Life Insurance For People With HIV: Policy Options, Top Companies, & Sample Rates

You CAN find life insurance if you are HIV positive.

And, often you can skip the medical exam.

As may have guessed, though, a chronic health condition – like HIV – means you’ll need to do a little homework in order to find the best carrier to approve you.

In this article, we will cover policy types, sample rates, and how to apply for no exam life insurance for people with HIV.

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Table Of Contents

1. Life Insurance Policy Options for People with HIV
2. Your HIV Treatment Plan Can Impact Coverage
3. Your Overall Health Influences Monthly Premiums
4. Age Restrictions for Applicants with HIV
5. How Much Does Life Insurance with HIV Cost?
6. 6 Life Insurance Companies that Approve Applicants with HIV
7. How to Apply for Life Insurance for People with HIV

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Life Insurance Policy Options for People with HIV

Here are 7 things to know about life insurance for people with HIV. Check out our infographic below.

There is no one-size-fits-all policy for HIV patients, or for anyone for that matter.

Approximately 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV today. About 15 percent of them (1 in 7) are unaware they are infected. (Source: HIV.gov)

Your specific HIV status directly affects the type of life insurance available to you. But, know that HIV positive individuals buy coverage all the time.

In fact, states have passed anti-discrimination laws, allowing HIV positive individuals access to life insurance.

The following are popular forms of life insurance available to those with HIV:

1. Term Life Insurance
2. Whole Life Insurance
3. Group Life Insurance
4. Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

Term Life Insurance

The most popular form of life insurance, term lasts for a specific amount of time. For example – a 20-year no exam policy.

A few carriers have made term coverage available to HIV positive individuals.

Term is an excellent option for those who:

• Need a large amount of life insurance
• Have a temporary need for protection

Note – while there are many term no exam life insurance carriers, plan to participate in medical underwriting if you are HIV positive.

Whole Life Insurance

Permanent, or whole life insurance, lasts your entire life. As long as you make your premium payments, your coverage will not end.

Just like term, there are only a handful of life insurance companies that accept whole life applicants with HIV.

Traditional whole life works best for those who:

• Have a permanent financial need for coverage
• Are interested in utilizing the policy loan feature

Group Life Insurance

Typically offered through your employer (or entity), group life insurance provides coverage to many individuals via one master contract.

A group life insurance policy offered for free through your job will not discriminate against those with HIV.

Group life insurance has a few distinct features:

• Usually offered through your employer’s benefits package
• Policy is either free or low-cost
• Face amount (policy size) is modest
• Coverage won’t necessarily follow you if you separate from your employer

Group life insurance is ideal for:

• Everyone – accept the free coverage if it’s offered
• But, evaluate if a group policy is enough. Usually, we recommend purchasing an additional individual policy if you are able to.

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

Guaranteed issue life insurance is a form of life insurance with no health questions asked.

A guaranteed issue life insurance policy is guaranteed to be approved.

While it can be a godsend to HIV positive individuals who do not qualify for traditional coverage, it should not be your first stop.

First, evaluate whether you can be approved for term or whole life insurance. Dollar for dollar, they are more affordable.

Key features of guaranteed issue life insurance:

• Guaranteed to be approved, regardless of health status
• Modest policy size – usually caps at $25,000 ($40,000 is available)
• Dollar for dollar, the premiums are expensive
• A form of permanent life insurance
• Typically, there is a 2 year wait period before the policy will pay
• Age restrictions exist – you will need to be at least 40 years old

Bottom line – Understand the key features of each type of life insurance policy available to HIV positive individuals before moving forward with an application.

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Your HIV Treatment Plan Can Impact Coverage Options

Your HIV treatment history is a crucial component of the type of life insurance you qualify for.

Fortunately, many physicians now consider HIV a chronic condition, rather than a terminal illness – as it was viewed decades ago.

Antiretroviral therapy has been a spectacular success. People are now asking if the end of AIDS is possible. 

