Hiv And Life Insurance: Can You Get Covered?

People with HIV can get life insurance, but their options may be limited and coverage will likely be expensive. In the US, some big-name companies offer coverage to eligible applicants, and in the UK, several organisations provide life insurance to people with HIV. However, in both countries, people with HIV may face detailed health screenings and higher premiums.

People with HIV can get life insurance, but it may be costly

People living with HIV can get life insurance, but they may face limited options and higher costs. While some insurers may deny coverage or charge higher premiums due to the perceived high risk associated with HIV, advancements in treatment and increasing life expectancy have made it possible for HIV-positive individuals to obtain life insurance. The availability and cost of coverage will depend on various factors related to an individual's health and lifestyle.

When applying for life insurance, HIV-positive individuals will likely undergo a detailed health screening process called underwriting, which evaluates factors such as age, health, and lifestyle to determine eligibility and set rates. The underwriting process may include completing a questionnaire, undergoing a medical exam, and providing medical records and statements from healthcare providers. Insurers will consider factors such as the date of HIV diagnosis, adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), viral load, CD4 count, and the presence of any other chronic conditions.

HIV-positive individuals may have better chances of obtaining life insurance with companies that specialise in covering people with pre-existing medical conditions. These companies may offer term life insurance, whole life insurance, or guaranteed issue life insurance, which does not require a medical exam. Group life insurance through an employer or trade union is another option that may not require disclosing HIV status and can provide coverage without the need for a medical questionnaire.

While life insurance is accessible to people with HIV, it is important to be honest about your medical history during the application process. Non-disclosure or misrepresentation of health information may result in policy cancellation or denial of claims. Additionally, it is worth noting that life insurance policies typically remain valid even if an individual is diagnosed with HIV after taking out the policy.

HIV is considered a high insurance risk

People living with HIV can be at greater risk for other health conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, or diabetes. Without treatment, HIV can spread and lead to a high lifetime risk of getting HIV. As a result, insurers consider HIV a high insurance risk and typically charge higher rates for coverage.

The cost of life insurance for those with HIV varies based on factors like age, treatment plan, and overall health. Those with HIV may have to undergo detailed health screenings and provide additional paperwork detailing their treatment history and current health profile when applying for life insurance.

While several major life insurance companies don't offer traditional life insurance coverage to people with HIV, there are still coverage options available. People with HIV can explore smaller policies through their employer or apply for a policy that doesn't require a medical exam, such as final expense or guaranteed issue life insurance.

Insurers require detailed health information

When applying for life insurance, you will be asked detailed questions about your health. You will need to give permission for the insurance company to get more information from your doctors. Insurers will ask for written statements from your GP about your health to assess your application. You may be asked:

• When you were diagnosed
• What your CD4 count and viral load are
• What and how much medication you are taking
• What other health conditions you have
• If you have had any symptoms, now or in the past

In addition, many insurers will ask if you have ever used drugs in your lifetime, while some will ask about drug use within the past five or ten years.

It is important to check the information your healthcare providers send to ensure it is accurate. Some insurers will give you the option to review what your healthcare providers send. If this is not an option, you can request to have a copy of their statements. Depending on the information a healthcare provider gives, it may affect the cost of your premiums and if you are given a policy at all.

If you are rejected for life insurance cover, you can ask the insurer why. You can ask for the evidence to be reviewed or updated if you believe a mistake has been made.

Group life insurance is an option for those with HIV

In addition to group life insurance, there are other options available for individuals with HIV who are seeking life insurance coverage. These include:

• Final expense insurance: This type of insurance is designed to cover the cost of final expenses, such as funeral costs, and typically offers smaller coverage amounts.
• Guaranteed issue life insurance: This type of insurance does not require a medical exam or health questionnaire and offers coverage for individuals who may not qualify for traditional insurance due to health reasons.
• Term life insurance: This type of insurance provides coverage for a specific period, such as 20 or 30 years, and is generally the most affordable option. However, traditional term life insurance policies may be difficult to obtain for individuals with HIV.
• Whole life insurance: This type of insurance lasts for the individual's entire life and includes a cash value component that grows over time. It is typically more expensive than term life insurance and may include a medical exam requirement.

It is important to note that the cost of life insurance for individuals with HIV can be high due to the increased insurance risk associated with the condition. Additionally, the eligibility requirements and coverage limits may vary depending on the insurance company and the specific policy. As such, it is recommended to work with an independent broker or agent to compare options and find the best coverage at the most competitive price.

HIV diagnosis after taking out a policy

If you are diagnosed with HIV after taking out a life insurance policy, your policy will remain valid. When you pass away, your loved ones will receive a payout as per the terms already agreed upon. In most cases, insurers will pay out for a death due to an HIV-related illness.

However, if you have critical illness cover included in your policy, you are unlikely to receive a payout upon diagnosis (unless you acquired HIV through a work accident or, in some cases, through a blood transfusion or assault).

If you have been recently diagnosed with HIV, it may be helpful to speak to a specialist advisor before cancelling your policy. Getting a new life insurance policy may be more complicated after a recent diagnosis.

Frequently asked questions