Looking back in the past, there were some insurance policies available for HIV patients. But now that the healthcare industry has evolved with highly effective therapies, term life insurance for HIV positives is possible. Many insurance companies are providing decent life insurance policies for people with HIV. This viral disease is at high risk because it reduces the power of the immune system to fight infection.
This is one of the most severe diseases, but with the medical advancement reached a phase where some stopping or even relief treatments are present. And with this, the insurance becomes more flexible and accessible to individuals dealing with HIV. And securing the financial well-being of the family matters the most when the person with HIV passes away.
Can HIV Positive Individuals Get Term Life Insurance?
The answer is yes; HIV individuals can get a term life insurance policy. However, the underwriting process and medical examination get more detailed for such severe chronic conditions. Unlike in the past, nowadays people with these types of severe conditions can get insurance policies because of the new, particularly antiretroviral therapy (ART), which makes the life expectancy longer than before.
Generally, the top insurers are providing life insurance to individuals with HIV based on some specific criteria. Some of the eligibility criteria are:
- The person is on ART for at least 1-2 years.
- CD4, which is a type of white blood cell, should be in a count.
- Having no major coexisting illnesses, such as hepatitis.
There are some other criteria that the person with this condition needs to fulfil to get a term life insurance for HIV positives. The person needs to go for a medical examination. However, not all companies provide this insurance; some insurers, like Prudential, offer life insurance coverage to well-maintained HIV conditions.
Eligibility Criteria for HIV Positive Life Insurance
Note that the insurance is meant to secure the future of the families of policyholders in times when they are not there. It requires understanding the eligibility criteria that a person with HIV should possess to get a life insurance policy. These criteria are evaluated in the underwriting process.
- Diagnosis
This is one of the most important aspects that insurers look at. You need to tell; you must have been diagnosed for at least 1-2 years. This will imply your stable health history. - Treatment and Adherence
For the treatment of this disease, you need to be on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for constant compliance. Also, you need to show medical documents to ensure that the treatment is effective. - Viral Infections
The viral load of your body must be very low or approximately so. undetectable. This is a medical eligibility because if you have maintained good health, then the virus is under control. - CD4 Count
This is one of the major concerns. CD4 is a type of white blood cell that helps in fighting with infections or dangerous foreign organisms in the body. And in HIV, this cell gets reduced. So, you need to regularly go for the checkup and maintain your CD4 level because this is a general and direct concern of the insurance providers. - Other Infections
You need to focus on your health because with HIV, the immune system gets very weak, and some other infections may be caused, which will reduce your chances of getting an insurance policy. - Age
It is a general and most common criterion that will be applicable to everyone. Based on your current age, the insurance companies will decide whether you are eligible or not. The insurers provide life insurance for HIV positive persons in the age group of 20 to 60 years.
Can I Get Life Insurance If I am HIV Positive?
As mentioned, anyone with this disease can have term life insurance for HIV positives. However, it is also true that, as compared to a normal healthy person, the application process of people suffering from this virus is also specific and thorough. There are some government plans also available. So, let’s begin with the application process.
How to Apply for Term Life Insurance with HIV?
The application process is very simple but requires proper focus and documentation. Sometimes, just because of a small mistake in the insurance application can get rejected.
Choose an Insurer: Not all insurer provides life insurance for HIV positive individuals in the USA. You need to find a trusted and well-reputed insurance provider that helps you get the insurance policy. You can also go to an insurance agent who has tie-ups with many companies and will help you get the policy easily.
Medical Documentation: This is very important to have all the medical documents with you. Prepare all medical information, including,
- HIV diagnosis date and reports
- Current and past medications
- CD4 count and viral load records
- Complete body reports.
Medical Examination: Many times, it seems that a person gets an insurance policy without any medical examination, but this is only valid for healthy applicants. People with conditions like HIV, cancer need to give a medical exam. There are some tests that the insurer wants you to get involved in. Tests related to blood, urine, etc.
