Term Life Insurance & Liver Disease/Hepatitis

Home > High Risk Information > Term Life Insurance & Liver Disease/Hepatitis

Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammatory reaction of the liver. The inflammation can be caused by a virus, toxic substances or drugs. Onset may be immediate or gradual. Symptoms vary and manifest themselves as loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, fever, vague abdominal discomfort, jaundice, aches and dark urine. When symptoms are mild, individuals may not know of the presence of Hepatitis.

Hepatitis A:
This form of Hepatitis is usually transmitted from contaminated food or water. It can be contagious i.e., transmitted to many dinners in a restaurant. As most cases are self limiting and resolved spontaneously, Hepatitis A typically does not progress to Chronic Liver Disease. Once the episode is completely resolved, while a Preferred classification may not be available certain insurance companies will offer a Standard (no surcharge) classification. A records history check and insurance examination will confirm the offer from the insurance company.

Hepatitis B:
Hepatitis has been identified with IV needles, and/or may be sexually transmitted including transmission from mother to infant. Typically, the incubation period is 2-4 months. Approximately one-in-ten individuals with Hepatitis B will develop Chronic Hepatitis which can have serious additional health issues. Given no evidence of ongoing liver disease, viral replication, or evidence that the individual is a chronic carrier of Hepatitis B, the classification can be Standard (no surcharge) with a few Special Risk companies _ not all companies are prepared to underwrite Hepatitis aggressively.

Hepatitis C:
This form of Hepatitis is transmitted primarily through IV needles. The antibody appears anywhere from 6-9 months after infection. While many infected with Hepatitis C have no symptoms, Chronic Liver Disease and/or Cirrhosis is a possibility. Most companies will decline applicants with Hepatitis C (see next paragraph for exceptions and Guarantee Issue below).

A few Special Risk companies will underwrite Hepatitis C if the applicant is stable, has had consistent follow ups including blood tests to monitor liver enzymes and biopsies to show the status of the disease. Additionally, there should be no Bridging Necrosis, Cirrhosis or alcohol use. In these cases, the Standard classification will have a surcharge of 100 to 200% or more.

Best Class:
Those few Insurance company that underwrite Hepatitis will make offers ranging from Standard to surcharges of 200-400% of Standard. In certain cases companies will postpone underwriting until the incubation or treatment is completed. Hepatitis C may be a decline if the virus is active (see next paragraph).

Guarantee Issue:
Applicants age 40 and older may qualify for a quarantee issue life insurance (click for more information) where no health questions are asked. The initial benefit is a return of premium plus interest, e.g., for three years. After this waiting period, the full benefit is available. However, the maximum benefit available may be limited and, typically, the policy is Whole Life (not term).

Action:
Complete the Personalized Quote to begin the process to find the companies with the most liberal acceptance guidelines and lowest premiums for your status. If we cannot quote online, we will respond by email with the probable underwriting action and premium range within two business days.

Need Help?
Make a no-obligation call to our quote desk to clarify your status before proceeding with the Personalized Quote or e-mail your question to us at info@choicequote.com

To speak with a licensed professional,

1-888-SEE-TERM

1-888.733.8376
(Toll Free) 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Eastern time, Monday through Friday