Life Insurance and Travel Insurance for Haemophiliacs

Life Insurance and Travel Insurance for Haemophiliacs D. Rosenblatt D.Rosenblatt, 6 St. Lawrence Close, Whitchurch Lande, Edgware, Mddx (England) I speak as chairman of the Insurance Committee of the European Advisory Board, which, as you know, is affiliated to the World Federation of Hemophilia. From a medical point of view life is already difficult enough for the haemophiliac. Additional burdens are the everyday frustrations and annoyances which occur as a result of his condition. These often arise from relatively minor matters which present no real problem to the majority of the population. Insurance can fall into this category. Until fairly recently, it has only been by the usual persistence and determination needed to be displayed by the haemophiliac that he has been able to obtain the results he has wanted. We shall be taking a look at life insurance first, followed by medical travel insurance. In both cases the United Kingdom’s results so far will be outlined. It is hoped that the UK experiences will be of assistance to other Societies which may still be meeting difficulties. (1) Life insurance has been less of a problem than might have been anticipated. About 12 or 13 years ago it was very common for a haemophiliac wanting life insurance to be declined immediately without reference to his doctor or centre. Naturally, the haemophiliac proposer became disillusioned, depressed and bitter. This was the time when cryoprecipitate was the therapeutic material beginning to take over from plasma and, in the main, before the widespread use of concentrates. Life insurance underwriters often did not have up-todate information about the rapid improvement in treatment methods and the consequent revolution in the lives of haemophiliacs. Life insurance, after all, is a commercial undertaking, and whilst the insurance industry does frequently display a social conscience, companies aim to make a profit. However, years ago there were some insurers willing to try to build up a specialised experience over a period. (2) Usually, on receipt of a proposal form from a haemophiliac, they would call for a report from his family doctor, and he would also attend a routine medical examination at his haemophilia centre which would include a further report to the insurance company from the centre director or an assistant. The terms offered were higher than normal rates, but not usually too onerous. No pro178 Rosenblatt