Can Hepatitis B or C Carriers Get U.S. Life Insurance?
At Tora Wealth, we often get this sensitive but important question: "Can I get life insurance in the U.S. if I'm a hepatitis B or C carrier?" The answer is: yes, in many cases you can—but it depends on your medical profile and underwriting review.
Below, we break down the latest insights around underwriting, global carrier prevalence, and what applicants need to know to improve their chances of approval.
U.S. Life Insurance Underwriting for Hepatitis B and C
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Standard or Preferred Rates: If your HBV infection has resolved (i.e., you're no longer infectious), and your liver function tests are normal, you may qualify for standard or even preferred rates.
Chronic Carriers: If you’re HBsAg positive but stable, with normal liver enzymes and no liver damage, approval is possible—though often with increased premiums (table rating).
Likely Decline: Active infections with liver inflammation, elevated ALT/AST levels, or cirrhosis are likely to be declined.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Post-Treatment Applicants: With the success of antiviral treatments, many applicants who have cleared the virus and show normal liver function (usually 12+ weeks post-treatment) can be approved—some at standard rates.
Current Infections: Active or untreated HCV with complications like fibrosis or cirrhosis is often a red flag for underwriters.
Carrier Notes: Some insurance companies require a physician’s note (APS) showing the virus is inactive and the applicant is non-contagious before proceeding.
Global Hepatitis Trends and Origins
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Highest Prevalence: East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa report the highest rates, often 7.5% or more of the population.
Why So High?: In these regions, HBV is commonly passed from mother to child during birth or acquired early in childhood through non-sterile medical environments.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Highest Rates: Egypt (up to 15%), Pakistan (~5%), and parts of China have elevated HCV rates.
Why?: Unsafe injection practices, unsterilized surgical equipment, and lack of public health awareness historically contributed to the spread.
Why Some People Test Negative Later On
Hepatitis B
Acute Resolution: Over 90% of adults infected with HBV clear the virus naturally within six months. These individuals test negative for HBsAg and develop immunity (anti-HBs).
Treatment Suppression: Chronic carriers can suppress the virus through medication, bringing viral loads to undetectable levels and liver enzymes back to normal.
Hepatitis C
Cure Rate: Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) can cure over 90% of HCV cases. If the virus is undetectable 12+ weeks post-treatment, it is considered cured.
Spontaneous Clearance: Around 15–25% of HCV cases clear naturally without treatment, especially when contracted at a young age.
What Applicants Should Do
Gather Documentation: Work with your physician to obtain updated liver panels, viral load tests, and treatment history. These are essential for underwriting.
Find a Specialist Agency: Not all brokers are experienced with high-risk cases like hepatitis. At Tora Wealth, we’ve successfully placed life insurance for clients worldwide with similar profiles.
Understand the Risk Class: Even if approved, your premium will be based on risk class. The better your health data, the more favorable your pricing.
Final Thoughts
Being a hepatitis B or C carrier doesn’t automatically disqualify you from securing U.S. life insurance—especially if your condition is well-managed or resolved. But it does require the right strategy, medical records, and carrier selection.
At Tora Wealth, we guide clients through complex underwriting every day. If you're unsure whether you qualify, or want a personalized plan, book a consultation—we’ll help you take the next step with confidence.
Protect your legacy. Don’t let a past diagnosis define your future.
