No. In New York State, health insurance – including hospital, medical, and surgical coverage – cannot be denied and a higher premium cannot be charged simply because the applicant has HIV. However, disability insurance and life insurance companies are allowed to ask applicants if they have been diagnosed or treated for AIDS or HIV-related illnesses; they can deny coverage or charge higher premiums for the policy if the person is infected. Insurance companies can also require an HIV test before issuing a policy. A person with HIV can be determined to have a pre-existing condition and may have to go through a waiting period before their coverage begins. After the waiting period (usually 12 months), all HIV-related expenses should be covered. For more information, call the New York State Insurance Department at 1-800-342-3736.