Underwriting Process: After submitting all the medical documents, identification documents, and medical test, the underwriting process begins. This may take up to several weeks to verify and determine whether to provide you with the policy or not.
Policy Begins: When all the verification is completed and the insurer approves your application, you will receive a notification. Then you need to choose the term length, coverage amount, policy type, etc. After all this, your policy will get activated, and you will need to start making payments.
Always consult with an insurance advisor or a broker to clear all the doubts and to get the best deal. Tell the truth to the broker to avoid any future misunderstandings.
Cost of Term Life Insurance for HIV Positives
The cost of an insurance policy for HIV patients depends on various factors and may differ based on them. Although the cost of premiums of these policies for HIV positives will tend to be higher than that of normal, healthier applicants. There is an estimation with HIV positive and Normal comparison, based on various sources given below, which can vary from the actual figures:
| Age | Coverage | Term Length | HIV Positive | Healthy Person |
| 30 | $300,000 | 20 Years | $50 – $70 | $25 – $35 |
| 35 | $500,000 | 20 Years | $90 – $125 | $45 – $60 |
| 40 | $300,000 | 15 Years | $83 – $95 | $45 – $55 |
| 45 | $300,000 | 10 Years | $110 – $140 | $65 – $80 |
This estimation is made by assuming that the HIV is under control, the person doesn’t have any smoking habit, the CD4 count is maintained, and no other infection or virus load is there. Also, the numbers may vary from the actual ones, so always consult with an expert insurance advisor. For insurance for diseases, know more about Term life insurance for breast cancer survivors.
Best Term Life Insurance for HIV Positive
There are many insurance companies are there in the market that provide insurance policies to the HIV people affected. Top insurers are mentioned below.
- Prudential: It provides term life insurance for HIV positives after qualifying for an eligibility criterion. A term length of up to 20 years is possible.
- Guardian Life: This is one of the mainstream insurers that provides policies to HIV individuals. But requires strict health records and maintained body care.
- MassMutual: It also provides insurance policies to HIV people with a flexible underwriting process. Sometimes, it requires some additional health screenings.
- American National: It is more flexible with the age factor and sometimes provides relief related to CD4 counts. It also offers renewable insurance policies.
Tips to Improve Approval Chances
If you want to increase your chance of approval, then there are some steps that you need to follow and always remember.
- Always maintain good health conditions because in the case where you are giving a medical, if some reports are not positive, then your application may get rejected. Also, if you still smoke or drink alcohol, then quit it instantly.
- Keep your medical record organized to avoid any missing documentation, which can lead to application rejection.
- Consult with an expert broker to get the best advice for the insurance policy. An expert has a better understanding of handling cases like this.
- Compare multiple quotes and plans. Don’t stick with one plan; always be dynamic. And choose the insurance policy that best fits your budget and health conditions.
- Always be honest in your records and application. Because if the insurer finds any misleading, then this will cause immediate rejection of the application.
Conclusion
Getting a term life insurance for HIV positives is possible, but requires proper focus and understanding. As the medical sector is evolving continuously, the insurance companies start providing policies to people with severe medical conditions like HIV. Yes, the medical examination, coverages, term lengths, etc., may vary for people with disease as compared to normal healthy individuals. It is very important to have an insurance policy if you are suffering from such a severe disease that will help you financially after your passing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy insurance if I have HIV?
Yes, if you are HIV positive, you can still get an insurance policy. If you are maintaining your health and CD4 level properly, then you become eligible to get a policy from most of the top insurers. The term life insurance policy can be a better choice for people dealing with this type of disease.
Does HIV disqualify you from long-term care insurance?
This statement is not completely true, because an HIV patient can get an insurance policy. HIV does not fully disqualify you from getting long-term insurance, but it only reduces the term period. Because the life expectancy decreased, the term length and premiums cost increase.
What life insurance can I get with HIV?
You can get a term life insurance policy if you have HIV. Not just term policy, but any other insurance if the plan provider approves and your health condition is getting better with time. This is the best way to secure the future of your family after having such a severe and life-threatening disease.
