Lifestyle questions need to change to reflect modern society
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) is to launch a consultation exercise, which will look at making changes to the way individuals who are perceived to be at a high risk of contracting HIV and Hepatitis B or C are asked lifestyle questions when applying for life assurance.
Final discussions are currently underway between the ABI, its members and a number of gay charities such as the Terence Higgins Trust. A detailed consultation on the proposed statement of best practice will follow in mid-September.
The main issue is to address the line of questioning that is deemed acceptable to high-risk applicants. It also plans to focus on what consensual agreements are required should an applicant need to undergo an HIV or a Hepatitis B or C test.
"We are looking at how to ask these questions in an acceptable and viable manner, yet still establish the information that needs to be known. Questions such as 'do you practice safe sex?' are considered to be intrusive and inappropriate. This will be addressed," said Richard Walsh, head of health at the ABI.
While Walsh stressed that the risk of contracting HIV remains higher in certain groups, such as gay and bisexual men, there are other groups where an increase in HIV infection is fast growing and any changes made will reflect these societal developments.
"One of the fastest growing HIV positive groups is among those who travel frequently to countries where there is a high prevalence of HIV. Obtaining this information will be imperative," he said. "Updating the statement of best practice to reflect what is currently happening in society is key."
The consultation will also look at the viability of income protection providers asking questions about HIV tests where cover for HIV is excluded. Walsh suggested that where cover for HIV is excluded, HIV-related questions should not be asked.
