🎯 Bottom Line Up Front
This comprehensive guide explains how life insurance underwriting evaluates HIV, which factors most influence approval decisions, what coverage options exist across the spectrum from traditional policies to guaranteed issue products, and how to position your application for the best possible outcome.
Americans living with HIV
Average age for people living with HIV on treatment
Undetectable equals untransmittable (viral suppression goal)
Years typically required for traditional coverage consideration
How Life Insurance Views HIV in 2025
Key insight: Life insurance underwriting for HIV has evolved significantly but remains conservative, with outcomes heavily dependent on treatment success and overall health stability.
The transformation of HIV from an acute terminal illness in the 1980s to a manageable chronic condition today represents one of modern medicine’s greatest achievements. Life insurance underwriting has evolved in response to these medical advances, though it continues to lag behind clinical reality.
In the early decades of the HIV epidemic, any HIV diagnosis resulted in automatic denial across the entire insurance industry. Beginning in the 2010s, a handful of carriers began cautiously offering coverage to select HIV-positive applicants who met extremely stringent criteria. Today, while still challenging, obtaining life insurance with HIV is possible for individuals who demonstrate exceptional disease management.
Most Favorable Profile
- Diagnosed 10+ years ago
- Undetectable viral load 5+ years
- CD4 count >500 cells/mm³
- Perfect medication compliance
- No opportunistic infections
- No other health complications
Moderate Profile
- Diagnosed 5-10 years ago
- Viral load controlled 2-5 years
- CD4 count 350-500 cells/mm³
- Good medication adherence
- History of minor complications
- Some other health conditions
Challenging Profile
- Recently diagnosed (under 5 years)
- Detectable or fluctuating viral load
- CD4 count <350 cells/mm³
- Medication non-compliance history
- History of AIDS-defining illnesses
- Multiple comorbidities
Professional Insight
“HIV underwriting has come remarkably far, but it remains one of the most complex areas of life insurance. We work with carriers who will consider well-controlled cases, but the criteria are stringent. The difference between approval and denial often comes down to documentation quality and demonstrating years of viral suppression with excellent overall health management.”
– Insurance Brokers USA Team, HIV Underwriting Specialists
For more insights on how various medical conditions affect coverage decisions, see our comprehensive guide on Life Insurance Approvals with Pre-Existing Medical Conditions.
Current Industry Landscape
Today’s life insurance market for HIV-positive applicants can be categorized into three tiers. A small number of carriers (approximately 5-10) will consider traditional fully-underwritten policies for exceptional cases meeting strict criteria. A moderate number of carriers offer graded or modified benefit policies with waiting periods and coverage limitations. The majority of carriers continue to automatically decline all HIV-positive applicants regardless of health status.
This reality makes carrier selection absolutely critical. Applying to the wrong insurer guarantees denial and creates a permanent record in the Medical Information Bureau (MIB) that other carriers will see. Strategic application placement is not optional—it’s essential.
Critical Underwriting Factors
Key insight: Underwriters evaluate HIV cases through multiple lenses, with viral load suppression and CD4 count serving as primary determinants of insurability.
Life insurance companies assessing HIV-positive applicants examine a comprehensive array of factors to determine risk. Understanding these evaluation criteria allows you to assess your own insurability prospects and identify areas for improvement before applying.
Viral Load: The Primary Factor
Viral load—the amount of HIV RNA in blood plasma—serves as the single most important underwriting criterion. Carriers want to see sustained viral suppression, ideally to undetectable levels (typically defined as fewer than 20-50 copies/mL depending on the test sensitivity).
| Viral Load Status | Typical Duration Required | Insurance Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Undetectable 5+ years | Continuous for 5+ years | Best case scenario; traditional coverage possible with select carriers |
| Undetectable 2-5 years | Continuous for 2-5 years | Traditional coverage challenging; modified benefit policies more likely |
| Recently undetectable | Under 2 years | Traditional coverage very unlikely; guaranteed issue only realistic option |
| Detectable/fluctuating | Current or recent | Automatic decline from all carriers offering traditional coverage |
⚠️ Viral Load Blips
Occasional transient increases in viral load (blips) below 200 copies/mL are generally understood as clinically insignificant. However, underwriters view them less favorably. Multiple blips or any sustained increase above 200 copies/mL significantly impacts insurability. Consistency matters tremendously in HIV underwriting.
CD4 Count: Immune System Status
CD4 T-cell count measures immune system health. Normal CD4 counts range from 500-1,500 cells/mm³. HIV damages the immune system by destroying CD4 cells, making this metric critical for assessing disease control and overall health status.
