Expert: Gene Ramsay - 11/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a question. I was exposed to the hepatitis c virus.(I found that out 6 years ago).
I test positive on the anti-body test. Within the last 6 years, I've had 5 PCR tests. They all came back non-detectable. My doctor says my body rid itself of the virus (20% of the people who were exposed to it get rid of it). I still test positive for the antibodies.
I am healthy.  My liver functions are normal.
Is there a health insurance company that insures people for health insurance in my situation?
If not, how could I find one?
I don't want to apply to a health  insurance company and then they find out (with a blood test) I test positive for the hepC antibodies.
I'm afraid that will go on my MIB (medical information bureau) record.
thanks for the help and information.  

Answer
Ed,

I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis.

Health insurance companies are like any other insurance when you are dealing with the body.  They have to consider the person and all issues they have or could have based on underwriting findings.

Your best bet would be to acquire insurance through a company and their benefits.  Now, you did mention your work status but if you work for a company that offers health insurance that is your best bet because most of the time group health insurance does not underwrite.  You just get on the plan and no questions are asked.

Individual options will be tough to come by unless you have an underwriter who is lenient and can say beyond a doubt that you are free and clear of the Hep C.  If they will dig that deeply and do their research and feel that confident, then maybe.  There may also be the possibility of getting special concessions where that certain disease is not coverable for say 1-5 years after gaining the policy and then after you have met your pre existing time frame all things are covered.  The insurance company just does not want the risk of an expensive pay out early in the policy.

One last thing I find helpful is to have any company agree to decide whether it would even be worth looking at you before they actual start the application process.  The only time your MIB is hit is after the findings and after the application has been submitted.  If you bring all this to the table through a companies' underwriter before you ever fill out an application, then your MIB is safe.

I hope any of this helps.