Treatment of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B is a reality for many people. Hepatitis C no longer carries the “death sentence” title. Modern-day medicine is incredible.
Some insurance companies are still reluctant to cover hepatitis patients. Yet, we work hand in hand with insurance companies that provide a final expense plan (also called a burial plan) for Hepatitis.
Let’s explore the necessary steps and what to expect regarding qualifying for Final Expense Insurance if you have had or do have Hepatitis.
Underwriting Process
The level policy of an insurance company is the policy with the lowest rates and immediate coverage. To qualify for the level policy, the green light through the underwriting process is necessary.
We’ll take a look at what to expect from the underwriting process if you have Hepatitis.
The underwriting process clarifies answers to basic medical questions. It is the process of evaluating your level of risk. The problems within this process vary by the insurance company.
While the questions differ, the goal of the underwriting process remains the same. They want to check out your medical history.
Insurance companies then determine how you fit with a plan according to their guidelines and understanding. Be aware of the wording insurance companies use in the underwriting process. Some companies will refer to Hepatitis as “liver disease.”
Time also plays a huge factor. Insurance companies took into account when you discovered Hepatitis and how long you’ve had it for. These time-sensitive questions allow them to make better judgment calls on what type of treatment you need.
Example questions:
- When were you diagnosed with Hepatitis? Which type?
- Have you ever experienced any liver disease?
- In the last two years, were you treated for Hepatitis?
When it comes to underwriting Hepatitis C, there is a more in-depth assessment. This assessment evaluates factors such as liver damage, laboratory results, and any treatments that have been distributed.
Within the underwriting process, insurance companies will ask about medications and medication history. They use this medication history to categorize users as high or low risk.
If you take any hepatitis medications, insurance companies will flag you for risk assessment. Insurance companies will find out if you are on one of these medications, so we need to understand what medications you are on.
These are common Hepatitis medications they look out for:
- Adefovir Dipivoxil (Hepsera)
- Boceprevir
- Daclatasvir and sofosbuvir (Daklinza)
- Dasabuvir-ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir (Viekira Pak)
- Elbasvir-grazoprevir (Zepatier)
- Entecavir (Baraclude)
- Glecaprevir-pibrentasvir (Mavyret)
- Incivek
- Infergen
- Interferon Alfacon
- Intron-A
- Lamivudine (Epivir-HBV, Zeffix, or Heptodin)
- Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir (Harvoni)
- Olysio
- Ombitasvir
- Ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir (Technivie)
- Pegasys
- Rebetron
- Ribasphere
- Ribavirin
- Roferon
- Simeprevir
- Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir (Epclusa)
- Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir (Vosevi)
- Sovaldi
- Telaprevir
- Tenofovir disoproxil (Viread)
- Victrelis
- Zepatier
Currently, Hepatitis C has no effective vaccine. But, with advancements in modern medicine, there are treatments available. Unlike Hepatitis A and B, which are commonly found with an infection, Hepatitis C is often detected after being in the body’s system for an extended period.
Because Hepatitis C is a high risk, most insurance companies will offer coverage at a higher cost. This higher cost is a jump of 35-50% more than the preferred plan on monthly rates. Again, this depends on the insurance company and the underwriting process.
Burial Insurance Common Coverage
After the underwriting process, the insurance company should know precisely what they can offer you based on your needs.
Here are some possible outcomes you could experience based on your medical history and current needs:
You’ve had Hepatitis C Within the Last Two Years
- Higher Premium
- Final Expense Insurance Plan
If you fall into this category, we represent Liberty Bankers Life, an insurance company that offers a coverage plan at a low cost with immediate protection. They offer a policy that pays full death benefits starting the very first day.
If you do not qualify for Liberty Bankers Life, your coverage policy might be a little costly. Your benefit payments may not begin until the first two years.
These plans are “graded plans” meaning if you pass away 30-40% of your death benefits pay out the first year, and 70-80% the second year. Graded plans are the most common among insurance companies for Hepatitis patients.
You had Hepatitis C Over Two Years Ago
- Lower Premium
- Level Death Benefit Eligibility
Some Burial Insurance Plans ask about Hepatitis C within the last two years. Since this would not apply to you, eligibility for a Level Death Benefit comes into play. A Level Death Benefit protects you immediately while lowering the insurance rate for coverage.
You’ve had Hepatitis A or B Within the Last Year
- Lower Premium
- Level Death Benefit Eligibility
Because advancements in medicine have discovered effective vaccines, recovery from Hepatitis A or B is widespread. Most insurance companies only ask about Hepatitis C. You’re looking at qualifying for a Level Death Benefit if you’ve had Hepatitis A or B. Our objective is to match you up with the best possible coverage plan to prepare for future success.
