The insurance industry will continue to try and identify applicants with a greater risk of HIV, writes Graham Spittles
It is well known that when the insurance industry first started to select against the HIV risks around April 1987, it was in the dark. This was not only from a pricing, but also from an underwriting perspective. The insurance industry did over-react a little. However, the situation is different today.
'Does the selection process the insurance industry use for the gay community differ from that used for the non-gay community?' The answer is yes. However, through the risk assessment process the insurance industry has to consider any extra risks an individual may present at the time of application. Risks could include poor cardiovascular history, early on-set diabetes, or what some may call 'lifestyle' risks and habits.
But it is still true to say that as far as the gathering of medical evidence is concerned there may still be some differences or 'discrimination' between an individual from the male gay community and a heterosexual male. For example, a gay male would need to support his application with more medical evidence, or asked to complete a supplementary personal questionnaire. Some companies may also have a lower routine level for requiring an HIV test for a gay male.
Assuming once the medical evidence is gathered the applicant is HIV negative and there is no known history of promiscuity, then some insurance companies would be prepared to give standard rates on selected products. This situation is even more likely if there is evidence that the individual is in a stable relationship.
Marital status has always been a factor in deciding what supportive evidence is necessary to underwrite an application. However, it is likely in the next year or so that this underwriting tool is replaced with lifestyle type questions being asked to all customers, irrespective of marital status or sex as part of the application form. It would not be surprising either, if in the future, the levels at which routine HIV tests are required become the same for all.
Statistics do confirm that in the UK, more HIV positives are coming from heterosexual rather than from homosexual contact. However, we must not forget that the homosexual community is smaller than the heterosexual community.
The majority of HIV infection in the heterosexual community is currently happening overseas. This is another area where insurers are paying greater attention, by HIV testing all those who have travelled and resided in high-risk areas. Therefore, there is currently an increased selection for those who may be at risk of HIV infection.
There will still be an underwriting emphasis on HIV and AIDS risks, and for the foreseeable future, the insurance industry will continue to try and identify those who are HIV positive. It will also continue to try and identify those who may be at an increased risk of becoming HIV positive, not only practising homosexuals and bisexuals, but also any individuals who have travelled or resided in countries where there is a greatly increased risk of HIV infection.
