Liver function test

A liver function test is a blood panel that measures enzymes and proteins such as ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, and albumin to assess liver health. Insurance companies use abnormal liver function test results–such as ALT above 56 U/L or total bilirubin above 1.2 mg/dL–as risk indicators for underwriting decisions, YourInsurance.info states.

Insurers often require applicants with elevated liver enzymes like GGT over 60 U/L to provide additional medical records before approving policies. Life insurance underwriters flag chronic hepatitis B or C diagnoses confirmed by repeated abnormal LFTs as high-risk conditions.

Health insurers may deny coverage for pre-existing conditions if past claims data show persistent LFT abnormalities exceeding normal ranges (e.g. AST >40 U/L).

Applicants with cirrhosis evidenced by low albumin (<3.5 g/dL) on an LFT face higher premiums or exclusions in disability insurance policies. Some insurers request repeat LFTs within six months if initial tests reveal mild elevations (ALT/AST <2x upper limit of normal) without clinical symptoms.

Group health plans sometimes waive further testing requirements when all standard LFT values fall within reference intervals during pre-enrollment screening.