Updated on 3 Nov 2025
If you or your parents have been diagnosed with hepatitis B, the first concern is how to manage the treatment costs. You must always check before investing in health insurance that it covers hepatitis B and will reduce your financial stress during the treatment. In this blog, you will understand whether hepatitis B is covered by health insurance.
What is hepatitis B?
Viral infections typically cause hepatitis, an inflammatory condition of the liver. However, individuals can acquire it by misusing specific drugs, medications, toxins, and alcohol. An alternative scenario involves autoimmune hepatitis, wherein your body generates antibodies targeting your liver tissues. The five types of hepatitis are A, B, C, D, and E. Each is caused by a different virus and depends on severity (acute/chronic).
Hepatitis B causes & symptoms
The causes and symptoms of hepatitis B:
Cause by:
- Unprotected sex with a person having hepatitis B
- Using the same needle they used
- Blood transfusion
- Mother to baby during childbirth
- Using the razors and toothbrushes of an infected person.
Symptoms are:
- fatigue/weakness
- Loss of appetite
- nausea/vomiting
- Dark urine
- Yellowing of skin
- Pain in the stomach or near the ribs
Treatment for hepatitis B
The treatment for hepatitis B depends on whether it is acute or chronic. If you are diagnosed with acute(short-term), there is no treatment; doctors will suggest you drink fluids, rest, a balanced diet, and keep monitoring your health so that it won’t lead to chronic.
However, if you are diagnosed with chronic, you will be suggested to take antiviral medicines, liver function tests, regular checkups, and, if necessary, a liver transplant.
Health insurance coverage for hepatitis B
As medicines prescribed for Hepatitis B are generally expensive, some patients may have to meet certain conditions for their health insurance policies to cover them. If complications arise, there may be a need for surgery and hospitalisations, which can be costly.
Health insurance coverage can actively alleviate the financial burden associated with this disease.
- The predetermined payout may be available if you purchase a healthcare policy with a critical illness rider (which covers hepatitis) and are later diagnosed with this disease.
- The insurance company may only cover the cost of medications in some cases.
- It's essential to recognise that obtaining health insurance following a Hepatitis diagnosis could lead to one of two potential outcomes: facing increased premium costs or a denial of coverage from the insurance provider.
How to file a hepatitis B related insurance claim?
To file a hepatitis B related insurance claim, you must first check your policy coverage (whether it covers the disease or not). Then, if you want to claim with the hospital that is under your insurer’s network, you can go for a cashless claim by showing the health card and the authorisation form. If you want a different hospital, you must reimburse your claim after paying the bill. Later, track your claim status online or connect with the customer support team in case of delays.
Conclusion
Health insurance coverage for Hepatitis B varies among plans and providers. While many insurance policies cover diagnostic tests, vaccinations, and treatments for Hepatitis B, individuals should carefully review their specific plan's terms and coverage limits to ensure they receive the necessary care for this infectious liver disease.
Most health insurance plans do cover hepatitis B, especially if you are hospitalised and undergoing long-term treatment. However, the coverage depends on your policy term and limits. Want to check and learn about a good individual health insurance policy that covers hepatitis? Fill out the form provided below, and our expert will help you invest in a health insurance plan tailored to your needs.
FAQ
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Is hepatitis B covered under health insurance?
Yes, many health insurance plans cover it and the hospitalisation costs.
Yes, if your hospital is under an insurer’s network, the insurer approves it.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.