– The End of AIDS: HIV Infection as a Chronic Disease, National Institutes of Health

Plan to answer some specific questions about your treatment during the application process (guaranteed issue life insurance skips the questions).

While each carrier’s underwriting questions vary, consider the following as examples of what you should be prepared to answer.

HIV Underwriting Questions

Sample Question	Sample Answer
How long since diagnosis?	Two years
Are you on anti-retroviral (ART) medication?	Yes; 1 year
What ART medications do you take?	TDF; 3TC; EFV
Have you experienced drug resistance?	No
Have you experienced side effects from ART?	Yes; fatigue
Have you had a transfusion?	No
Do you visit with your doctor regularly?	Yes; every 3 months
What are your current CD4 levels?	>350 cells/mm^3
What has been your minimum CD4 count?	200 cells/mm^3
How long for undetectable viral load?	1 year

Questions vary. Samples only.

Bottom line – each life insurance company has specific requirements pertaining to your treatment plan – and your body’s response to the plan – in order to qualify for traditional coverage.

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Your Overall Health Influences Monthly Premiums

It’s not just your HIV treatment that underwriters need to know about.

Because carriers absorb risk in exchange for your life insurance policy, they want to gain an understanding of your health, in general.

Be prepared to answer questions, such as:

1. What is your weight? What is your height?
2. Can you describe your medical history and provide your physician’s information?
3. What is the medical history of your close blood-related family members?
4. Are you a user of tobacco products?
5. Do you have a history of drug (illicit or prescription) or alcohol abuse?
6. What is your prescription history?
7. Have you ever been diagnosed with cancer?
8. Have you been diagnosed with a different serious medical condition? For example, hepatitis B or hepatitis C?
9. Have you been treated for depression or anxiety?
10. Have you had a surgical procedure(s)? If so, explain.

Bottom line – your overall health – in addition to your HIV status – is a major determinant of the type of life insurance policy you will qualify for.

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Age Restrictions for Applicants with HIV

For traditional coverage, most carriers only accept HIV positive applicants within a small age range, like 30 – 65 years old.

Why? While medical advancements have dramatically increased life expectancy, the life insurance industry is a few steps behind in underwriting those who are HIV positive to accurately reflect their long-term prognosis.

At this point, if you are younger than 30, it’s best to evaluate group life insurance options until you reach your 30th birthday.

Or, you may want to look into an accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) policy until age 30.

Technically not life insurance, AD&D coverage only pays if you die in a qualifying accident.

If you are older than 65, you will want to look at guaranteed issue life insurance. Even though face amounts are modest, some life insurance is better than no life insurance.

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How Much Does Life Insurance with HIV Cost?

No doubt, life insurance will cost more if you are HIV positive.

While incredible medical advancements have been made in HIV research and treatment, life insurance companies still view HIV as a risk.

Because they are in the business of absorbing risk, companies charge a premium amount based on the perceived risk any given applicant poses.

Let’s consider a few examples. Keep in mind, the following quotes are samples only and do not reflect the price or policy you qualify for.

Term Life Insurance Quotes for People that are HIV Positive

While there are a number of highly-rated no physical life insurance companies, you need to know that only a couple will accept HIV positive applicants.

And, you should plan to take the medical exam for traditional coverage.

Note – examples are for a 10 year term policy.

Important – your rates for life insurance are entirely unique. Rates below are for HIV positive applicants at a (common) table 8 rating.

Term Quotes For HIV Positive Male

	$250,000	$500,000	$1,000,000
30	$45.36	$80.35	$147.74
40	$64.15	$114.05	$209.95
50	$146.69	$264.38	$502.85
60	$351.86	$658.37	$1238.98

Subject to change. Samples only. 10-year term. Table 8 rating.

Term Quotes For HIV Positive Female

	$250,000	$500,000	$1,000,000
30	$36.94	$64.80	$116.64
40	$53.78	$95.90	$176.26
50	$108.22	$202.18	$383.62
60	$221.62	$426.38	$800.93

Subject to change. Samples only. 10-year term. Table 8 rating.

What are Table Ratings and Flat Extras?

