A. First, let's discuss what is Chronic Hep B, then discuss what's likely offer an applicant with chronic hep B might get.
About Chronic Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver, due to an infection of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Although a common condition worldwide with more than half the population chronically infected, Hep B only has a 2% incidence of chronic infection in the United States. HBV is typically transmitted through birth, sex, or blood. Approximately one-half of the new infections are mild and unrecognizable occurrences. The other half are more significant that will show signs of jaundice and/or elevated liver function tests and, long-term, may develop into fibrosis, cirrhosis, or cancer…and occasionally death.
Not to be confused with acute Hep B exposure — that typically isn't a real underwriting concern, once resolved — infections lasting longer than 6 months are considered chronic. To be considered for life insurance, a client must be recovered, in a carrier state, and/or only have a mild form of hepatitis.
In our next blog post, we will discuss underwriting for help B applicants.