CD4 >500 cells/mm³
Optimal Range: Normal or near-normal immune function. Best prospects for traditional coverage consideration.
CD4 350-500 cells/mm³
Moderate Range: Adequate immune function with successful treatment. Traditional coverage very challenging.
CD4 <350 cells/mm³
Low Range: Compromised immune function. Traditional coverage essentially unavailable; guaranteed issue only option.
Time Since Diagnosis
The duration since HIV diagnosis significantly impacts underwriting decisions. Carriers want to see long-term disease management success, which requires years of documentation. Recently diagnosed individuals, even with immediate viral suppression, face near-universal denial from traditional carriers.
0-2 Years Since Diagnosis
Traditional coverage unavailable from all carriers. Focus on guaranteed issue products and building treatment track record.
2-5 Years Since Diagnosis
Traditional coverage extremely rare even with perfect control. Some modified benefit products may become available.
5-10 Years Since Diagnosis
Traditional coverage possible from select carriers with exceptional viral suppression and CD4 recovery. Typically results in table ratings.
10+ Years Since Diagnosis
Optimal timeframe. Best prospects for traditional coverage approval, though still limited to specialized carriers with stringent criteria.
Treatment Compliance and Medication History
Perfect adherence to antiretroviral therapy is non-negotiable for traditional coverage consideration. Underwriters scrutinize prescription refill records, which provide objective data about medication compliance. Gaps in medication, treatment interruptions, or resistance patterns due to non-adherence essentially eliminate traditional coverage prospects.
Opportunistic Infections and AIDS-Defining Illnesses
History of opportunistic infections or AIDS-defining illnesses severely impacts insurability. These events indicate that HIV progressed to AIDS, which even when successfully treated carries substantially higher perceived risk. Common conditions that raise red flags include Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), Kaposi’s sarcoma, cytomegalovirus disease, toxoplasmosis, cryptococcal meningitis, and mycobacterium avium complex (MAC).
Having experienced any AIDS-defining illness typically disqualifies applicants from traditional coverage, though exceptions exist for individuals who achieved complete recovery many years ago and have maintained exceptional health since.
Comorbidities and Overall Health
Underwriters evaluate HIV-positive applicants’ complete health picture. Additional health conditions compound underwriting concerns and can result in denial even when HIV itself is well-controlled. Particular concerns include cardiovascular disease (HIV and certain ART drugs increase risk), kidney disease, liver disease (especially hepatitis B or C coinfection), mental health conditions, and metabolic disorders like diabetes.
Professional Insight
“The most successful applications we place for HIV-positive clients involve individuals who are essentially perfect from a health perspective except for their HIV status. Any additional complications—whether related to HIV or not—dramatically reduce approval odds. These carriers are looking for the absolute best-case scenarios within the HIV-positive population.”
– Insurance Brokers USA Team, Complex Medical Underwriting Specialists
Traditional Coverage: Who Qualifies?
Key insight: Traditional fully-underwritten life insurance for HIV-positive applicants remains available only to a small subset meeting exceptionally stringent criteria.
When we refer to “traditional coverage,” we mean standard term life insurance or permanent life insurance policies issued after full medical underwriting, with coverage amounts typically ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000 or more, issued at standard to table-rated premiums depending on risk assessment.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Carriers willing to consider HIV-positive applicants for traditional coverage typically require an exceptional profile that demonstrates long-term disease management success and overall excellent health.
Traditional Coverage Eligibility Criteria
- Diagnosis timing: HIV diagnosed at least 5-10 years ago (10+ years significantly improves odds)
- Viral load: Undetectable for minimum 5 years with no blips above 200 copies/mL
- CD4 count: Current CD4 count above 500 cells/mm³, ideally above 600
- CD4 nadir: Lowest CD4 count (nadir) preferably never dropped below 350 cells/mm³
- Treatment compliance: Perfect medication adherence with documented prescription refills
- No complications: Zero history of opportunistic infections or AIDS-defining illnesses
- No coinfections: Negative for hepatitis B and C (or successfully cleared)
- Overall health: No significant comorbidities or other health complications
- Lifestyle factors: Non-smoker, moderate or no alcohol use, healthy weight
Even meeting all these criteria doesn’t guarantee approval—it simply makes you eligible for consideration by the handful of carriers willing to underwrite HIV-positive applicants.
