Hepatitis

Every week people with hepatitis ask us for help in buying life insurance. Many, many Americans have this disease, and yet a large number are not quite sure how they became infected.

Some possible causes

School Inoculations: During the "cold war" era, grade school children were typically inoculated in "herd" programs. They were simply lined up and given inoculations for Small Pox, Polio and other serious diseases - all without parental consent.

Military Inoculations: Many other Americans caught hepatitis in the military. Entire groups of soldiers were inoculated with the same instruments. Even though the needle was supposed to be an air blast, skin was broken and blood was exchanged.

Poorly Sterilized Medical Equipment: Until recently health departments, doctor's offices, hospitals, clinics and dentist offices did not sterilize their equipment, nor did they dispose of their hazardous waste safely. Syringes and needles were soaked in alcohol to "sterilize" them - a procedure that we now know simply does not work. Both patients as well as medical practitioners could have become contaminated this way.

Blood Transfusions: A great tragedy has been found in the blood industry. Many adults and children were given tainted blood through transfusions. Some victims have collected compensation through lawsuits, and although this pays them for the crime it doesn't cure the disease.

IV Drug Use: Many people experimented with drugs at one point in their lives. Unfortunately, sharing contaminated needles may have spread the disease from one person to another. Other people may have visited unclean tattoo parlors or acupuncture shops.

Sexual Contact: Some people feel they may have come in contact with HCV through sexual relations. It must be noted that there has never been a proven case of this.

Now what?

The good news here is that it is very possible to find affordable coverage even when hepatitis positive.

Guaranteed or simplified issue

First of all, most candidates will qualify for guaranteed issue and simplified issue products. This means no exam and no review of medical records. Prospective buyers are restricted to the list of carriers approved for business in their state of residence, as well as issue-age minimums and maximums. The companies that manufacture these products also severely limit the face amount available.

Bear in mind that these products are relatively expensive because the companies know that only people who don't qualify for underwriting are buying them. Claims are imminent. So, they are a good last resort.

Underwriting can save you money

However, many people with hepatitis can be underwritten. This means they can go through a medical exam, provide samples of blood and urine, have their medical records reviewed, and still end up with a reasonable offer. It all depends on a number of key factors.

Here are a few:

Liver biopsy: This tool is the only way to assess damage to the liver. A positive report here can be very influential even if viral loads have been a little high. Viral load is one of the main indicators for determining if the patient is responding to treatment.

High liver enzymes: They may not result in a higher rate if they are above normal as long as they are not out of the ballpark. Other factors besides Hepatitis such as alcohol intake and diet can effect LFTs; these are taken into consideration when the lab reports of Hep C positive candidates are evaluated.

Former drug and alcohol abuse: These behaviors have to be behind you. A person that is Hepatitis positive and still uses drugs and alcohol will be seen as somebody who is not just standing at the edge of the cliff, but running to it to jump off.

Depression: Being diagnosed with hepatitis is itself depressing. Treatment for the disease can make matters worse. If the depression is controlled and has not led to more serious disorders, than it may not effect the underwriting decision.

Communicate openly with your broker

Being hepatitis positive, in and of itself, does not preclude coverage. Positive diagnostic readings, a history of stability and improvement, and a healthy routine can all have a positive influence.

If a candidate feels comfortable enough to speak freely about prior and current lifestyle, as well as to provide copies of medical records, then their potential risk for insurability can be presented in the most positive light.

Therefore, it's essential that your broker have the "people skills" and professionalism necessary for creating this level of confidence.

Demand prequalification

Also, be sure to demand prequalification. This means that your broker should be able to provide you with an accurate offer based on your medical records and a thorough personal interview - all before submitting a formal application. This is a very similar service to mortgage prequalification.

Insurance carriers tend to specialize in the types of risks they underwrite, and many are simply not interested in applicants with hepatitis. Others can be very competitive. The most common mistake made by inexperienced brokers is to submit formal applications with the wrong companies.

But a potential life insurance buyer doesn't want to risk getting declined or rated when shopping for coverage, as this can have an adverse effect on future applications. That is why it is important to get a prequalified offer before you formally apply with any company.