Normally, it is your choice whether or not to tell people if you have hepatitis C. This includes doctors, dentists and places where you can get a tattoo or piercing.  This is because they have rules in place to stop the spread of viruses. 

There are some times when you must say if you have hepatitis C now, or have had it in the past. These are:

  • before giving blood. You can't give blood if you’ve ever had hepatitis C.
  • when applying for insurance. This could be life insurance or some other types. This is because your health might change whether or not they decide to insure you.
  • members of the Australian Defence Force, including Navy, Army and Air Force. If you apply to join the Australian Defence Force, they will test you for hepatitis C.
  • if you are a healthcare worker who carries out exposure-prone procedures (EPPs). If you do this, you could come into contact with sharp instruments or tissues (such as splinters of bone or teeth) inside a person’s body. Most often this applies to surgeons and dentists. Most healthcare workers do not carry out EPPs. Find out more by reading the guidelines on the Department of Health website.
  • when applying for a visa to live in Australia. Everything you say in a visa application form must be true.  You may have to have a hepatitis C test if you are applying to live in Australia.
  • If you wish to donate organs or sperm. You will get tested for hepatitis C before you can donate organs or sperm. Some people with hepatitis C can still donate but others can't.

Find out more about your rights and responsibilities

References

What is Hepatitis C? All Good, ASHM

I had hepatitis - can I donate? Australian Red Cross Blood Service

CDNA National Guidelines for healthcare workers on managing bloodborne viruses, Department of Health and Aged Care

Updated 14 March 2023

Published:

Updated:

Author: Grace Hogan

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