What can an insurer require when screening applicants for HIV?

When an insurer is screening applicants for HIV, they may require a blood test for HIV as part of their assessment process. This is because a blood test provides a definitive result regarding the presence of the virus, enabling insurers to more accurately evaluate the health risks associated with the applicant. Such testing is often performed in conjunction with standard medical underwriting practices, helping insurers determine the appropriate premiums and coverage options based on the applicant's health status.

While reviewing medical history, obtaining authorization for prior insurance claims, or asking for a statement from a previous doctor can also be part of the screening process, these methods do not provide the same direct evidence of an applicant's current HIV status as a blood test does. Hence, while they are useful in gathering information, they do not serve the specific purpose of directly assessing for HIV infection. In many cases, the requirement for a blood test aligns with industry practices and legal standards, supporting both risk assessment and underwriting decisions.