Life insurance for people with HIV: What you need to know

People living with HIV may qualify for traditional life insurance with a few insurers. Guaranteed issue and group life insurance are also options if you're HIV positive.

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Headshot of Katherine Murbach

By

Amanda ShihEditor & Licensed Life Insurance ExpertAmanda Shih is a licensed life, disability, and health insurance expert and a former editor at Policygenius, where she covered life insurance and disability insurance. Her expertise has appeared in Slate, Lifehacker, Little Spoon, and J.D. Power.&Katherine MurbachEditor & Licensed Life Insurance AgentKatherine Murbach is an editor and a former licensed life insurance agent at Policygenius. Previously, she wrote about life and disability insurance for 1752 Financial, and advised over 1,500 clients on their life insurance policies as a sales associate.

Edited by

Antonio Ruiz-CamachoAntonio Ruiz-CamachoAssociate Content DirectorAntonio helps lead our life insurance and disability insurance editorial team at Policygenius. Previously, he was a senior director of content at Bankrate and CreditCards.com, as well as a principal writer covering personal finance at CNET.
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Reviewed by

Maria FilindrasMaria FilindrasFinancial AdvisorMaria Filindras is a financial advisor, a licensed Life & Health insurance agent in California, and a member of the Financial Review Council at Policygenius.

Updated|5 min read

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You can still get life insurance as a person living with HIV — a virus that attacks the body’s immune system and which, when untreated, can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. [1]

Some major life insurance companies don't offer life insurance coverage to people with HIV, but working with an independent broker can help you compare options from multiple insurers. 

If you have HIV, there are a couple of coverage options available to you if you need life insurance but are unable to qualify for a traditional policy. You could get a smaller policy through your employer or apply for a burial insurance policy, like guaranteed issue life insurance.

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How does HIV affect life insurance eligibility?

When you apply for a life insurance policy, the insurer evaluates your age, gender, health, and other lifestyle factors to determine how risky you are to insure — a process called underwriting.

Though you can live a long life with an HIV diagnosis, insurance companies are generally cautious about the long-term health of people with HIV, since it's a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. People living with HIV can be at greater risk for other health conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, or diabetes. Without treatment, HIV can also progress into AIDS.  [2]

While a few life insurance companies normally offer policies to HIV-positive applicants, those companies declined to offer coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In typical circumstances, some of those insurers won't offer you a policy until at least one year after your initial HIV diagnosis and will want to see at least six months of stable health and treatment before offering you a policy. 

You'll likely have to fill out additional paperwork with details of your treatment when you apply (this could include details regarding antiretroviral therapy, viral load, and your CD4 cell count).

Stricter providers will deny coverage unless you can show five years of stable health history and meet additional health and testing criteria.

What types of life insurance are available to people with HIV?

Term life insurance

Term life insurance is a good option for people looking to protect their income and provide their family a financial safety net to cover any debts — for instance, a mortgage or child’s education. 

Traditional term life insurance policies can be difficult to qualify for if you’re living with HIV, but some insurance companies have more flexible guidelines than others. You'll also pay more for coverage than someone without the health condition if you're approved, so for accurate quotes, it can be helpful to speak with a licensed agent.

If you're not sure if you'll qualify for term life insurance with a health condition, working with an independent broker can help you compare options from top insurers in one place.

Guaranteed issue life insurance

Guaranteed issue whole life insurance is a type of permanent policy that offers smaller coverage amounts — usually up to $25,000 — and doesn't require a medical exam to apply. Guaranteed issue life insurance is best for people who are seeking a small death benefit to help cover any final expenses such as the cost of a funeral — you might also hear it called a type of burial insurance. 

Guaranteed issue life insurance policies are a good option for people who may not qualify for a traditional term life or whole life insurance policy due to health reasons. Coverage is also generally restricted to people age 45 or older. Still, acceptance is nearly guaranteed, so it may be your best option if you’re over 45 and can't find a policy elsewhere.

