Guardian has made changes to its underwriting journey for applicants living with HIV.

Subject to meeting certain criteria in terms of age, CD4 count and viral load, Guardian will be able to offer terms for life cover without requiring further medical evidence.

All HIV cases will still require assessment by an underwriter, but Guardian estimates that around 50% of disclosures of HIV could be accepted based solely upon the answers given on the application, without the delays associated with requesting specialist medical letters.

Guardian’s underwriting improvements for those living with HIV also extends to Income Protection. Guardian will now consider terms for Income Protection for those disclosing HIV, again subject to meeting certain criteria which advisers can view in the Underwriting Guide on Guardian’s website. Medical evidence will be required in all instances for Income Protection.

Caroline Froude, head of underwriting strategy and development at Guardian, said: “We’re delighted to announce these improvements today as we continuously seek to improve outcomes and the underwriting experience for everyone that applies for a Guardian policy. We believe the changes to our HIV rules will result in a smoother and faster journey for an estimated 50% of people who apply who are living with HIV, improving this group’s experience of applying for protection and making the process as a whole much more inclusive.”