Individuals looking for life insurance that have been diagnosed with Hepatitis face a common question – what type of risk classification can I qualify for, and how much is the coverage going to cost me?  The answer to those questions depends on a number of factors as outlined below.  There are three main types of Hepatitis – Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis A – An acute infectious disease usually transmitted by contaminated food or water.  This type of Hepatitis does not cause permanent liver damage and can be prevented with a vaccination.  The disease is not progressive and is not as serious as Hepatitis B or C.  Avoiding fatty foods and alcohol intake helps control symptoms, and life insurance underwriters are not usually concerned with this type of Hepatitis once symptoms are resolved and you are fully recovered.

Hepatitis B – An infectious illness caused by blood transfusion or sexually transmitted.  Common symptoms are vomiting and liver inflammation.  Chronic Hepatitis B can cause cirrhosis of the liver and cancer of the liver, but is preventable with vaccination.  If testing for the disease is still positive after an approximate six month period, it may be considered chronic.  Life insurance rates for Hepatitis B will strongly depend on the results of liver function tests and follow-up treatment results.

Hepatitis C – Infectious disease caused by blood transfusion.  Chronic infection can lead to fibrosis (scarring of the liver) or cirrhosis (a higher level of scarring).  Fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver can lead to liver failure, liver cancer, and other life-threatening liver problems.  Chronic infection can be treated with prescription medication, usually Ribavirin or Interferon.  Many people will not know they have Hepatitis C until some type of bloodwork is done since it can be asymptomatic for a long period of time. Life insurance rates for Hepatitis C will strongly depend on the results of liver function tests and follow-up treatment results.

If you have been diagnosed with Hepatitis B or C, life insurance underwriters will determine the risk classification they will offer with the following criteria:

  • When were you diagnosed with having Hepatitis B or C?
  • What were the most recent liver function test (LFT) readings?  Specifically, the AST, ALT, and GGTP levels
  • Are your LFT’s getting better or worse over the course of time?
  • Do you drink alcohol?  If so, have you reduced consumption since being diagnosed?
  • Have you had a liver biopsy and if so, what were the results?
  • Have you been treated with Interferon or Ribavirin?  If so, has the treatment resolved symptoms?

Life insurance underwriters can be more flexible with individuals making an active effort to improve their health in living with Hepatitis through reduced alcohol consumption, improved diet habits (e.g. less fatty foods), and continuous monitoring of symptoms and liver function readings.  

TermInsuranceBrokers.com specializes in high risk life rance cases and can help shop your case with a number of the best life insurance companies to make sure you are getting the best possible offer.  If you would like to find out what coverage you may qualify for, please fill out the short form below.  You can also call us from 9 AM to 9 PM Eastern Standard Time at 1-888-972-0024 or CLICK HERE to e-mail us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.