Haemophilia is a general term used to describe a group of inherited disorders in which there is a life long defect in the blood's clotting mechanism. Clotting factors present in the blood are numbered with Roman numerals I to XIII. Haemophilia A is a deficiency in Factor VIII, while Haemophilia B is a deficiency in Factor IX. Both types are similar in symptoms and only a blood test will differentiate which factor is affected. The severity of the condition is related to the degree of deficiency in the relevant clotting factor in the blood. Normal clotting factor is described as between 50-200%.
Frequently, the first symptom of haemophilia is of a bleeding tendency often in the form of extensive bruising as a child. Mild to moderate cases may not be diagnosed until later in childhood or early adulthood. Because there is some clotting factor present, minor injuries will heal normally, so it will not be until a major injury occurs that the deficiency is revealed. Severe cases will become apparent and diagnosed at an early age as a result of prolonged bleeding following surgery or minor injuries.
Treatment of haemophilia should be prompt and is by replacement therapy of the appropriate missing factor using factor concentrate. Prior to 1990, some blood products used in the treatment of haemophilia were contaminated with the Hepatitis C virus and HIV. In Ireland, the Hepatitis C virus was not identified until 1989. Therefore, some people with bleeding disorders who received blood products prior to 1990 have contracted Hepatitis C - over 220 people were infected with the Hepatitis C virus as a result. 106 males were infected with HIV as a result of contaminated blood products. Mandatory donor screening and modern techniques to inactivate these viruses have virtually eliminated this problem.
| Classification of haemophilia | |
|---|---|
| Mild | 15%-35% of clotting factor present. Prolonged bleeding occurs after surgery or trauma. |
| Moderate | 6%-15% of clotting factor present. Bleeding occurs after minor trauma although response to treatment is generally rapid |
| Severe | 1% of clotting factor present. Frequent, spontaneous haemorrhaging into joints and muscles with severe bleeding after minor trauma |
What information should my client provide?
Your customer should complete the Blood disorders fast-track questionnaire can be completed by your client.
Likely acceptance terms
Terms will only available where HIV and hepatitis test is negative, if positive, cover will be declined.
| Degree of haemophilia | Mild | Moderate | Severe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Life cover | Age 20-40 | +75% |
From 150% to +200% |
Cover will be declined |
| Age >40 | +50% | +100% | Cover will be declined | |
| Specified illness cover | Age 20-40 | +75% |
Refer to underwriting |
Cover will be declined |
| Age >40 | +50% | +100% | Cover will be declined | |
| Income protection | Age 20-40 | +75% |
Cover will be declined |
Cover will be declined |
| Age >40 | +100% |
Cover will be declined |
Cover will be declined | |
| Hospital cash cover; accident cover; contribution cover | Normal rates if degree of haemophilia is mild, otherwise decline cover. | |||
Please note that likely acceptance terms are indicative only and cases are subject to full underwriting.
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