Author Bowtie Team
Updated on 2025-06-03
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
Worried about Hepatitis B and insurance coverage? Discover if extra premiums (Loadings) apply and get the lowdown on Bowtie’s straightforward underwriting rules.
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B virus. According to the Department of Health’s thematic report on viral hepatitis (from the 2020-22 population health survey) published at the end of last year, it is estimated that about 5.6% of the overall population in Hong Kong (approximately 410,000 people) have Hepatitis B. The survey also found that nearly 40% of patients are unaware they have chronic Hepatitis B, and about 70% of patients have not sought medical follow-up for their liver disease. Thematic report on viral hepatitis (2020-22 Population Health Survey)
Regardless of whether symptoms appear, about 5 to 10% of adult patients and 95% of infants infected from their mothers are unable to clear the virus, thus becoming chronic carriers, and may later develop chronic hepatitis, permanent liver damage, or liver cancer.
People at Higher Risk of Hepatitis B Infection
- Family members of chronic Hepatitis B patients (such as parents, siblings, and children) and sexual partners
- Individuals who inject drugs
- Men who have sex with men
- People with multiple sexual partners
- Individuals infected with HIV
- People who frequently receive blood or blood products
- Dialysis patients
- Healthcare workers who are exposed to patients’ blood or bodily fluids on the job
Underwriting Considerations for Hepatitis B
1. Has the insured person undergone antiviral treatment?
If the insured person has undergone antiviral treatment, we will assess the date of the last treatment, and whether they have fully recovered (meaning the Hepatitis B surface antigen is negative).
2. Are there any complications?
We will consider if the insured person has any complications, such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.
3. What were the past Hepatitis B test results?
We will consider the insured person’s past Hepatitis B test results, such as whether liver function blood tests are normal and whether liver ultrasound results are normal.
Underwriting Outcomes for Hepatitis B
1. Successful underwriting (applicable only to life insurance)
If liver function tests from the past 12 months are normal, Hepatitis B-related imaging tests are normal, no regular Hepatitis B medication has been taken, and there are no complications, then coverage can be provided at standard premiums.
2. Successful underwriting, but with increased premiums and/or exclusions (applicable to other products, such as voluntary health insurance)
If liver function tests from the past 12 months are normal, Hepatitis B-related imaging tests are normal, and there are no complications, the insurance company may consider accepting the application. However, premiums may be increased (commonly known as loading) and/or exclusions may apply based on the circumstances.
3. Direct declination
In the following situations, we may reject the policy application for the insured person:
- Abnormal liver function tests from the past 12 months
- Abnormal Hepatitis B-related imaging tests
- Accompanied by sequelae or complications
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