ABI issues new guidance on HIV

by Gill Montia

Story link: ABI issues new guidance on HIV

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has published a new version of its consumer guide for Gay Men on HIV and life insurance.

The updates are intended to continue work already undertaken by the insurance sector in ensuring gay people are treated fairly.

In the past, many gay men applying for life insurance felt they were not fairly treated because, for example, they were asked intrusive personal questions.

The new consumer guide aims to provide access to practical information about insurance and also clarifies the industry’s position on civil partnerships, stating that people in civil partnerships should receive the same treatment as those who are married.

The ABI has also published a new guide for people who come from, or have visited, countries with a high prevalence of HIV (where over 1% of the population have HIV).

The guidance states that an applicant need not tell an insurer about the HIV status of a partner and offers other practical advice to those wishing to apply for life, critical illness, income protection or payment protection insurance.