Gay guide ends HIV insurance fears

By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk • December 1, 2006 - 0:00

The ABI (Association of British Insurers) has launched a new Consumer Guide for gay men on HIV and Life Insurance

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The ABI (Association of British Insurers) has launched a new Consumer Guide for gay men on HIV and Life Insurance to coincide with World AIDS Day today.

The guide explains the changes that have been made to how insurance companies deal with issues of sexuality and explodes many of the myths surrounding the treatment of gay men applying for life and protection insurance.

Richard Walsh, the ABI's Head of Health Insurance, said the guide will end misconceptions about insurance, "Insurers now have strict guidance to ensure that only relevant information is taken into account when determining premiums and levels of cover. Application forms no longer ask questions about sexuality.

"This Consumer Guide explains to the gay community the changes that have been made through ABI best practice. It lays to rest the common misconception that just taking an HIV test will have an impact on insurance applications.

"The ABI's Expert Working Group on HIV and Insurance will continue working to develop ABI policy on the evidence base for HIV risk and ensure that insurance applications are dealt with fairly."

Chris Morgan, a member of the ABI Expert Working Group on HIV and Insurance and Managing Director of Compass IFA Ltd, a firm of financial advisers that offers specialist advice to the Gay and HIV Positive communities, without fear of discrimination, said: "It's already well documented that, working closely with the ABI, we were responsible for removing discrimination within the life assurance industry. We're now very proud to have been involved in writing the new ABI Consumer Guide on HIV and Insurance."

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