For traditional life insurance, HIV positive life insurance applicants are assigned a table rating (and sometimes a flat extra) on their life insurance policies.

Table ratings are, in essence, a surcharge placed on your premiums based on your level of risk. A rating will add somewhere between 20 – 200% to your premium rates.

Also based on risk, flat extras are an additional amount of money tacked onto your premiums, often per $1,000 of coverage. For example, you may be charged a flat extra of $10 per $1,000.

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance Rates for People that are HIV Positive

Remember, guaranteed issue life insurance is issued without health questions or a medical exam.

Guaranteed Issue Quotes For HIV Positive Male

	$5,000	$15,000	$25,000
40	$26.25	$72.92	$119.58
50	$22.50	$65.68	$108.85
60	$32.40	$93.75	$158.35
70	$50.09	$146.27	$246.58
80	$115.42	$340.42	$565.41

Subject to change. Samples only.

Guaranteed Issue Quotes For HIV Positive Female

	$5,000	$15,000	$25,000
40	$21.67	$59.17	$96.67
50	$17.69	$51.24	$84.79
60	$25.99	$74.03	$126.27
70	$38.22	$110.78	$187.46
80	$88.71	$262.13	$439.54

Subject to change. Samples only.

For your own personal rate, start with a free instant quote.

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6 Life Insurance Companies that Approve Applicants with HIV

While your options are somewhat limited, there are a number of life insurance carriers who will approve applicants with HIV.

Note – medical underwriting may be required for term and traditional whole life insurance.

Most traditional life insurance carriers require you to self-admit your HIV positive status upfront.

Below, we will explore 6 companies that will approve applicants with HIV.

1. John Hancock Life Insurance
2. American National (ANICO) Life Insurance
3. Prudential Life Insurance
4. AIG Life Insurance
5. Gerber Life Insurance
6. Great Western Life Insurance

1. John Hancock

John Hancock Life Insurance Company is a highly rated carrier, based out of Boston, Massachusetts.

John Hancock Insurance, in keeping with its progressive approach and commitment to its customers, now is offering term and permanent life insurance coverage to applicants living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) if they meet certain criteria.

– John Hancock

John Hancock Policy Options for People with HIV

• Term and whole life insurance available
• Minimum face amount (policy size): $250,000
• Maximum face amount: $2,000,000
• John Hancock Vitality Program is available
• Riders excluded: Long-Term Care, Waiver of Premium, Return of Premium, Accelerated Death Benefit

John Hancock Underwriting Requirements for HIV

• Applicant must be between the ages of 30 to 65
• Must self-admit HIV positive status
• Monitored by a qualified physician
• CD4 count of 350 cells/mm^3 or higher for at least 2 years, including current CD4 count.
• Current and previous 2-year viral loads must be undetectable

Ineligible Conditions for John Hancock

• Newly diagnosed with HIV
• Any AIDs-defining illness
• Documented viral resistance to treatment
• History of drug abuse, alcohol concerns
• Coronary artery disease or diabetes
• Hepatitis B or hepatitis C history
• Psychiatric conditions (that are deemed rated)
• Low (or decreasing) build
• Hypoalbuminemia
• Proteinuria
• Malignancies

Bottom line – John Hancock is an excellent option for fully-underwritten term and whole life insurance – if your HIV is well controlled and you are in good health.

2. American National

American National Life Insurance Company is a top-rated carrier, based out of Galveston, Texas

American National Policy Options for People with HIV

• Term and whole life insurance available
• Minimum policy face amount of $250,000
• Maximum policy face amount is over $1,000,000

American National Underwriting Requirements for HIV

• Must self-admit HIV-positive status
• Monitored by a qualified physician
• Supply all medical records since HIV diagnosis – up to 5 years
• CD4 count is less than 500 cells/mm^3
• Documentation of successful ART therapy – minimum of 6 months

Ineligible Conditions for American National

• Newly diagnosed with HIV
• Illicit drug use
• AIDs-defining illness (more than 5 years)
• Hepatitis B or hepatitis C history
• Other serious health conditions that prompt a rating of Table 4 or higher (for example, cancer patients)

Bottom line – American National is best for HIV positive individuals who are generally healthy and have documented medical care.

