Hepatitis

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis. However, hepatitis is most often caused by a virus. The most common types of viral hepatitis are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C

• Hepatitis A is the mildest and most common form of viral hepatitis. Spread of the infection is mainly by the faeco- oral route, by ingestion of food such as shellfish and clams or water contaminated with infected faeces.

• Hepatitis B is primarily spread when blood, semen, or certain other body fluids (e.g. blood transfusion, contaminated syringe, sexual contact or mother to baby.) from a person infected with the Hepatitis B virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. . The disease can be acute – rapid onset with short duration or chronic – long duration usually a gradual onset. 

• Hepatitis C is spread when blood from a person infected with Hepatitis C virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. It can be spread through contaminated syringes, sexual contact or from mother to baby. It can be acute- rapid onset with short duration and is usually asymptomatic or chronic – long duration usually a gradual onset. A large proportion of people with acute hepatitis develop chronic hepatitis. Hepatitis C cannot be vaccinated against.

What information should my client provide?

Your customer should complete the General medical disclosure fast track questionnaire. 

Facts:

Hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV.

Approximately 700-800 new cases of hepatitis C are noted in Ireland every year.

 In 15-20% of infected people, the liver damage caused by the Hepatitis C virus will progress to severe and irreversible scarring.

Source:  www.hse.ie

Likely Underwriting Acceptance:

Please note the ratings indicated below, are based on well documented cases with up to date medical reports.

	Life Cover	Specified Illness Cover	Income Protection
Hepatitis A
>3 months, fully recovered with normal liver function	Standard Rates	Standard Rates	Postpone
>6 months , fully recovered with normal liver function	Standard Rates	Standard Rates	Standard Rates
Hepatitis B
Acute  - >6 months and fully recovered	Standard Rates	Standard Rates	Standard Rates
Chronic  - Depending on current serology, liver function and liver biopsy results	+50% - Decline	+100% - Decline	+100% - Decline
Hepatitis C
Depending on customers  age and duration of Hepatitis C	+75% - Decline	+100% - Decline	Please contact underwriting to discuss individual cases, likely cover will be Declined

• Please note for customers with Hepatitis C who have moderate to severe fibrosis of the liver and any history of Hepatitis B virus, cover will be declined.

• Please note that likely acceptance terms are indicative only and cases are subject to full underwriting.