HIV Positive to get insurance policy

An insurance company, in a first of its kind initiative has brought an insurance policy, which will cover HIV positive patients. The illness caused by HIV due to the weak immune system of the patients will be covered under this policy.

This policy has been launched by Star Health and Allied Insurance Company, The policy will cover cover hospitalisation expenses incurred on opportunistic illness acquired by an HIV+ person.

Uday Chandran, VP Government & New Initiatives, Star Health & Allied Insurance Company said, "The policy is unique not only in India but also in the world. It will cover hospitalisation expenses as a result of opportunistic diseases acquired by the HIV+ person.”

“The policy would not cover any treatment cost for HIV like Anti Retro- Viral Therapy (ART) and would also not cover conditions, which existed before enrolling into the policy. It will only cover illness acquired by such persons due to weakness of their immune system,” he added.

TB & gastroenteritis, two most common diseases affecting HIV positive patients will also not be covered under this policy. Stating the reason for this exclusion Chandran said that the company wanted to keep the policy as cost effective as possible.

On asked if the policy would take care of expenses once a HIV+ person is declared full blown AIDS patient, he said that in such cases, lump-sum amount is paid to the policy holder as per the sum insured by him or her.