Association produces guides advising on insurance for people with the virus
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has issued two guides about HIV. The association has revealed a new insurance guide on countries with high HIV prevalence and has updated its consumer guide for gay men on HIV and life insurance.
The insurance guide aims to give practical advice on cover for people who come from, have lived in or have visited countries where HIV infection is widespread and who now want to purchase life cover, critical illness, income protection or payment protection insurance.
The ABI details information about affected countries, what the insurer needs to be told, advisable questions to ask, and more comprehensive information about insurance for people with HIV.
The guide takes consumers through the realities of dealing with insurers and HIV. "If you have HIV, getting cover is not always possible. There are a few specialist insurers that offer life cover and, for those people for whom some cover is available, it can be costly," it added.
The newly updated consumer guide for gay men, which is endorsed by gay rights campaign group Stonewall, is aimed at clarifying recent changes to the law. Chris Morgan, managing director of specialist gay community IFA Compass, said: "It is extremely important that information is available to the gay community on life and protection insurance issues. The amendment to the guide clarifies the industry's position on civil partnerships." People in those unions are now treated the same as married couples.
In the past many homosexuals felt unfairly treated when applying for life insurance. Morgan, who contributed to the guide, believes the industry has now achieved full equality in life insurance products.
The guide also addresses the misconception that simply taking an HIV test has a detrimental impact on insurance applications made by gay men.
