Applying for life insurance if you're living with HIV or AIDS
At HCF we recognise that new developments in HIV treatment are helping people live longer, healthier lives with fewer complications. Disclosing your HIV status doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t obtain some types of life insurance cover.
What information do I need to provide in my application?
We don’t ask you to disclose your HIV status during any application for life insurance. For Life Protect, however, we’ll enquire about any medications you’re taking and any upcoming or regular medical appointments to assess your application.
Some of our products have an exclusion for certain pre-existing conditions (PEC). When applicable, we’ll advise you if, and how, PEC exclusions apply to your cover to allow you to consider your personal circumstances.
Can I still get cover if I have HIV?
HCF will do our best to provide the cover you need through our Recover Cover range. We may offer you cover without any restrictions, or your policy may be subject to a PEC exclusion. In certain instances, we may not be able to offer you cover.
For all our on-sale and off-sale products, HIV/AIDS was removed as a general policy exclusion effective 1 April 2021.
Our accident-based products, Kids’ Accident Cover and Personal Accident Insurance, don’t exclude HIV or AIDS. Similarly, Cash Back Cover, which provides cover for accidents requiring surgery as well as several specified illnesses, doesn’t exclude HIV or AIDS.
Our Critical Illness and Income Protect Insurance don’t provide cover for pre-existing conditions (PEC), including HIV or AIDS, that existed within 5 years immediately prior to cover commencement and where, at the time you take out cover, you were aware of, or a reasonable person in your circumstances could be expected to have been aware of, the HIV/AIDS. This means you’ll need to be continuously free of HIV or AIDS in the 5 years prior to policy commencement for any claim caused directly as a result of HIV or AIDS to be covered. You’ll be covered should the claimable event not be a HIV-related complication.
Life Protect Insurance supports a simplified data collection and short-form underwriting process with limited ability to refer disclosures for investigation or seek any medical records (copies of blood tests, etc) for applicants in relation to any condition, including those living with HIV or AIDS. To assess your application, we’ll ask you the standard set of health and lifestyle questions that we present to all applicants which won’t require you to disclose your HIV status. However, as part of the standard health and lifestyle questions, we’ll enquire about any medications you’re taking and any upcoming or regular medical appointments to assess your application.
For assistance with your application or policy, please contact us on 1800 560 855 (Mon to Fri 8am to 8pm, Sat 9am to 5pm AEST/AEDT), and we’ll guide you through the process.
Can I apply for HCF Life Protect Insurance if I'm HIV negative and using PrEP?
Yes, you can. We’ll assess your application, which will also take into consideration your medical history, occupation and pastimes. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective at preventing HIV, when taken as indicated. We may offer you cover with or without any restrictions, depending on your specific circumstances.
Who can help me apply for Life Insurance (death cover)?
Each insurance company has their own set of application questions, requirements and guidelines. A financial adviser can also help you choose the policy that best fits your needs and guide you through the application process.
