A new guide has been produced by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) to inform customers with HIV about life insurance.

The ABI says it knows there are misconceptions around HIV and life insurance policies that see 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, the ABI’s head of protection and health insurance, 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.”