The ABI is planning to establish an independent multi-disciplinary working group to advise the insurance industry on policy developments affecting HIV and insurance.
It will announce the group's membership and terms of reference following the conclusion of the consultation period launched today. The Terrence Higgins Trust and Pinkfinance.com have so far been invited to join the group.
The move is the latest initiative in the ABI's consultation exercise on HIV and achieving fairness for customers and insurers.
Issues likely to be addressed by the group include: the evidence base for HIV risk, changing cultural attitudes and encouraging responsible behaviour, rational and respectful decision making, and fair risk assessment.
The ABI has also published a summary of responses to the September 2003 consultation exercise on a new Statement of Best Practice for HIV and insurance and proposed ways forward. The summary can be viewed at www.abi.org.uk/Members/circulars/attachment/060a_1_210604113724_10107.pdf .
ABI head of health Richard Walsh said: “The insurance industry is committed to fairness and treating people with respect. This consultation exercise is about putting that commitment into practice.
“We have had some very useful feedback from member companies and a wide range of interested organisations. As a result we have refined our proposals and we are inviting comments on our suggested ways forward.
“We now feel that it would also be desirable to establish a permanent way of keeping these issues under review and propose to set up an expert working group to help the industry.
“We will announce its membership and terms of reference when the updated Statement of Best Practice comes into force.”
