It has long been believed that private health insurance companies have held a certain level of discrimination towards gay individuals and same sex couples when giving a quote for medical cover. Many people have been put off approaching the system because of this, meaning that they could be missing out on the top quality level of care and treatment that they are entitled to. Attitudes towards homosexual couples have changed dramatically in the last few years, not only generally over the whole of society, but with private health insurance in particular.

Previously, insurers could ask in depth, personal questions about the applicant’s health, including direct inquiries into a person’s sexuality and whether they had come into contact with HIV/AID’s. It was also possible for companies to require someone to complete a HIV test before they would consider a level of medical cover for them. Not only did this cause embarrassment and stress, but homosexuals would very often have to pay more for their private medical insurance.

All that changed. On World AID’s Day in 2006, the Association of British Insurers laid down a set of guidelines stating that such personal questions about someone’s sexuality are not to be asked, and companies cannot make assumptions about sexual orientation from occupation, living arrangements or medical history. The organisation’s director of general insurance and health, Nick Starling told financial website thisismoney.co.uk, “The insurance industry is united against discrimination and in support of treating people fairly.” The industry has since seen more equality for gay and same sex couples.



However, it is interesting to note that insurers like Freedom Healthnet have been offering private medical insurance for same sex couples as part of their policies for couples ever since the insurance scheme was created, over four years ago. As with any insurance policy, the usual exclusions apply. With discrimination no longer existing in the system, increasing numbers are feeling more comfortable with the process and deciding to take out the fair and equal private health insurance policy that they deserve.