Head of Content
Former Senior Protection Advisor
Due to the latest medical advances, many HIV patients can manage their condition and enjoy a full life; but does having this diagnosis prevent you from getting life insurance?
Here, we explore when it’s possible to secure life insurance cover with HIV, what factors affect your premiums and how we can help you find the right plan.
Can you get life insurance if you’re HIV positive?
Yes. While it can be more difficult for someone with HIV to secure life insurance compared to an applicant with a clean bill of health, there are options available that you could explore.
Those who are HIV positive will have fewer insurance providers and life insurance deals to choose from, and may have to pay higher premiums, but approval is possible.
There are specialist insurers and products specifically for people with pre-existing health conditions, such as HIV, so it’s worth discussing your options with a life insurance adviser.
How life insurance providers assess applicants with HIV
Life insurance providers will assess whether an applicant with HIV qualifies for their products, and what kind of deal to offer, based on the following factors:
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How recently the diagnosis was: Most insurers will only offer cover at least 12 months on from a diagnosis to see how the applicant responds to treatment.
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Viral load and CD4 count: The insurer will need this information so they are aware how your immune system is functioning and how much HIV is in your blood.
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Treatment received: Life insurance providers will want to know what medications you are currently taking and what treatments you have received to date.
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General health and lifestyle: Expect questions about your general health and lifestyle, including whether you have a history of hepatitis or drug use.
Your insurance provider will review these factors to establish the level of risk your HIV poses, and this will determine how much cover you can get, how long for and at what premium.
While there can be restrictions and higher premiums for HIV patients, it is not impossible to secure a similar policy to a person with no underlying health conditions if you can prove your illness is well managed and you are leading a healthy lifestyle.
How to get a quote online
If you are HIV positive, the best way to get a life insurance quote is through a whole-of-market life insurance adviser. They have access to every deal on the market, including specialist policies designed for individuals with health conditions.
Our life insurance providers can draw up a list of bespoke quotes for you instantly and will offer tailored advice about which deal best fits your needs and circumstances.
You can book in a free, no-obligation chat with a life insurance specialist below:
Connect with a life insurance specialist
Will you need to undergo a medical?
Life insurers will need up-to-date medical records from you to back up the answers you have provided to their questions about your HIV and general health. They will scrutinise your CD4 count and viral load, and most will need this information to be no more than six months old.
If you do not have a CD4 count and viral load information from within the last six months, you may need to attend a medical so you can provide these to the insurer.
Will a HIV diagnosis affect an existing life insurance policy?
If you are diagnosed with HIV and have an existing life insurance policy, check the terms of the agreement to find out whether you are obliged to inform your insurer about this.
There is a possibility you can remain on the existing policy for the duration of the term you agreed, but if the agreement is expiring, you might be charged a higher premium or encounter restrictions if you wish to renew with your provider or find a new one.
What to do if you’ve been declined for cover because of HIV
If a life insurance provider has rejected your application because you are HIV positive, your next step should be to speak to a life insurance adviser for professional advice.
Simply going straight to another insurer is unlikely to pay off as they will need to know that you have previously been declined for cover and may take the previous life insurance provider’s comments and objections on board when assessing your application.
The best way to boost your chances of a better outcome the second time around is with the help of a life insurance broker. They will ensure you are matched with the provider who is most likely to be sympathetic and flexible with your situation and offer a bespoke deal.
How we secured critical illness cover for a HIV patient
Can you get life insurance with AIDS?
It is not usually possible to get standard life insurance if your HIV has progressed and you have developed AIDS. However, if you are aged 50-85, it may be possible to take out a guaranteed life insurance plan for older people, as these don’t require a medical.
If you have an existing life insurance plan and have been diagnosed with AIDS, it may be possible to remain on this agreement for its duration, but be sure to check your terms and conditions to find out whether you need to declare your diagnosis to the provider.
Why choose Teito for your life insurance needs?
Our life insurance advisers have a strong track record helping people with medical conditions like HIV secure the coverage they need, minus the stress.
Here are just some of the reasons why people choose us for their life insurance needs:
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Our advisers specialist in securing complex life policies
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Exclusive deals are often available
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We are 5-star rated on leading review websites
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We can help you compare life insurance quotes in seconds
Ready to take advantage of a free, no-obligation chat with a broker who specialises in life insurance for people with pre-existing health conditions? Get started here.
FAQs
Life insurance providers do not carry out tests for HIV as part of their standard procedure for a regular policy, but will need to see medical records confirming specific details about your condition if you have declared that you were previously diagnosed with it.
However, an insurer might request a HIV test under exceptional circumstances. For example, if the amount of cover you are requesting is unusually large, or you declare information about your lifestyle (such as drug use) that suggests a test may be needed.
Choosing an Adviser
Selecting a qualified and experienced mortgage adviser is of great importance. To choose a suitable adviser, evaluate their qualifications, experience, and reputation, and ensure they are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Read reviews from previous clients and make sure they provide a clear explanation of the products and services they offer, as well as the fees and charges associated with them.