A new guide has been launched by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) designed to get HIV customers informed about their life insurance options.
The
Financial Times has reported that current misconceptions around life insurance leads to 22% of people cancelling their policy after receiving a HIV diagnosis. The guide has been designed by the ABI to curb this by informing people of their rights and options for getting or keeping life policies following a diagnosis.
“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,” said head of protection and health insurance at the ABI, Raluca Boroianu-Omura. “In particular, we want people to know their policy remains valid after diagnosis, and to know where to go when thinking about buying insurance.”
The guide provides information to people who have been diagnosed with HIV who already have a policy, and HIV positive people looking to buy life insurance. It also covers when HIV testing should be part of a medical screening, which is usually only in large cover limit situations.
The guide was developed with input from expert organisations including the Terence Higgins Trust, National Aids Trust and HIV Scotland.
Alex Sparrowhawk, membership and involvement officer at the Terrence Higgins Trust said the guide provides clear information for people asking questions in regards to how a HIV diagnosis affects their 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,” Sparrowhawk said.
Related stories:
Insurers call for stricter fire safety laws as payout costs soar
Insurers vow to promote gender diversity in the industry