Group life insurance

If you're too young to qualify for a final expense policy and need coverage now, check if your employer offers group life insurance. You can typically get group life insurance regardless of health status, and your employer may even cover some or all of your premiums.

Most group life insurance plans have a limit — usually around $50,000 or two times your salary — and you can rarely take your plan with you if you lose or change your job. Regardless, group life is an affordable option while you wait to qualify for a more robust policy or a final expense plan.

While guaranteed issue and group life insurance may not offer as much life insurance as you need, having some coverage is better than none. As insurers continue to adjust their underwriting guidelines, you may qualify for a traditional policy in time.

Best life insurance companies for people living with HIV

Best term life insurance: Pacific Life

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2024 Policygenius award winner

Pacific Life

Pacific Life logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.8

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A+

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

All 50 states

No-medical-exam option

Why we chose itchevron icon

Pacific Life offers some of the lowest rates for term life insurance across age brackets. It also has the most competitive rates for many health conditions and builds.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Extremely affordable across age brackets

  • Affordable guaranteed universal life insurance option for people who need lifetime coverage

  • Favorable underwriting for many health conditions

Cons

  • Traditional term life not available in NY

  • There are better carriers for active duty military, people who have a history of alcohol abuse, and people who have been through bankruptcy

While other insurance companies may not consider people living with HIV for term life insurance policies, Pacific Life offers more flexible guidelines. It can help your approval odds if:

  • You've seen a physician and have been on antiretroviral treatment for over one year

  • You've had an undetectable viral load for over one year

  • You're negative for Hepatitis B

  • Hepatitis C is in sustained viral remission

  • Your CD4 cell count is greater than 499 cells/microliter

Runner-up: Prudential

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2024 Policygenius award winner

Prudential

Prudential logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starEmpty gray star

4.1

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A+

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

No-medical-exam option

Why we chose itchevron icon

With nearly four million policyholders and 150 years to its name, Prudential offers competitive coverage options for seniors, as well as people with some of the most common medical conditions, including asthma, depression, and fibromyalgia.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Good for people over 60

  • More flexible income requirements than some other insurers

  • Considers applicants with a variety of immigration statuses (visas and green cards)

Cons

  • Younger applicants will likely find better prices elsewhere

Prudential will also consider term life insurance applications from people who are HIV positive, though you'll pay more in premiums. Given the insurer's guidelines, this might be a good option for you if you've received treatment and:

  • You're between age 30 and 60

  • You're seeking a 10-year or 15-year term

Runner-up: Lincoln Financial

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2024 Policygenius award winner

Lincoln Financial

Lincoln Financial logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.8

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

No-medical-exam option

Why we chose itchevron icon

Lincoln Financial offers a diverse array of life insurance policies, including competitive no-med and high-net-worth options.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Affordable rates

  • Good for many existing health conditions, including depression, stroke, and heart conditions

  • Good for marijuana users, including daily users

Cons

  • Term life not available in New York

Following California's Equal Insurance HIV Act of 2023, [3] Lincoln Financial will consider life insurance applications from people living with HIV. Like with other insurers, you'll take a medical exam and Lincoln Financial will request an attending physician statement to get a comprehensive understanding of your health. Lincoln Financial could be a good option for you if:

  • You live in California

  • You're between age 30 and 60

Best guaranteed issue life insurance: Mutual of Omaha

Mutual of Omaha

Mutual of Omaha logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.5

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A+

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

No-medical-exam option

Why we chose itchevron icon

Mutual of Omaha is a reputable company that offers a variety of life insurance products — including a no-medical-exam option — so that you can select the type of life insurance that best suits your needs.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • No-medical-exam options for older applicants

  • Strong financial and customer ratings

Cons

  • Policies are more expensive than average

  • Slow turnaround time

Mutual of Omaha offers final expense insurance products, including guaranteed issue whole life insurance, that offer lower rates than other insurers. You can apply for up to $25,000 in whole life coverage without a medical exam. Similar to other guaranteed issue policy options, this policy is available to people age 45 and over.

