Viral hepatitis continues to be one of the leading causes of liver diseases and preventable deaths globally, with India accounting for a significant share of the disease burden. Ahead of World Hepatitis Day, Care Health Insurance has issued a public advisory urging individuals to prioritise hepatitis screening, vaccination and timely medical intervention.

Often called a ‘silent disease’, viral hepatitis can progress for years without noticeable symptoms and is often detected only after irreversible liver damage has occurred. By the time patients seek medical attention, the infection may have advanced to cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer, making treatment significantly more complex, prolonged and expensive. Early screening and timely intervention are therefore critical to preventing severe complications and improving health outcomes.

According to recent national and global health assessments, as well as Care Health Insurance's claims observations:

India carries one of the world's highest hepatitis burdens, with an estimated 2.9 crore people living with hepatitis B and 0.55 crore with hepatitis C, amounting to nearly 3.5 crore people living with chronic viral hepatitis.

Viral hepatitis claims approximately 1.23 lakh lives every year in India, with the country ranking among the nations accounting for the largest share of global hepatitis B and C deaths.

Most hepatitis infections remain undiagnosed, allowing the disease to silently progress towards severe liver damage before treatment begins.

While hepatitis screening is available free of cost under the Government of India's National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP), advanced liver disease can require expensive interventions. A liver transplant at a private hospital typically costs ₹18–35 lakh, followed by lifelong medication expenses.

Care Health Insurance's claims observations show that liver disease claims have doubled over the past three years, while treatment costs have risen by nearly 100% during the same period. The insurer has also observed a 5–10% annual increase in claims among younger individuals, a 10–15% annual rise in claims from Tier II and Tier III cities, and a nearly 10% year-on-year increase among women.

Care Health Insurance recommends the following preventive measures:

1. Get tested for hepatitis B and C at least once, particularly if you are at higher risk. Complete the recommended hepatitis B vaccination schedule, including the birth dose for newborns within 24 hours. Do not wait for symptoms, as chronic hepatitis can remain silent for years. If diagnosed, complete the prescribed treatment, as hepatitis C is curable in most cases, while hepatitis B can be effectively managed with ongoing medical care. Individuals with diabetes, obesity, fatty liver disease or other metabolic conditions should also undergo regular liver health assessments, as advised by their doctor.
2. Follow safe practices during injections, blood transfusions, dental procedures, tattooing and piercing, and avoid sharing razors, needles or syringes to reduce the risk of hepatitis B and C transmission.
3. Maintain food and water hygiene to prevent hepatitis A and E, particularly during the monsoon season when these infections become more common.
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle through a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, which can accelerate liver damage.

Review your health insurance coverage regularly. With advanced liver treatment and transplants costing several lakhs, adequate health insurance can help safeguard you against the financial burden of major illnesses.

Care Health Insurance remains committed to raising awareness about preventive health and encouraging early action. As India works towards eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030, greater awareness, regular screening and early treatment will remain critical to reducing the burden of liver disease.