Homosexuals still facing discrimination when looking to take out life assurance
The Association of British Insurers published an updated version of their Consumer Guide for Gay Men on HIV and Life Assurance in July 08.
Their research had identified that many UK insurers continue to request gay men to undergo HIV tests in respect of applications for Life Assurance, and in particular, when applying for protection insurance policies.
More recent research however has found that many of the insurance providers of these types of insurance in the UK continue to send gay men for HIV tests unnecessarily.
The code of practice issued by the Association of British Insurers states that insurers should not ask about an individual’s sexual orientation. They can however, ask about lifestyles or behaviour, regardless of sexual orientation, that might put the applicant at greater risk.
Insurance companies have to comply with the regulations, so prejudice against gay people will not be a reason for imposing higher premiums for their insurance.
The sum insured limits before an insurance company will request a test for HIV differs enormously, varying from a generous £1million to some as little as £25,000.
The guidance from the ABI further states that an applicant is not obliged to declare any information regarding the HIV status of a partner, doctors are however obliged to inform insurers if an individual has been diagnosed HIV positive or is awaiting the results of a HIV test.
Full details of the consumer guide can be found on the ABI website.
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