United Kingdom: Insurance Firms to End Sexual History Questions

British insurance firms agreed Monday to stop prying into their customers' sexual histories to find evidence of a possible future risk of contracting HIV or other serious infections. In a deal with the British Medical Association, the companies said they would not seek information from doctors that might unnecessarily deter patients from seeking help. It was thought that people were not being tested for HIV or STDs for fear they might be refused life insurance. Under the new guidelines from BMA and the Association of British Life Insurers, doctors will not be expected to disclose episodes of STDs, provided there were no long-term health implications. Insurers agreed not to ask whether an applicant had taken an HIV, hepatitis B or C test, had counseling for such a test, or had a negative test result. Insurers have agreed to ask only for positive test results, information that a test result is awaited, or evidence that the patient is receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS or hepatitis B or C.

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