Getting mortgage protection when HIV positive

I want to apply for a mortgage recently and was provisionally approved for one. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with HIV two years ago (worst day of my life but am over it now) and I'm afraid I won't be able to get the mortgage protection to go with it. In fact, I'm positive (excuse the pun) that every life assurance company will refuse me cover.

I think I remember reading before that you can't be refused a mortgage just because you can't get the corresponding mortgage protection. Is this correct? Does anyone have any advice they can give me on how I could get the mortgage fully approved without mortgage protection?

I mentioned to my bank when I was discussing the mortgage application that I might have trouble getting mortgage protection and they said I could speak to the branch officer who deals with mortgage protection insurance there and then about it. However, there's so much stigma surrounding HIV that I just couldn't bring myself to blurt out in front of a stranger: 'Oh hey, I'm HIV positive, how will I get insurance!?'

You'll appreciate that I want to be as discreet as possible and would rather not have to tell my bank about my situation but I just don't know how to go about it. Any help or advice much appreciated.

Some banks accept waivers in place of life cover if you fall into allowed categories, briefly these are 1. if you are over 50, 2. if it is not your principal residence, 3. if life cover is prohibitively expensive and 4. if you cant get it at all. Now the bank you have approval from may not be one that accepts a waiver, it is down to the banks own policy on this so you should check with them. I think also it is unlikely you will be able to get cover so you will fit in under No. 4, you will need proof of this so you probably have to apply for it and be refused, the letter of refusal wont specify why other than maybe vaguely, it certainly wont say what condition you have. Maybe ask a broker about how this can be done, no need to tell the bank the exact details other than vague reference to a medical condition. However if you end up filling in a life cover form through the banks insurer then they will more than likely know.

Firstly anyway check with your bank whether they accept these waivers, if they dont then maybe try another lender, if they do then go ahead and apply and if turned down you can go with the waiver.

reddy1982 said:

You'll appreciate that I want to be as discreet as possible and would rather not have to tell my bank about my situation but I just don't know how to go about it. Any help or advice much appreciated.

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Try asking the HSE. I know they organise life cover for people with Hepatitis C (insurance company I work for administer it on behalf of the HSE) so there might be something similar for HIV.

Check out Dublin Aids Alliance for advice and direction. They can probably point you in the right direction for getting the information you need. http://www.dublinaidsalliance.ie/

You might also check with an insurer that specialises in insurance for the LGBT community who also may point you in the right direction or be able to offer some help or advice. See [broken link removed]

I did hear that a UK company offered insurance to HIV + people, but I can't recall the exact details, and it may only apply in the UK. But you can check for information on nam's website here.

Cheers for the advice and information guys. Much appreciated.

I think my bank (it's AIB anyway) might accept waivers as the clerk said they generally require mortgage protection, apart from those over 50. I've a feeling they may look at each case on an individual basis.

I made a general application to Pulse Insurance anyway (that's the company that specialises in providing cover for people with pre-existing conditions) so I'll see what ball park figure they come back with.

Does anyone know what the banks mean by prohibitively expensive though? I mean, how expensive or 'loaded' does your premium have to be for the bank to consider giving you a waiver?

wbbs said:

Some banks accept waivers in place of life cover if you fall into allowed categories, briefly these are 1. if you are over 50, 2. if it is not your principal residence, 3. if life cover is prohibitively expensive and 4. if you cant get it at all. Now the bank you have approval from may not be one that accepts a waiver, it is down to the banks own policy on this so you should check with them. I think also it is unlikely you will be able to get cover so you will fit in under No. 4, you will need proof of this so you probably have to apply for it and be refused, the letter of refusal wont specify why other than maybe vaguely, it certainly wont say what condition you have. Maybe ask a broker about how this can be done, no need to tell the bank the exact details other than vague reference to a medical condition. However if you end up filling in a life cover form through the banks insurer then they will more than likely know.

Firstly anyway check with your bank whether they accept these waivers, if they dont then maybe try another lender, if they do then go ahead and apply and if turned down you can go with the waiver.

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Thanks for this info.

Is there a certain number of life companies I should apply to though in order to show I can't get the cover? I mean, if I have a letter of refusal from one insurance company stating that they won't cover me would this be enough?

I have not seen more than one letter of refusal being asked for.

Had a case where cover was loaded x 3 times premium for someone with diabetes, waiver was accepted. Don't know what other banks consider too expensive.