We have recently applied for a joint mortgage from our Building Society. We were offered Life Assurance through Norwich Union at the same time and decided to apply for the £126,000 of insurance that we needed.

We were not asked any personal questions at the point of making out the application. However, just a few days after applying we received a lifestyle questionnaire asking if we were Homosexual.

HIV Testing

We were so annoyed we decided to seek advice from two firms of gay financial advisers. They pointed out that Norwich Union were one of the better companies, who after you have taken an HIV test will insure you at standard rates and not load the premium should you be HIV negative.

On receiving this advice we could see no reason why we should accept an HIV test, as we have always listened to and heeded the warnings about HIV infection. We feel that these companies are being allowed to 'officially' discriminate against us.

Premiums

The following weekend we were reading the Mail on Sunday and found a table of Life Assurance premiums from the providers in the market place. For joint heterosexual applications, who smoke, the premium from Norwich Union was quoted at around £15.00 per month. 

We decided to phone Norwich Union and ask for a quote based upon proceeding with the HIV test and they obliged, offering a premium £25.00 per month. I pointed out the rates in the Mail on Sunday, and he became uptight, saying the premiums had gone up.

Result

We will remain without Mortgage Insurance for the foreseeable future. We do not have any plans for children, but it would have been nice to make provision for my handicapped sister should anything happen to us.

When we do want to insure and make provisions for her, then I guess we will have to endure the discrimination above and the 'loaded premiums' that the insurance industry applies to people like us. 

Perhaps we should run back into the closet and wedge the door firmly shut behind us, maybe then we'd get a fair deal!

Comment from the Editor

All is not lost!

It is shame that you seem to have given up on obtaining Life Assurance, as gay couples need to protect each other just much as straight ones. At £126,000 of cover there are insurance companies that will agree Life Assurance without Personal Questions, HIV testing and loaded premiums for gay men. Our sponsors Compass are able to arrange policies for gay men without the discrimination above, and I suggest you contact them. www.compassifa.co.uk 

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