Expected Premium Impact
HIV-positive applicants approved for traditional coverage should expect table ratings rather than standard rates. Table ratings apply additional premiums above standard rates, with each table typically adding 25% to the base premium.
| Rate Class | Premium Increase | Typical HIV Applicant Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Base rate (0%) | Essentially unavailable for HIV-positive applicants |
| Table 2 (B) | +50% above standard | Absolute best case: 10+ years, perfect control, no complications |
| Table 4 (D) | +100% above standard | Strong case: 7-10 years, excellent control, minimal complications |
| Table 6 (F) | +150% above standard | Moderate case: 5-7 years, good control, some complications |
| Table 8+ (H+) | +200%+ above standard | Marginal case: carriers rarely go this high for HIV cases |
✅ Real-World Approval Example
Applicant Profile: 45-year-old male, HIV diagnosed 12 years ago, undetectable viral load for 10 years, current CD4 count 680 cells/mm³, CD4 nadir 420, perfect medication compliance, no opportunistic infections ever, non-smoker, excellent overall health.
Outcome: Approved for $500,000 20-year term policy at Table 4 rating with specialized carrier. Monthly premium: $275 (compared to ~$135 for standard rates in perfect health).
Coverage Amount Limitations
Carriers willing to insure HIV-positive applicants typically impose coverage amount limitations, usually capping policies at $250,000 to $1,000,000 depending on the carrier and applicant profile. Higher amounts may be available for exceptional cases with substantial income or net worth justification.
Our Top 10 Best Life Insurance Companies in the U.S. (2025): Expert Broker Rankings includes carriers with the most progressive HIV underwriting guidelines.
Alternative Coverage Options
Key insight: Multiple alternative coverage pathways exist for HIV-positive individuals who cannot qualify for traditional fully-underwritten policies.
The majority of HIV-positive individuals seeking life insurance will not meet the stringent criteria required for traditional coverage. However, several alternative products provide meaningful protection, each with different underwriting approaches, coverage amounts, and premium structures.
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
Guaranteed issue life insurance accepts all applicants regardless of health status, including HIV. These policies require no medical questions, no blood tests, and provide guaranteed approval. They represent the most accessible coverage option for HIV-positive individuals.
Advantages
- 100% approval guaranteed
- No medical questions or exams
- HIV status irrelevant
- Immediate application approval
- Available to all ages 40-85
Limitations
- Low coverage amounts ($5K-$25K)
- Very high premiums per dollar
- Graded death benefit (2-3 years)
- No cash value accumulation
- Limited to final expense needs
Guaranteed issue policies typically include graded death benefits, meaning full death benefits are not payable if death occurs within the first 2-3 years (except for accidental death). During this period, beneficiaries receive return of premiums paid plus interest. After the grading period, full death benefits apply regardless of cause of death.
For those facing traditional coverage challenges, our guide on Top 10 Best No-Exam Life Insurance Companies (2025 Update) provides valuable alternatives.
Simplified Issue Life Insurance
Simplified issue policies use abbreviated health questionnaires instead of medical exams. However, most simplified issue carriers explicitly ask about HIV status and automatically decline HIV-positive applicants. A very small number of specialized simplified issue products may accept HIV-positive applicants with exceptional health profiles, but these remain rare.
Group Life Insurance Through Employer
Employer-sponsored group life insurance represents an excellent coverage opportunity for HIV-positive individuals. Group policies typically provide guaranteed issue coverage up to certain amounts (usually 1-2x annual salary) without medical underwriting. Many employers also offer supplemental voluntary coverage with simplified underwriting that may accept HIV-positive employees.
✅ Maximize Group Coverage
If you have access to employer group life insurance, maximize this benefit immediately. Enroll during open enrollment periods, elect the maximum guaranteed issue amount available, consider supplemental voluntary coverage, and maintain employment continuity to preserve coverage. Group insurance often provides the most cost-effective coverage for HIV-positive individuals.
Graded Benefit Policies
Some carriers offer graded benefit whole life policies specifically designed for high-risk applicants. These products ask health questions but accept applicants who would be declined for traditional coverage, including some HIV-positive individuals. Coverage amounts typically range from $5,000 to $50,000, premiums are higher than traditional coverage but lower than guaranteed issue, and graded benefits apply (partial benefits for 2-3 years, then full benefits).
Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
AD&D policies pay benefits only for death or dismemberment resulting from covered accidents. Because they don’t cover death from illness, HIV status is generally not evaluated during underwriting. These policies provide affordable supplemental coverage but should not be your only protection. Learn more in our comparison of Accidental Death vs Life Insurance.
| Coverage Type | HIV Underwriting | Coverage Amounts | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Term/Whole Life | Stringent; requires exceptional profile | $100K – $1M+ | Long-term diagnosed with perfect control |
| Guaranteed Issue | None; HIV irrelevant | $5K – $25K | Final expense and immediate needs |
| Group Life (Employer) | Limited or none | 1-5x annual salary | All employed HIV+ individuals |
| Graded Benefit | Moderate; some accept HIV | $5K – $50K | Moderate coverage needs |
| AD&D Only | Minimal; HIV not relevant | $50K – $500K | Supplemental accident coverage only |
Professional Insight
“Most of our HIV-positive clients use a layered approach: maximize group coverage through their employer, secure guaranteed issue for final expenses, and apply for traditional coverage if they meet stringent criteria. This strategy provides immediate protection while keeping the door open for better coverage as their health track record lengthens.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
Application Timing and Strategy
Key insight: Strategic timing and careful carrier selection are more critical for HIV-positive applicants than for any other medical condition.
HIV-positive individuals considering life insurance must approach applications strategically. Unlike many health conditions where applicants can reasonably expect approval from multiple carriers, HIV presents unique challenges that make every application decision critical.
Optimal Application Timing
The most important decision you’ll make is when to apply for coverage. Applying too early—before you’ve established sufficient treatment history—guarantees denial and creates permanent MIB records that affect future applications.
Readiness Assessment Checklist
- Time since diagnosis: Minimum 5 years; 10+ years strongly preferred
- Viral suppression duration: Undetectable for at least 5 consecutive years
- CD4 stability: CD4 count maintained above 500 for minimum 3 years
- Treatment consistency: Zero gaps in medication or treatment interruptions
- Health complications: No opportunistic infections ever, or if any occurred, at least 10+ years ago with no recurrence
- Overall health: No new health diagnoses in past 2 years
- Documentation: Complete medical records available demonstrating the above
If you cannot check all these boxes, traditional coverage is unlikely. Focus instead on guaranteed issue or group coverage while continuing to build your health track record.
The Danger of Premature Applications
Applying before you’re ready creates several problems. It results in certain denial from traditional carriers, creates permanent MIB records showing HIV diagnosis and denial, may trigger investigations by other insurers you apply to later, and wastes time and emotional energy on applications doomed to fail.
Case Study: The Cost of Applying Too Early
A 38-year-old applicant diagnosed with HIV 3 years prior applied for coverage after achieving undetectable status for 18 months. Despite excellent control, he was declined by three carriers. These denials appeared on his MIB report. Five years later, when he would have been eligible for consideration by specialized carriers, the early denials raised red flags that complicated his later applications. Patience would have served him better.
Carrier Selection: The Make-or-Break Decision
Only a handful of carriers will consider HIV-positive applicants for traditional coverage. Applying to the wrong insurer—even if you meet all eligibility criteria—results in automatic denial. This makes working with a specialized broker essential rather than optional.
HIV-Friendly Carriers
5-10 carriers willing to consider exceptional HIV-positive cases. Require stringent criteria but will underwrite qualified applicants.
Automatic Decline Carriers
95%+ of carriers automatically decline all HIV-positive applicants regardless of health status. Applying to these is guaranteed denial.
Pre-Application Inquiries
Specialized brokers can submit informal inquiries to select carriers before formal application. This allows underwriters to review your basic profile and provide non-binding feedback about likely outcomes. While not guarantees, these inquiries help identify which carriers are worth pursuing and which will decline.
This informal process is invaluable for HIV cases because it allows you to test receptiveness without creating formal application records or MIB entries.
Documentation Requirements
Key insight: Comprehensive medical documentation is absolutely essential for HIV life insurance applications—incomplete records virtually guarantee denial.
Underwriters evaluating HIV-positive applicants require extensive medical documentation to assess risk. Unlike applications for common conditions like high blood pressure where carriers may accept basic information, HIV cases demand thorough, detailed records covering years of treatment history.
Required Medical Documentation
Expect underwriters to request all of the following documentation, and be prepared to provide it promptly.
