HIV charity the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is in talks with the Association of British Insurers (A...
HIV charity the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is in talks with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) which may result in life insurance becoming available for those who are HIV positive, writes Paul Robertson.
THT feels insurers base decisions on outdated data and ignore recent medical developments. It has raised three main points: what the evidence is for actuarial decisions and if it is equitable; how information is gathered and may differ from other countries; and how decisions are made on the use of misleading or confidential information.
Martin Kirk, campaigns officer at THT, said: 'Different insurance companies offer different packages based on different criteria. The evidence available suggests a lack of understanding of the reality of what it means to be in a 'high risk' group or be HIV positive.'
He added: 'People in both groups face a situation where they are asked to disclose information that is either irrelevant or can be misconstrued, and that might then be used to set irrationally high premiums or disqualify people altogether.'
The ABI is engaged in preliminary discussions with various charities and doctors groups as the first stage in a revision of its current code of practice. It is the first part of what will be a wide-ranging ABI consultation later this year.
The current ABI code of practice was last revised in 1994. It allows insurers to ask only if an applicant has tested positive for HIV, but not to ask if an HIV test has been conducted. THT is hoping the review will lead to further standardisation of the various insurers questionnaires and procedures.
Emma Grange, spokesperson for the ABI, said: 'The idea of the code of practice is that clients can expect some standardisation across the board from providers. This will be the same for any new codes of practice introduced.'
