Unfortunately, some personal finance products are not available to people who know they have HIV. This includes most life insurance policies, private medical insurance, critical illness cover and income protection. Insurance application forms should be filled in honestly and accurately - if they are not, the policy will not be valid and the company may refuse to pay out if a claim is made.

On the other hand, if you took out a policy before you found out that you have HIV, it may continue to be valid. You need to check the small print of the policy, in particular the list of ‘exclusions’.

If an insurance company asks your doctor for a medical report, you need to give permission before a report is sent.  

In terms of travel insurance, policies often exclude cover for pre-existing medical conditions, including HIV. Nonetheless, it may be worth taking out cover just in case you have an illness that is unrelated to HIV, have an accident, lose your luggage or have something stolen. In addition, some specialist companies do provide cover for people with pre-existing medical conditions, including HIV.

Having HIV shouldn’t prevent you from getting a mortgage or a pension.