The British Medical Association and the Association of British Insurers have issued new guidance to doctors, patients and insurers on what information about HIV and sexual health can be supplied to insurers by GPs.
In order to prevent people from being deterred from seeking advice and getting tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the guidelines state that doctors do not have to reveal all aspects of their patients' sexual health history.
The guidelines state that there is no reason to disclose single incidents of STIs, or even multiple episodes, provided there are no long-term health implications.
In addition, and in line with existing ABI guidance, insurance companies should not ask whether an applicant for insurance has taken an HIV or Hepatitis B or C test, had counselling in connection with such a test, or received a negative test result. Doctors should not reveal this information when writing reports and insurance companies will not expect this information to be provided. Insurers may ask only whether someone has had a positive test result, is awaiting a test result, or is receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis B or C.
In the event of applications for large amounts of life insurance cover (likely to be above £500,000, according to an ABI spokesman, although this figure may vary from one company to another), companies will reserve the right to ask for an HIV test and/or further medical information.
The full text of the guidelines is available at the British Medical Association’s website.