Taking Prezista demonstrates your commitment to health management. Life insurance provides financial security for your family. This guide covers what insurers evaluate, realistic approval expectations, actual rate ranges, and how to navigate the application successfully.
Approval Likelihood
Rate Impact
Underwriting Timeline
Medical Records Required
What Prezista Use Signals to Insurers
The Medical Reality
Prezista (Darunavir) is a protease inhibitor used in combination with antiretroviral therapy for HIV. Use indicates HIV diagnosis and active medical management. Modern antiretroviral therapy has transformed HIV from a terminal diagnosis into a medically manageable chronic condition. People with undetectable viral loads have life expectancies comparable to HIV-negative individuals and significantly lower health risks. Life insurance companies recognize this medical reality.
“HIV is no longer a barrier to life insurance. With consistent medication adherence and an undetectable viral load, applicants are insurable. Underwriting focuses on medical stability and treatment compliance, not HIV status alone. Honest disclosure and strong medical documentation lead to approval.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
Why Insurers View This Differently Now
Life expectancy data has fundamentally changed underwriting for HIV applicants. Someone with an undetectable viral load at age 35 has a life expectancy into their 80s. Medical advancement, proven treatment adherence, and absence of AIDS-defining illnesses transform the risk profile. Insurers have underwritten HIV cases for years and have actual data showing that compliant patients on Prezista live long, stable lives.
The Key Metrics Insurers Use
Viral Load (most important): Undetectable is the baseline for approval. Detectable viral loads significantly complicate underwriting. CD4 Count: Above 350 is preferable; below 200 historically signals AIDS. Years on Therapy: Long-term stability matters. Treatment History: Medication changes or non-adherence are red flags. Opportunistic Infections: Absence of AIDS-defining illnesses improves outcomes dramatically.
What Underwriters Actually Evaluate
The Underwriting Checklist
Current Viral Load
Undetectable (<50 copies/mL) is the standard for approval consideration
CD4 Count Trend
Stable or improving counts above 350 are preferred. History matters.
Years Since Diagnosis
Longer duration on stable therapy strengthens the application
AIDS-Defining Illnesses
Absence or resolution of opportunistic infections improves underwriting
Medication Adherence
Consistent therapy compliance is foundational to approval
Other Health Conditions
The presence of comorbidities affects overall risk assessment
What Makes an Application Stronger
- Undetectable viral load maintained for years, not months
- CD4 count above 500 (excellent) rather than 350-500 (acceptable)
- Never had opportunistic infections or all past infections fully resolved
- Perfect medication adherence with no missed doses or therapy switches
- No hepatitis co-infection or successfully treated hepatitis C
- No active substance abuse or documented recovery
- Long-term stable HIV treatment with an experienced infectious disease physician
Complete Disclosure Requirements
Full Honesty Is Mandatory
You must disclose your HIV diagnosis and all current antiretroviral medications on your life insurance application. This is not optional. Failing to disclose HIV status could constitute application fraud and result in policy denial or cancellation. Insurance companies verify information through medical records, HIV specialty care documentation, and pharmacy records. Honest disclosure is always the safest approach.
Information Insurers Will Request
Complete Medical History
Date of HIV diagnosis, all prior opportunistic infections, hospitalizations, AIDS-defining illnesses
Current Treatment Regimen
All current antiretroviral medications, dosages, and how long on the current regimen
Recent Lab Results
Most recent viral load, CD4 count, dates of tests, trend over past 1-2 years
Infectious Disease Physician
Name and contact for insurer medical review; how long you’ve been under their care
Co-infections
Hepatitis B or C status, treatment history if applicable
Lifestyle Factors
Substance use history, current use, smoking status, and alcohol use
How to Prepare Your Application
- Contact your infectious disease physician. Request a summary of your HIV treatment history, current therapy, most recent viral load and CD4 count, and any past opportunistic infections.
- Obtain your recent lab results. You’ll need viral load and CD4 counts from the past 3 months, ideally, and trend data showing stability or improvement.
- Document your medication list precisely. Include all antiretroviral medications with current dosages and dates started.
- Prepare a timeline. Document when you were diagnosed, when you started each treatment regimen, and any therapy changes.
- Be ready to discuss adherence. Insurers understand that perfect compliance is difficult; what matters is demonstrating consistent, responsible medication management.