Complete Documentation Package
- Attending Physician Statement (APS): Comprehensive report from your HIV specialist covering diagnosis, treatment, and current status
- Complete viral load history: All viral load test results since diagnosis, preferably in a single document showing chronology
- Complete CD4 count history: All CD4 test results since diagnosis including identification of CD4 nadir (lowest count)
- Current lab work: Recent viral load and CD4 tests (within 3-6 months)
- Medication history: Complete ART regimen history including all medications tried, current medications, and prescription refill records
- Complication history: Documentation of any opportunistic infections, AIDS-defining illnesses, or HIV-related complications
- Hospitalization records: Any hospitalizations related to HIV or complications
- Coinfection testing: Hepatitis B and C test results, tuberculosis screening
- Other medical records: Documentation for any non-HIV health conditions
The Attending Physician Statement
The APS from your HIV specialist or infectious disease physician serves as the cornerstone of your application. A well-written APS can dramatically improve approval odds, while a poorly documented one virtually ensures denial.
Professional Insight
“We strongly recommend meeting with your HIV physician specifically to discuss your life insurance application before it’s submitted. Ask them to prepare a detailed letter summarizing your diagnosis date, treatment history, viral suppression timeline, CD4 recovery, medication compliance, absence of complications, and overall excellent health status. A proactive, well-written physician letter has saved countless applications.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
What Underwriters Look For
When reviewing HIV applications, underwriters focus on specific data points that indicate long-term prognosis and risk level.
| Documentation Element | What Underwriters Assess | Red Flags |
|---|---|---|
| Viral Load Progression | Time to suppression, consistency, duration of undetectable status | Delayed suppression, blips, any detectable results |
| CD4 Recovery | CD4 nadir, rate of recovery, current level, stability | Low nadir (<200), poor recovery, declining counts |
| Treatment History | Time to treatment initiation, medication changes, current regimen | Delayed treatment, multiple regimen changes, resistance |
| Compliance | Prescription refill consistency, appointment adherence | Gaps in medication, missed appointments |
| Complications | Any opportunistic infections, AIDS-defining illnesses | Any history of OIs, especially recent or multiple |
Organizing Your Records
Medical records for HIV treatment can span hundreds of pages across many years. Organizing these records chronologically with a summary sheet dramatically improves underwriter efficiency and demonstrates your proactive approach.
✅ Documentation Best Practices
Create a one-page summary showing: diagnosis date, dates of viral suppression achievement and maintenance, CD4 nadir and current count, complete list of all ART medications used, absence of opportunistic infections/complications, and other relevant health information. Attach this summary to the front of your complete medical records package to provide underwriters with an immediate overview.
What to Expect During Underwriting
Key insight: HIV underwriting takes significantly longer than standard applications and requires patience and persistence.
The underwriting process for HIV-positive applicants differs substantially from standard applications. Understanding what to expect helps manage stress and prevents unnecessary anxiety during what can be a lengthy evaluation period.
Timeline Expectations
Standard life insurance applications typically take 4-8 weeks from application to decision. HIV applications take considerably longer due to the extensive medical record review, potential need for additional information, involvement of senior underwriters or medical directors, and careful risk assessment.
Weeks 1-2: Initial Application
Application submitted, medical exam scheduled and completed (for traditional coverage), initial medical records requested from physicians.
Weeks 3-6: Records Collection
Medical records obtained from all treating physicians, prescription history pulled from pharmacy databases, MIB and MVR reports obtained.
Weeks 7-10: Underwriting Review
Senior underwriter reviews complete file, may request additional information or clarification, possible medical director consultation for final decision.
Weeks 10-12+: Decision
Final underwriting decision communicated. Approval, denial, or request for additional information. Table rating determined if approved.
Some applications may take even longer if records are difficult to obtain, additional testing is required, or the underwriting team needs more time for evaluation. Patience is essential.
Additional Requirements
Beyond standard medical exams and records, underwriters may request additional testing or information specific to HIV cases including recent CD4 and viral load tests if your most recent results are more than 6 months old, resistance testing results if available, detailed treatment compliance documentation, and physician letters addressing specific concerns.
⚠️ Managing the Wait
The extended underwriting period for HIV applications can be emotionally challenging. Remember that lengthy review periods don’t necessarily indicate problems—they simply reflect the thorough evaluation required for complex medical cases. Stay in contact with your insurance agent for updates, respond promptly to any requests for additional information, and consider securing guaranteed issue coverage for peace of mind while awaiting decision on traditional coverage applications.
Possible Outcomes
HIV life insurance applications result in one of several possible outcomes. Approved as applied means the coverage is issued at the applied-for amount and term, though likely with table ratings. Counter-offer approval means approval for reduced coverage amount or shorter term than requested. Postponement means the carrier wants to reconsider after additional time has passed to establish longer track record. Denial means the application is declined with no coverage offered.
