Life Insurance with HIV: What You Need to Know in Ireland
Can You Get Life Insurance with HIV? Here’s What You Need to Know
Being HIV positive doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get life insurance. In fact, thanks to medical advances and evolving insurer practices, life cover is now possible for many people living with HIV — although the terms will vary based on your personal medical profile.
In this post, we break down how insurers in Ireland typically assess HIV-positive applicants, what medical information is needed, and what types of cover may be available.
How Life Insurance Underwriting Works for HIV
Insurers use underwriting to determine how much risk is associated with insuring someone. When it comes to HIV, that assessment is more detailed, with a focus on health history and current condition.
Key Factors Insurers Look At when getting Life Insurance with HIV:
- Date of HIV Diagnosis
- Your Age
- CD4 Count & Viral Load – Key indicators of immune system health and how well the virus is managed- A CDF count above 350 is considered good. A viral load under 50 is considered undetectable
- Current Treatment – What medication you’re on and your response to it
- Medical Complications – Including hospitalisations or investigations
- Time Off Work – Related to HIV
- Other Conditions – Especially Hepatitis B or a history of intravenous drug use
What Evidence Do Insurers Require?
For Life Insurance with HIV Insurers will typically request:
- Completed health questionnaires
- Any medical reports you can provide
- A GP report, arranged by the insurer
- Sometimes a blood or saliva sample for HIV or related screening
💡 You’ll always be informed of any test results. If an HIV test is required, results are handled directly and confidentially by the insurer’s medical team.
Real-World Example: Higher Viral Load, Under Medical Review
✅ Example 1 – Cover at Standard rates (Strong CD4 Count):
Here’s a real-life example that shows how insurers may approach an application:
A woman living with HIV had a CD4 count of 420 at the time of diagnosis. As of September 2023, her viral load was between 800 and 900, and she remains under routine medical care with no review needed for another six months.
In this situation, the client got standard rates which means there was no extra charge for life insurance.
This case illustrates how life cover is still a possibility — even with a higher viral load — but will depend on individual assessment and the latest clinical information.
Indicative Terms from Leading Insurers
Zurich Life Assurance plc:
- May offer cover with a no rating to High Rating, depending on CD4 count, treatment, and any complications
- Likely to decline cover in cases involving AIDS, Hepatitis B, or a history of IV drug use
Royal London Insurance DAC:
- Will base its decision on current viral status and medical reports
- Higher-risk applicants may face a postpone or decline, depending on circumstances
Are Other Types of Cover Available with HIV?
Generally, options are more limited for HIV-positive applicants beyond basic life cover.
| Product Type | Zurich | Royal London |
|---|---|---|
| Serious Illness | Declined | Declined |
| Income Protection | Declined | Declined |
| Cancer Cover | Individual consideration; declined if AIDS/Hep B | Not Available |
| Multi Claim Cover | Not Avaialble | May be Possible |
Final Thoughts: Every Case Is Unique
Life insurance is often still possible if you’re living with HIV — especially if your condition is stable and well-managed. However, outcomes vary widely based on your CD4 count, viral load, and treatment history.
📞 Need tailored advice? Feel free to reach out to me at sean@financiallife.ie or call 015823524 and I will be happy to help.