3. Prudential

Prudential Life Insurance Company is another top-rated carrier. They are based out of Newark, New Jersey.

Previously, Prudential partnered with an organization called, Aequalis to offer term life insurance to HIV positive individuals. The partnership has ended, but Prudential still offers coverage to those with HIV.

Prudential Policy Options for People with HIV

• Term life insurance available
• Convertible to a whole life insurance policy
• Minimum face amount of $100,000
• Maximum face amount of $2,500,000

Prudential Underwriting Requirements for HIV

• Applicant must be between the ages of 30 to 60 years old
• Must be a United States resident; applications from Hawaii and Vermont are not accepted
• More than one year since diagnosis
• More than six months of ART therapy, if being treated
• Stable medical regimen for at least six months; minimum of 2 recorded
• Consistently compliant with physician’s recommendations for care; routine testing for CD4 counts and viral loads
• Acceptable CD4 counts and viral load results
• Viral load is undetectable (less than 200 copies/ml) and stable
• CD4 count and viral load have been recorded within 6 months from time of application

Ineligible Conditions for Prudential

• History of AIDS-defining condition
• Tuberculosis (TB) or Non-TB mycobacterial infection
• CD4 count falls outside of acceptable parameters
• Hepatitis B or hepatitis C positive

Bottom line – To qualify for traditional term coverage with Prudential, your HIV must be well-controlled and well-documented, just like other carriers require.

4. AIG

AIG Guaranteed Issue is a go-to product for HIV positive individuals. AIG is based out of New York City, New York.

If your HIV status does not meet the stringent requirements for a traditional term policy, we recommend you look at guaranteed issue life insurance.

AIG Policy Options for People with HIV

• Guaranteed issue is a form of whole life insurance
• Minimum face amount of $5,000
• Maximum face amount of $25,000

AIG Underwriting Requirements for HIV

• Applicant must be between the ages of 50 – 85 years
• No medical underwriting and no health questions

Ineligible Conditions for AIG

• You will not qualify for AIG if you are not a United States citizen with a social security number

Bottom line – AIG’s guaranteed issue often has competitive rates. You are guaranteed to be approved.

5. Gerber

Gerber Guaranteed Issue allows HIV positive individuals to secure coverage. Gerber is headquartered in White Plains, New York.

Gerber Policy Options for People with HIV

• Guaranteed issue
• Minimum face amount of $5,000
• Maximum face amount of $25,000

Gerber Underwriting Requirements for HIV

• Applicant must be between the ages of 50 – 80 years
• No medical underwriting and no health questions

Ineligible Conditions for Gerber

• You will not qualify for Gerber if you are not a United States citizen with a social security number

Bottom line – Gerber, like AIG, has competitive rates for guaranteed issue policies.

6. Great Western

Great Western Guaranteed Issue is another good option for individuals with HIV. They are based out of Ogden, Utah.

Great Western Policy Options for People with HIV

• Guaranteed issue
• Minimum face amount of $1,000
• Maximum face amount of $40,000

Great Western Underwriting Requirements for HIV

• Applicant must be between the ages of 40 – 80 years
• No medical underwriting and no health questions

Ineligible Conditions for Great Western

• You will not qualify for Great Western if you are not a United States citizen with a social security number

Bottom line – especially if you are between the ages of 40 – 49, Great Western is an excellent option if you are HIV positive.

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How to Apply for Life Insurance for People with HIV

Streamline the process of finding a policy by doing a couple of things, especially if you are interested in securing a traditional policy for a larger face amount (policy size).

1. Work with an independent agent who has access to the handful of life insurance companies who accept HIV positive applicants.
2. Have all of your medical documentation regarding your HIV ready to communicate during the underwriting process.

Fill out our quote form on the right, or call us to work directly with us on finding your life insurance policy with HIV.