If denied or postponed, ask for detailed explanation of the reasons. This information is invaluable for determining whether other carriers might approve or what improvements are needed before reapplying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get life insurance if I’m HIV positive?
Yes, though options and availability depend heavily on your specific health profile. If you have long-term viral suppression (5+ years undetectable), excellent CD4 recovery (above 500), no complications, and overall good health, a small number of specialized carriers may offer traditional coverage with table ratings. If you don’t meet these stringent criteria, guaranteed issue life insurance provides coverage up to $25,000 without any health questions or HIV consideration. Many HIV-positive individuals also qualify for group life insurance through their employers with limited or no underwriting.
How long after HIV diagnosis can I apply for life insurance?
For traditional fully-underwritten coverage, most carriers require minimum 5 years since diagnosis, with 10+ years significantly improving approval odds. This waiting period allows you to establish a long track record of viral suppression and disease management. For guaranteed issue coverage, you can apply immediately after diagnosis since these policies don’t ask health questions or require medical information. Group life insurance through employers is typically available regardless of diagnosis timing.
Will my HIV diagnosis show up on my life insurance application?
Life insurance applications explicitly ask about HIV status, and you must answer honestly. Medical exams for traditional coverage include blood tests that screen for HIV antibodies. Insurance companies also access medical records that document HIV diagnosis and treatment. Non-disclosure of HIV status constitutes insurance fraud and will result in policy rescission and claim denial even years after issuance. All carriers share information through the Medical Information Bureau (MIB), so attempting to hide HIV status is both illegal and ineffective.
What CD4 count and viral load do I need for life insurance approval?
For traditional coverage consideration, carriers typically require current CD4 count above 500 cells/mm³ (above 600 is ideal), undetectable viral load for minimum 5 consecutive years, CD4 nadir (lowest historical count) preferably above 350, and consistent viral suppression with no significant blips. These are minimum thresholds for consideration, not guarantees of approval. Many other factors influence final decisions including time since diagnosis, treatment compliance, absence of complications, and overall health status.
How much does life insurance cost for someone with HIV?
Cost varies dramatically based on coverage type and health profile. For traditional coverage (if approved), expect table ratings adding 50-150% to standard premiums. A healthy 40-year-old male might pay $50/month for $250,000 in standard coverage, while an HIV-positive applicant with exceptional health might pay $100-150/month for the same coverage at table-rated premiums. Guaranteed issue coverage costs significantly more per dollar of coverage—often $50-100/month for just $10,000-15,000 in coverage for middle-aged applicants. Group life insurance through employers is typically the most affordable option, with premiums often partially or fully subsidized by the employer.
Do all life insurance companies automatically deny HIV-positive applicants?
No, though the vast majority do. Approximately 95% of traditional life insurance carriers maintain automatic decline policies for all HIV-positive applicants regardless of health status. However, 5-10 carriers have developed specialized underwriting programs that will consider exceptional cases meeting stringent criteria. This is why carrier selection is absolutely critical—applying to the wrong company guarantees denial even if you would qualify elsewhere. Working with a specialized broker who knows which carriers accept HIV cases is essential.
Can I get life insurance if I have AIDS or a history of opportunistic infections?
Traditional coverage is extremely unlikely if you’ve progressed to AIDS or experienced opportunistic infections, even if you’ve since recovered and maintained excellent health for years. A few carriers may consider cases where AIDS-defining illnesses occurred 10+ years ago with complete recovery and no recurrence, but these approvals are rare. For individuals with AIDS history or past opportunistic infections, guaranteed issue coverage (which accepts all applicants regardless of health) and group life insurance through employers represent the most realistic coverage options.
Should I disclose my HIV status if I’m applying for guaranteed issue coverage?
Guaranteed issue policies don’t ask any health questions, so there’s nothing to disclose during the application process. Your HIV status is completely irrelevant to guaranteed issue underwriting—these policies accept all applicants. However, if a guaranteed issue application does ask health questions (some “simplified issue” products are marketed similarly), you must answer honestly. Never lie on any insurance application regardless of coverage type. The good news is that true guaranteed issue products specifically don’t require health disclosures, making them an excellent option for HIV-positive individuals.
Ready to Explore Your Life Insurance Options with HIV?
Living with HIV doesn’t mean you’re uninsurable. Whether you’re seeking traditional coverage with exceptional viral suppression or need guaranteed issue protection, our specialized team understands HIV underwriting and works with carriers who evaluate your complete health picture. We know which carriers consider HIV cases and how to position applications for the best possible outcomes.
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