Daniel Ryan, Watson Wyatt Recent combination therapy has dramatically improved life expectancy by...
Daniel Ryan, Watson Wyatt
Recent combination therapy has dramatically improved life expectancy by reducing the conversion rate from HIV infection to AIDS. You could reasonably argue there is a clear link between smoking, the development of lung cancer and future mortality, and yet smokers receive loadings to their premiums rather than exclusions. However, in spite of the dramatic improvements to the lives of sufferers, there is no cure to HIV infection. The number of new HIV infections in the UK are continuing to rise and dramatically so for infection from heterosexual contact. We are currently experiencing a lull in new AIDS cases due to the expansion of the timeframe of the disease, but this may develop into increased mortality rates among an older age group.
The insurance industry needs to think about the risks posed by HIV infection and AIDS in a fair and structured manner, while remaining aware of varied and different factors resulting from our current situation.
Richard Walsh, ABI
There does appear to be a developing consensus that some people with HIV may be insurable for life assurance at a suitable premium. A USA company offers such insurance. In order to qualify, individuals must be between the ages of 21 and 49; have contracted HIV through sexual contact or accidental needle sticks; have been under medical treatment for the past nine months; have previous and current CD4 tests of 400 or greater; and never have been diagnosed with AIDS.
In France there is a proposal for a scheme too ' individuals must show no sign of AIDs; have a CD4 test around 250; low viral load/slow disease progression and be maximum age 60 at application,with a maximum of 15 years' cover up to age 65.
No such product is currently available in the UK but the chances are that this will happen in the future.
Martin Kirk, Terrence Higgins Trust
Much has changed since the last time insurance practices for people with HIV were reviewed at industry level. Terrence Higgins Trust is delighted to be working closely with financial providers and the ABI to look at the implications of these changes.'
Matt Rann, Scottish Equitable
Looking specifically at HIV positive applicants, it is true that medical advances have increased life expectancy of this type of client in recent years. However, the nature of the disease itself, which leaves the patient exposed to opportunist infection, makes it still very difficult to underwrite both from a provider and a reinsurer's perspective. Therefore, it is difficult to predict when we will see any change of stance in this respect.
