ABI launches guide to HIV and Life insurance

clock • 2 min read

The Association of British Insurers has introduced a guide to inform customers with HIV about life insurance.

Misconcepts around HIV and life insurance policies have meant that a fifth (22%) of people cancel a life insurance policy following an HIV diagnosis.

This ABI guide lets people living with HIV know that they can get life insurance, and that they do not need to cancel an existing policy if they become HIV positive.

The ABI Guide to HIV and Life Insurance gives information for:

• People who have recently been diagnosed with HIV and have an existing policy.
• People who are HIV positive and would like to buy life insurance
• HIV testing as part of medical screening when applying for life insurance, which is usually only required for large cover limits.

The ABI has drafted this guide with input from the Terrence Higgins Trust, HIV Scotland, NAM Aidsmap, National Aids Trust, and Unusual Risks Mortgage & Insurance Services.

Raluca Boroianu-Omura head of Protection and Health Insurance at ABI, said:
"It's very concerning that people with HIV think that they cannot get life insurance, or that they have to jump through hoops in order to get a policy. The market has been modernising and the industry is here to support customers living with HIV to understand their options. In particular, we want people to know their policy remains valid after diagnosis, and to know where to go when thinking about buying insurance.

"We would always encourage people to have a conversation with their insurer if they have any concerns. We want to reassure customers that insurers will only ask questions that they need to know the answers to in order to provide the policy, and any information provided to the insurer will be treated sensitively and securely."

Alex Sparrowhawk, Membership and Involvement Officer at the Terrence Higgins Trust said: "There are countless concerns facing people when they receive a new HIV diagnosis and this guide provides clear information and advice in relation to questions about HIV and life insurance.

"Many people, both newly diagnosed and living long-term with HIV do not understand their full rights in relation to life insurance and this guide is a welcome tool to give peace of mind to those reviewing either current or new life insurance cover."

More on Whole of Life

Royal London extends online trusts to WOL

Royal London extends online trusts to WOL

New discretionary trust form includes cohabitees

Cameron Roberts
clock 11 March 2024 • 1 min read
Vitality: Unemployment biggest driver for cancelled life insurance

Vitality: Unemployment biggest driver for cancelled life insurance

Financial pressures still front of mind

Laura Miller
clock 28 November 2023 • 2 min read
Timpson warns of dangers associated with joint life policies

Timpson warns of dangers associated with joint life policies

Can contribute to economic and domestic abuse

Hemma Visavadia
clock 02 December 2022 • 2 min read

Highlights

COVER Survey: Advisers damning of protection insurer service levels

COVER Survey: Advisers damning of protection insurer service levels

"It takes longer than ever to get underwriting terms"

John Brazier
clock 12 October 2023 • 5 min read
Online reviews trump price for young people selecting life and health cover

Online reviews trump price for young people selecting life and health cover

According to latest ReMark report

John Brazier
clock 11 October 2023 • 2 min read
ABI members with staff neurodiversity policy nearly doubles

ABI members with staff neurodiversity policy nearly doubles

Women within executive teams have grown to 32%

Jaskeet Briah
clock 10 October 2023 • 3 min read