Dalene Allen, underwriting director of Altrisk
The short answer is yes, but only from a specialised insurer that focuses on providing cover to those with pre-existing health conditions that would ordinarily exclude them from getting cover from most insurers.
According to Dalene Allen, underwriting director of Altrisk, the first insurer in South Africa to offer cover for HIV+ clients in 1999: “Today, we are seeing millions of HIV positive people living longer lives than scientists ever imagined possible back in the 1980s. Experience has shown us that HIV is a chronic illness much like diabetes, and not a life threatening disease. The reality is that in 13 years, we have only ever had two HIV life claims – a trend that echoes the research coming out of the reinsurers.”
It’s a view that is echoed by Prof Des Martin, a renowned clinical virologist. “Research shows that an HIV+ person with access to proper healthcare and ARVs can look forward to a life expectancy comparable with that of an HIV-negative person of the same age and circumstance. The reality is that the greatest risk of premature death is a delay in diagnosis. With proper adherence to treatment protocols, HIV+ people are living near normal, quality lives,” says Prof Martin.
With so many positive developments in the treatment and management of HIV, the reality is that being HIV+ does not have to limit your ability to be an economically active citizen. Nor does it mean you will be declined for life insurance cover, especially if you’re serious about managing your disease and treatment.
Compliance is key
When it comes to assessing an application for cover from an HIV+ person, the paramount consideration for the insurance underwriter is strict compliance with the ARV programme. Compliance is the single biggest factor in ensuring that the HIV sufferer does not become drug-resistant and run the risk of progressing to Aids. Altrisk’s underwriters will look at the applicant’s blood tests in terms of CD4 counts and viral loads. These measurements provide strong indicators in terms of ARV compliance, whether the applicant has become, or is at risk of becoming drug resistant and provides an overall view of how the disease is progressing.
Altrisk’s own claims history and reinsurer research is showing that HIV+ clients who diligently manage their treatment are at more risk of developing other conditions such as cardiac disorders or cancer, and not for HIV-related conditions. Clients are more likely to die a premature death from an under-rated risk than from HIV itself. An HIV+ client who is diligently managing their condition and adhering strictly to treatment will have no limitations on their cover and will have no exclusions pertaining specifically to HIV from Altrisk.
“One of the greatest lessons over the years is that there is no “average” when it comes to HIV. Everything about this disease comes down to extremes - people who follow a strictly managed treatment programme will in all likelihood live long, fulfilling lives, while those who don’t deteriorate rapidly,” concludes Dalene.
Altrisk has made financial security a reality for thousands of individuals and their families who would otherwise not be able to get cover due to existing health risks such as HIV, or because they work in hazardous occupations, high-risk territories or pursue dangerous hobbies. When it comes to your financial planning and dealing with impaired lives, an experienced, professional financial advisor is an asset when it comes to navigating your risk portfolio and ensuring that you and your family are taken care of through all of life’s ups and downs.
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