Guardian is to now consider applicants with HIV for income protection.
The commitment comes amid a series of changes to the firm’s underwriting aimed at ensuring more customers living with HIV can secure life cover without requiring further medical evidence.
The changes apply to applicants meeting certain criteria in terms of age, viral load and CD4 count – a test measuring the number of T cells that fight infection.
The changes also mean its maximum term for applicants with HIV has been extended to 30 years, up from 20 years.
While all HIV cases will still require assessment by an underwriter, Guardian estimates that around 50% of disclosures of HIV could be accepted based solely upon the answers given on the application, without delays associated with requesting specialist medical letters.
The underwriting changes also extend to income protection, meaning Guardian will now consider terms for income protection for those disclosing HIV. But this again is subject to meeting certain criteria which advisers can view in its underwriting guide on Guardian’s website.
It added medical evidence will be required in all instances for income protection.
Caroline Froude, head of underwriting strategy and development at Guardian, said: “We’re delighted to announce these improvements today as we continuously seek to improve outcomes and the underwriting experience for everyone that applies for a Guardian policy.
“We believe the changes to our HIV rules will result in a smoother and faster journey for an estimated 50% of people who apply who are living with HIV, improving this group’s experience of applying for protection and making the process as a whole much more inclusive.”