The insurance regulator has release an Exposure Draft which proposes providing health
insurance cover to those living with HIV and to individuals like doctors and nurses who work closely with HIV patients. This has been done after various representations have been received by IRDA from stakeholders including the government authorities.
The guidelines would be effective 1st October 2012 and stakeholders have been given time till then to come up with suggestions and recommendations regarding the proposed
health insurance cover.
The guidelines for PLHA (People Living with HIV/AIDS) specify that life and
general insurance companies should put in place and underwriting policy on health insurance coverage to such individuals. The policy should indicate the eligibility criteria for considering the proposal for health insurance cover to PLHA. The health insurance cover for PLHA shall not be denied if the eligibility criteria as per the underwriting policy are satisfied.
This is indeed a positive move and could provide some relief through
insurance to affected people and to those working closely with affected people.