Getting Approved: Realistic Expectations
Approval for HIV-positive applicants taking Prezista is achievable with an undetectable viral load, medical stability, and complete honesty. Rates are higher than standard, but coverage is obtainable. The underwriting is thorough but not hostile. Insurers recognize HIV as a managed chronic condition, not a terminal diagnosis.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
The Approval Timeline
Application Submission
You complete the application with a full medical history. Initial screening for completeness.
Medical Records Request
Insurer requests complete medical records from your HIV specialist and pharmacy records.
Underwriting Review
Detailed underwriting analysis. May include review by an infectious disease specialist or a medical director.
Decision
Approval, conditional approval, or request for additional information. Decisions vary by complexity.
Realistic Approval Outcomes
✓ Approval Likely
Undetectable viral load for 2+ years, CD4 above 400, no AIDS history, excellent medication compliance, no hepatitis co-infection
⚠ Approval Possible but Harder
Recent undetectable status (<1 year), CD4 200-400, past opportunistic infection fully resolved, good medication compliance, hepatitis C treated and cured
✗ Approval Unlikely Now
Detectable viral load, CD4 below 200, active AIDS-defining illness, medication non-compliance, active substance abuse
Pricing: What You’ll Actually Pay
Be Honest About Rates
Life insurance for HIV-positive applicants is more expensive than standard rates. This is a medical reality, not discrimination. Higher rates reflect the actual medical complexity and ongoing health management required. Rates vary significantly based on medical stability, age, and specific insurer. Conservative estimates: plan on 50-200% higher premiums than a standard applicant.
Excellent Medical Profile
Estimated Rate: 50-75% higher than standard
Undetectable 3+ years, CD4 above 500, no AIDS history, no other health conditions, excellent compliance.
Example: Standard $100/month becomes approximately $150-175/month
Good Medical Profile
Estimated Rate: 75-125% higher than standard
Undetectable 1-2 years, CD4 300-500, resolved past infection, good compliance, minor comorbidity.
Example: Standard $100/month becomes approximately $175-225/month
Acceptable Medical Profile
Estimated Rate: 125-200% higher than standard
Recent undetectable (<1 year), CD4 200-300, recent medication change, compliance concerns, multiple comorbidities.
Example: Standard $100/month becomes approximately $225-300/month
Factors That Increase Your Rates
- Younger time on undetectable status
- Lower CD4 count or history of very low CD4
- Past or current AIDS-defining illnesses
- Hepatitis B or C co-infection
- History of medication non-compliance
- Substance abuse history or active use
- Additional chronic health conditions
- Higher age at application
Factors That Improve Your Rates
- Long-term undetectable viral load (3+ years)
- CD4 count above 500
- Never had an opportunistic infection
- Excellent medication compliance history
- No co-infections or hepatitis C successfully treated and cured
- No substance abuse history
- No other chronic health conditions
- Younger age at application
Application Strategy for Success
Key Principles
Complete Honesty: Never downplay or omit information. Medical Documentation: Provide comprehensive records that demonstrate stability. Narrative Control: Tell a clear story of responsible health management. Timeline: Allow time for excellent labs before applying. Persistence: If one insurer denies, others may approve.
Before You Apply: Strategic Checklist
Achieve and Maintain Undetectable Viral Load
This is non-negotiable. If you’re not undetectable now, wait. Work with your doctor. Give it 3-6 months minimum.
Get Recent, Complete Lab Work
The most recent viral load and CD4 count should be within 3 months. Have trend data showing stability or improvement over the past year.
Document Your Treatment History
Have a clear timeline: diagnosis date, all prior regimens, current medications, dates each therapy started, and dates each therapy was changed.
Get Your Doctor’s Summary
Ask your infectious disease specialist to write a brief clinical summary for insurance. They know what underwriters want to see.
Prepare Your HIV and Overall Health Story
Be ready to discuss your HIV journey, treatment, management, and overall health commitment. Underwriters appreciate applicants who are informed and engaged.
Choose Coverage Amount Carefully
Request a reasonable coverage amount relative to your age and income. Very high requests invite extra scrutiny for any applicant.
Allow Enough Time
Don’t rush. Apply when you’re well-positioned. 4-8 weeks for underwriting is normal. Don’t apply in a crisis.
Working With an Agent
Consider working with a life insurance agent experienced in underwriting HIV-positive applicants. They understand which companies are most approving and can guide your presentation. Agents may also help appeal denials or present your case to other insurers if a first application is declined.
