Do I qualify for life insurance if I have hepatitis? | finder.com
finder.com

Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.

How to get life insurance with hepatitis

Your insurance rates will depend on whether you're currently in remission.

Get life insurance today

Compare your custom life insurance policies starting at $16/month.

Your information is secure.

Avatar
Richard Laycock
Updated
Fact checked

Many insurers are willing to offer policies to customers who have hepatitis, but you could have to pay a higher premium.

Can I qualify for life insurance if I have hepatitis?

Possibly. If you have hepatitis, whether or not you’ll be able to qualify for life insurance will depend on the insurer and its acceptance criteria.

If your condition is under control, has spontaneously cleared up or you’ve been through successful antiviral treatment, you may be able to get coverage with little to no increase in cost. This is particularly true for cases of acute hepatitis that have been in remission for several years or more.

If you have an active hepatitis infection you still may be insurable pending a premium loading, or a percentage increase on your premium. Factors considered during the underwriting of someone with hepatitis include what type of hepatitis you have and your age, alcohol consumption, duration of infection, gender and liver function.

What if my application is denied?

If your application is denied, you have three options:

  1. Apply with a different insurer. Each insurer has its own underwriting guidelines. While one insurer might consider you too high-risk, a different one may be willing to offer you a policy.
  2. Wait and reapply. If you were recently diagnosed, recently hospitalized or had any kind of health crisis in the past 6 months to a year, you may have better luck if you wait at least several months before reapplying so that an insurer can see a stable health history.
  3. Get a guaranteed-issue policy. If you can’t qualify for a medically-underwritten policy, you can get a guaranteed-issue policy instead. Almost anyone can qualify, regardless of medical history. But these policies tend to be expensive and have lower coverage amounts.

When a claim can be denied

After the insurance contract has been finalized, subsequent changes to health can’t be reflected in premium or coverage adjustment, and it’s illegal for the insurer to cancel the insurance contract if you get sick. However, your insurer can cancel your policy or deny a claim if:

  • You lied on your application or didn’t disclose an illness.
  • You breach your contact.
  • You fail to make premium payments.
  • You make a fraudulent claim.
Protect your loved ones
Compare 12+ top insurers side-by-side to get the best possible deal, and shop return of premium policies online.
Get a quote

Need help? Talk to a customer specialist

X

Tips for people taking out life insurance with hepatitis

If you’ve been diagnosed with a strain of hepatitis and want to take out a life insurance policy:

  • Speak with a consultant. Each insurer will have different terms and conditions and a consultant can help you compare hundreds of different policy options.
  • Know what documentation is required. Your insurer will likely want to know your viral load, current medications, liver function test results and a host of other things. Find out what tests you need before your doctor’s appointment so that you don’t have to go back. A consultant can provide assistance during this process.
  • See a doctor. Find out if your condition is under control and compare your test results to those from your last visit. If you’re in remission and can prove that you’ve been in remission for a substantial period of time, it’ll be a lot easier to get insured.
  • Be honest on your application. There are hundreds of stories of people paying thousands in premium payments throughout the life of the policy only to be denied the benefit payment at claim time. Take the time to be detailed on your application and know exactly what you’re covered for.

Compare life insurance providers

Name Product Issue age Minimum Coverage Maximum Coverage Term Lengths Medical Exam Required
Policygenius - Life Insurance
Policygenius - Life Insurance
18 - 85 years old
$50,000
$10,000,000
10, 15, 20, 25, 30 years
Depends on provider and policy
Compare 12+ top insurers side-by-side to get the best possible deal, and shop return of premium policies online.
Go to site
More Info
Sproutt
Sproutt
18 - 60 years old
$50,000
$4,000,000
5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years
No
Compare 40+ insurers and apply online to get the lowest possible price — no medical exam required.
Go to site
More Info
Ladder
Ladder
20 - 60 years old
$100,000
$8,000,000
10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years
Depends on policy
Apply for term life insurance online without the medical exam. Get an instant decision and adjust your coverage at no charge.
Go to site
More Info
Bestow
Bestow
18 - 60 years old
$50,000
$1,500,000
10, 15, 20, 25, 30 years
No
Get a quote in less than 10 minutes with on-the-spot approval and no medical exam.
Go to site
More Info
Everyday Life
Everyday Life
20 - 75 years old
$100,000
$10,000,000
10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years.
No
Ladder multiple life insurance policies to save on the coverage you need for all your debts.
Go to site
More Info
loading

Compare up to 4 providers

Bottom line

Getting life insurance with hepatitis will require extra documentation, but it isn’t impossible. If you’re in remission you may be able to get a policy with little to no premium loading, and if you’re not in remission but your condition is under control, you may be able to get a policy for a higher cost. Compare life insurance providers to find the best possible rate.

Frequently asked questions

Back to top

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and finder.com Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.
Go to site