A sequential method is proposed for estimating the boundary condition in hyperbolic bio-heat conduction. The estimated solution is deduced from a numerical approach combined with the concept of future time. The problem with inverse bio-heat conduction is the slow heat-wave propagation speed, resulting in no temperature measurements obtained. Three cases are presented to demonstrate the features and the validity of the proposed method. Comparison between the exact value and the estimated result is made to confirm the validity and accuracy of the proposed method. (c) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.