards outlined in the law to ensure public safety. If you have epilepsy, you may be wondering whether driving with this medical condition is possible and whether your insurance company will consider your medical information when calculating your insurance premiums. To learn more, read through our comprehensive guide below.

What is epilepsy?

First things first, what is epilepsy? Epilepsy is a type of medical condition that affects the brain, causing individuals to experience ongoing seizures. These seizures recur when there is an increase in electrical brain activity and are often unprovoked. However, a person may experience changes in their behaviour hours before a seizure occurs.

During a seizure, a person will lose awareness and consciousness. They may also lose muscle control, experience vision loss, confusion, the inability to speak, and more. Once the seizure has come to an end, a patient may be slow to respond, experience memory loss, and feel the need to sleep.

How can epilepsy impact driving safety?

Epilepsy can significantly affect your ability to drive safely due to how unpredictable seizures can be:

• Sudden loss of consciousness: Seizures can cause a sudden loss of consciousness, leading to a complete loss of vehicle control. Even if the loss of consciousness is brief, it can still be a danger to you as a driver and others on the road.
• Muscle control: Epilepsy can also cause muscle spasms, which may interfere with your ability to steer, brake, accelerate, or react to traffic.
• Photosensitive epilepsy: Some people have photosensitive epilepsy, which is triggered by flashing lights. When driving, oncoming lights can increase the risk of triggering a seizure.

Adhering to your medication is imperative to minimizing seizures. Many individuals with epilepsy are able to drive safely because they stick to their recommended treatment protocols. However, some transportation authorities will require you to be seizure free for a certain amount of time before you can have full driving privileges.

Medical restrictions outlined by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO)

As we mentioned, the Ministry of Transportation requires all drivers with a valid driver's licence to inform them of any medical conditions they may experience, including epilepsy. Drivers must also pass a vision test during this time to ensure the driver can safely operate a vehicle.

Most provinces and territories have mandatory physician reporting requirements, which require doctors, optometrists, and other physicians to report their patient's medical information to the Ministry if a physical disability, medical or emotional disability, or reliance on drugs and alcohol could put their safety and the safety of others at risk.

Should a patient be deemed not medically fit by their physicians, the driver will receive a letter in the mail stating that their driver's licence has been suspended due to their medical conditions. To have their driver's licence reinstated, they must undergo medical evaluations and have their doctor submit evidence to the MTO to appeal their suspension. Once the evidence has been submitted, the driver will either have their driver's licence reinstated or be denied if they are still considered high risk.

Can I drive with epilepsy?

In Canada, driving with epilepsy is possible. However, the driver must be on seizure medication and be seizure-free for a minimum period. You must be under regular medical supervision from your doctor to ensure you are not at risk while driving. Additionally, taking the medication can not alter your consciousness or awareness while behind the wheel.

Keep in mind that with a medical condition like epilepsy, medical compliance is often determined on an individual basis. If you experience seizures and are unsure whether you can hold a valid driver's licence, the best thing to do is to speak with your physicians directly and come up with a health plan.

Differences in epilepsy driving laws by province

Because driving regulations vary by province, the seizure free period differs:

Ontario

In Ontario, drivers must be seizure free for six months and be under regular medical supervision.

British Columbia

British Columbia also has a six-month seizure free period for drivers.

Alberta

Alberta on the other hand, has three months, but drivers may be able to drive sooner if seizures are controlled and their medication doesn't impact their alertness.

Quebec

Similar to Ontario and British Columbia, Quebec follows suit with a six-month free period, which was updated in 2010. A neurological assessment and medical compliance are required.

Can I drive with epilepsy if I am seizure-free?

Yes, you can be seizure-free and obtain a driver's licence in Canada. However, the minimum time period for being seizure-free will vary between provinces and territories. For example, in British Columbia and Ontario, individuals must not have a seizure occur for at least six months to a year before they are able to apply for a licence.

How long does my seizure-free period have to be for my license to be reinstated?

Again, it depends on the specific circumstances surrounding your health. Most of the time if you have been issued a medical condition licence suspension from the transportation ministry, you'll need to be seizure-free for a minimum of six months before you can appeal your suspension.

Additionally, once this period has passed, you need to visit a physician and have a complete medical evaluation to ensure that your seizures are completely controlled and no longer occurring. Once you are on medication, you'll also be required to prove that the medication does not have any side effects that could impact your driving ability.

Steps to get your driver's license reinstated after a seizure

Regaining your driver's license following a medical suspension requires several steps:

1. Step 1: Contact your doctor: You'll first need to contact your doctor for a medical evaluation. They'll need to assess your condition and determine if your seizures are under control.
2. Step 2: Complete seizure free period: According to provincial laws, you'll need to remain seizure free for a certain amount of time and adhere to your medical treatment plan.
3. Step 3: Submit your medical report: Next, you'll want to submit your medical report to the Ministry of Transportation for them to review.
4. Step 4: Undergo a road test (if needed): Some provinces may require you to undergo a driving test before reinstating your license. Once this is approved, you will receive a letter from the licensing authority stating that you can drive once again.

How to reduce the risk of seizures while driving

To minimize the likelihood of seizures while driving:

• Take your medication consistently. Missing a dose can significantly increase your chances of having an episode.
• Ensure your sleep patterns are consistent. A lack of sleep can also trigger an episode. Ensure you are well-rested before getting behind the wheel of your vehicle.
• Take breaks when driving. If driving long distances, make sure you're taking breaks consistently as driving fatigue can trigger an episode. Remaining alert at all times is essential to driving safely.

Will my insurance company charge me more if I have epilepsy?

In Canada, insurance companies use different factors to determine what a driver will pay for insurance coverage. That said, they are not able to request your medical history or use your health as an explanation to charge you more. What an insurance provider can use is the following information:

• Where you live.
• How often you drive your vehicle.
• Your driving history.
• The type, make, and model of vehicle you drive.
• Your age and driving experience.
• And more.

If you experience seizures and are looking for car insurance coverage, the best thing you can do is work with a broker. Unlike agents, brokers work independently from insurance companies, allowing them to help you shop around for coverage and compare insurance quotes. By doing so, you'll be able to find the best coverage available while remaining in your budget.

Protect yourself with quality car insurance

In Canada, all motorists must carry some form of car insurance to ensure all drivers are safe while navigating public roadways. Depending on the province or territory you live in, the types of auto insurance and your coverage minimums will vary. Nonetheless, here's a closer look at some of the most popular insurance policies available to drivers across the country:

• Third-party liability insurance (mandatory)
• Uninsured automobile insurance (mandatory)
• Accident benefits coverage (mandatory except in Newfoundland)
• Collision car coverage (optional)
• Comprehensive car coverage (optional)
• Accident forgiveness insurance (optional)

Contact BrokerLink for coverage solutions

At BrokerLink, we help Canadians find affordable car insurance tailored to their unique driving habits and budget. With access to some of Canada's top insurance companies and policies, the experienced brokers from our team are able to help you compare policies, customize your plan, and find available discounts that can help lower your premium.

If you're interested in working with a broker from BrokerLink, please don't hesitate to visit us at one of our many locations across the country. If there's no BrokerLink in your neighbourhood, you can also contact us over the phone at any time!

Alternatively, if you're simply browsing for coverage, take advantage of our free online quote tool to get a competitive insurance quote within minutes in the comfort of your own home.

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