I have a client with HIV. His medication keeps the condition under control, but it's the first case I've ever dealt with of this type. What is the situation? He is looking for the full suite of protection and I know things have improved here, but what issues am I likely to face?
The key factors for PruProtect are: mode of transmission, length of time since seroconversion, treatment prescribed and how long taken, CD4 count and Viral Load count.
CD4 is a form of protein found in the blood, which gets adversely affected by the HIV virus, whereas Viral Load gives an indication as to how much of the virus has penetrated the system and how active it is in reproducing. These factors are key for the specialists as to what form of treatment is required and when to start it.
Terms vary by insurer, but a substantial rating will apply in a reducing scale dependent upon age, duration and treatment.
The policy term is also likely to be limited. This underwriting philosophy is not unique to HIV as it applies also to numerous other medical conditions.
Chris Pollard, Friends Life
HIV is a viral infection that gradually destroys the immune system. It was first recognised in 1981 and since 1985, the classification of HIV/AIDS has changed several times.
Since 1993, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have developed a classification process based on both blood counts and clinical categories of HIV infection.
It is possible to provide some cover for certain clients who are HIV positive, although only life cover with a maximum term of ten years would be offered, and the term would depend on the date of diagnosis.
The client would need to have been on a highly active retroviral drug regime for a minimum of 26 weeks and have no other associated risks, such as a history of drug use or Hepatitis.
The maximum sum assured offered would be limited to the lower of any outstanding mortgage and £250,000.
Unfortunately, while the majority of HIV positive clients will remain uninsurable, with the emerging efficacy of treatment in the most positive of cases, terms can be offered. It is also worth noting that the circumstances around contraction can influence whether cover is offered – for example, if the infection was due to a blood transfusion.
These approaches have enabled the insurance industry to consider applications for life cover that would have historically been declined without any further investigation. Although many HIV positive people may still find themselves unable to get life cover today, insurers are regularly reviewing their underwriting philosophy to take into account medical advancements.