How to apply for life insurance if you’ve been diagnosed with HIV

  1. Compare quotes. It's important to shop the market for life insurance in general, and especially for people who are living with a health condition like HIV. Working with an independent broker like Policygenius can help you get life insurance quotes from multiple insurers and compare options to find out which type of policy will be best for you.

  2. Fill out your application with a licensed agent. A Policygenius expert will ask you questions about your health history and treatment plan, and help you fill out your application details. It'll be helpful for you to disclose any other health conditions or medications you’re managing during your initial call. If you're applying for a guaranteed issue policy, you won’t need to provide as many health details.

  3. Schedule a medical exam. Most people applying for life insurance will need to take a medical exam. The exam is similar to a routine doctor’s visit, and it’s paid for by the insurance company. If you're applying for a guaranteed issue policy, you won’t need to take an exam. 

  4. The insurance company will review your application. During underwriting, the insurance company may request additional information to determine if they're able to offer you coverage. Underwriting can take five to six weeks on average for a traditional life insurance policy, but it's much quicker for guaranteed issue policies. 

  5. Sign your policy. Once the insurance company comes back with a decision, you're able to sign your policy documents and pay your first premium to activate coverage.

Can your life insurance be canceled if you're diagnosed with HIV?

No, if you're diagnosed with HIV after you have an active life insurance policy, you get to keep your insurance. Your policy can't be canceled as long as you continue to pay the premiums (barring any instances of insurance fraud).

Other health concerns that can affect your life insurance

Certain pre-existing conditions and other health-related concerns can affect your life insurance options or costs. A Policygenius expert can help you find the right policy for your needs.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get life insurance if you're HIV positive?

Yes, you can get life insurance if you're living with HIV, but you may not qualify for a traditional term life or whole life policy with every insurer.

Why do life insurance companies test for HIV?

Life insurance companies want a full picture of your health and test for many health conditions, including HIV. While life expectancy for people living with HIV has increased, insurance companies may be concerned about the potential for related health issues you may develop long-term.

How can you get life insurance with HIV?

Working with an independent broker who can help you compare quotes and policy options from multiple insurance companies is the best way to get life insurance if you have HIV.

Many people living with HIV are eligible for traditional term life insurance, but if you don’t qualify for a traditional policy, a guaranteed issue life insurance policy can provide coverage without requiring a medical exam. If your employer offers group life insurance, you’ll be eligible no matter your health status.

Does COVID-19 affect the life insurance application process or eligibility?

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, some insurers suspended eligibility for life insurance policies for people living with HIV. Some approval guidelines have since changed, so if you were denied a policy in 2020 or 2021, a Policygenius expert can help you review updated options.

References

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Policygenius uses external sources, including government data, industry studies, and reputable news organizations to supplement proprietary marketplace data and internal expertise. Learn more about how we use and vet external sources as part of oureditorial standards.

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    . "

    What is HIV?

    ." Accessed February 10, 2023.

  2. HIV.gov

    . "

    Other Health Issues of Special Concern for People Living with HIV

    ." Accessed February 10, 2023.

  3. California Department of Insurance

    . "

    The "Equal Insurance HIV Act": Changes in Existing Law Governing Life Insurance and Disability Income Insurance for Individuals Living with HIV

    ." Accessed February 13, 2023.

Authors

Amanda Shih is a licensed life, disability, and health insurance expert and a former editor at Policygenius, where she covered life insurance and disability insurance. Her expertise has appeared in Slate, Lifehacker, Little Spoon, and J.D. Power.

Katherine Murbach is an editor and a former licensed life insurance agent at Policygenius. Previously, she wrote about life and disability insurance for 1752 Financial, and advised over 1,500 clients on their life insurance policies as a sales associate.

Editor

Antonio helps lead our life insurance and disability insurance editorial team at Policygenius. Previously, he was a senior director of content at Bankrate and CreditCards.com, as well as a principal writer covering personal finance at CNET.

Expert reviewer

Maria Filindras is a financial advisor, a licensed Life & Health insurance agent in California, and a member of the Financial Review Council at Policygenius.

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