Regulator issues underwriting rules for life insurance for people with HIV
THE INSURANCE Commission (IC) has outlined underwriting guidelines for life insurance companies to assess risks of people who are positive or suspected of having the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
In a statement, Insurance Commissioner Dennis B. Funa said the rules will allow life insurers to offer full underwritten life insurance for customers who are HIV- positive or are “perceived or suspected to be with HIV.”
“The issue on HIV requires a comprehensive approach in prevention, treatment and impact alleviation. Despite free anti-retro viral treatment, the lack of life insurance cover for persons with HIV continues to be a source of economic strain to them and their families. Thus, there is a need to provide insurance protection to these individuals,” Mr. Funa was quoted as saying.
Under the rules, insurance companies may give insurance coverage to a person with HIV if the applicant is undergoing “proper” medical treatment; has a favorable risk profile; and the results of the medical examinations are within normal limits.
For those who have been recently diagnosed as HIV positive, life firms can postpone the issuance of a life insurance policy for not more than one year from the start of the continuous Anti-Retro Viral Treatment (ART) to evaluate the treatment’s efficacy.
ART involves medication that treat and prevent the growth of HIV. The drug, however, does not cure the virus.
Mr. Funa said companies are not required to create new insurance policies for persons with HIV.
“Instead, special underwriting standards would be applied into the existing life insurance policies,” he added. —