An applicant for life insurance must be informed that testing for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is used to help determine

• A. The type of policy that will be issued
• B. Effective date and term of coverage
• C. Whether an insurable interest exists
• D. The insurability of the proposed insured

Answer: (D)

Testing for HIV is part of medical underwriting used to determine insurability—the applicant’s eligibility for life insurance and the level of risk the insurer assumes. The HIV status informs the underwriter about life expectancy and potential health risk, which helps decide whether coverage can be offered and at what premium or rating. It does not decide the policy type, the policy’s effective date or term, or whether an insurable interest exists between the owner and the insured. A positive or higher-risk result may lead to higher premiums or denial, while a negative result supports standard insurability. Consent and confidentiality are important aspects of this testing process.