Common Questions: Honest Answers
Will the insurer find out about my HIV if I don’t tell them?
Direct answer: Yes, they will almost certainly find out. Don’t try to hide it.
Insurance companies verify information through medical record requests, pharmacy records, and medical underwriting. Your infectious disease specialist’s records will clearly document your HIV status and treatment. If you omit this information and the insurer discovers it later, they can deny your claim or cancel your policy. Honesty is your only realistic option.
Is life insurance approval actually possible for HIV-positive people?
Direct answer: Yes. Approval is real and achievable, not theoretical.
Life insurance companies have underwritten HIV-positive applicants for years. Modern medical data shows excellent outcomes for people with undetectable viral loads. This isn’t controversial among underwriters anymore—it’s routine. The question isn’t “can someone with HIV get life insurance,” but rather “are you in good enough medical condition to qualify?”
How much higher will my rates be?
Direct answer: Plan on 50-200% higher than standard rates, depending on your medical stability.
An applicant with excellent control (undetectable for 3+ years, CD4 above 500) might pay 50-75% more. Someone with more recent stability or lower CD4 history might pay 100-150% more. The less stable your medical picture, the higher the increase. This reflects actual medical complexity, not discrimination.
What if I’m still working toward an undetectable viral load?
Direct answer: Wait. Don’t apply until your viral load is undetectable.
Applying with a detectable viral load almost certainly results in denial. The delay is worth the dramatically better outcome. Work with your HIV doctor on medication adherence and therapy adjustment. Once undetectable for several months, your application will be far stronger. Waiting 3-6 months often means the difference between denial and approval.
Will I have to take medical tests as part of underwriting?
Direct answer: Yes. Expect comprehensive medical testing.
Insurers typically require blood work, often including HIV testing themselves, viral load confirmation, and CD4 count verification. This testing confirms your current medical status. You’ll likely undergo standard life insurance medical exams too (blood pressure, EKG, etc.). Testing is normal and necessary for accurate underwriting.
What if I have hepatitis C as well as HIV?
Direct answer: It complicates underwriting significantly. Cured hepatitis C is much better than an active infection.
Active or untreated hepatitis C makes approval much harder and rates much higher. Successfully treating and curing hepatitis C (documented sustained virologic response) is far better—it shows you’ve managed serious medical complications. If you have hepatitis C, complete treatment before applying if possible. Cleared hepatitis C improves your underwriting outlook dramatically.
How long until my rates or coverage can be reviewed after approval?
Direct answer: Once your policy is in force, your rates lock in permanently. Future health changes don’t affect your coverage.
Even if your health improves significantly, your rates remain the same for the life of your policy. Even if your health declines, your coverage stays in force at the original rate. This works in both directions, but the key point is: lock in coverage now. Your health, CD4 count, or any future medical changes won’t change your premiums or benefits after approval.
What happens if I have a lapse in my medication?
Direct answer: It significantly complicates your underwriting. Plan not to have one.
Gaps in HIV medication can cause viral load to spike, which damages your underwriting case. Insurers specifically look for consistent, uninterrupted therapy. If you have missed doses in your history, be prepared to explain and emphasize current perfect compliance. If you’re currently inconsistent with medications, get stable before applying.
Should I disclose my HIV status to friends or family when getting life insurance?
Direct answer: That’s entirely your choice. Your medical information is private.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation about your health status. Life insurance companies keep your medical information confidential. You can tell your spouse, family member, or trusted advisor if you choose, but it’s not required or necessary. Your privacy is protected.
Life Insurance With HIV Is Achievable
Taking Prezista for HIV means you’re managing a serious health condition responsibly. Life insurance ensures your family has financial protection. Honest disclosure, medical stability, and realistic expectations lead to approval.
Call Now: 888-211-6171
Licensed agents experienced in HIV-related life insurance applications. Confidential evaluation and personalized quotes available.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal, medical, or insurance advice. Life insurance availability and pricing for applicants with HIV taking Prezista vary by individual circumstances, insurance company, state regulations, and current medical status. Approval rates and pricing referenced are based on common underwriting practices for HIV-positive applicants. Information about viral load targets, CD4 counts, and HIV treatment guidelines is based on current medical standards as of the publication date. Specific underwriting decisions depend on comprehensive evaluation of individual health status, treatment history, current viral suppression, and insurance company guidelines. If you have questions about your HIV treatment or health management, consult with your infectious disease specialist.
