A Milestone for Inclusion: BNP Paribas Cardif Removes HIV-Related Exclusions for Borrower Insurance
Access to affordable borrower insurance has long been a challenge for individuals living with HIV, often facing significant premium increases or outright exclusions. BNP Paribas Cardif is now challenging this status quo by offering borrower insurance contracts without extra premiums or exclusions for HIV-positive borrowers. This move signifies a major step forward in promoting more inclusive insurance practices.
Effective since December 1, 2024, this groundbreaking initiative by BNP Paribas Cardif applies to real estate loans up to 1 million euros, contingent upon an undetectable viral load at the time of subscription.
"We are significantly improving the conditions for subscribing to borrower insurance for people with HIV by going beyond current advances," emphasizes Fabrice Bagne, Deputy Managing Director of BNP Paribas Cardif.
This initiative aligns with BNP Paribas Cardif’s longstanding commitment to inclusive insurance, which began over 15 years ago. The insurer seeks to simplify access to insurance for medically vulnerable individuals, recognizing that significant advances in HIV treatment now effectively control the virus, ensuring a life expectancy comparable to that of HIV-negative individuals.
Simplified Eligibility Criteria
The new policy departs from the Aeras agreement, a framework designed to cap extra premiums or facilitate insurance access for individuals with health conditions. The Aeras agreement imposes stricter criteria for HIV-positive borrowers, requiring an undetectable viral load for at least 12 months, a CD4 rate greater than 500/mm³, and limitations on loan duration and amount (capped at 420,000 euros).
By simplifying these requirements, BNP Paribas Cardif is pioneering a more inclusive approach. Only an undetectable viral load at the time of subscription is now required, opening doors for 93% of individuals on antiretroviral treatment to access this crucial insurance. This measure far surpasses the 53% eligibility rate allowed by the Aeras agreement.
A Trend Towards More Inclusive Insurance
BNP Paribas Cardif’s initiative reflects a wider trend in the insurance industry towards greater inclusivity. Other players are following suit, demonstrating a growing recognition of the need to provide equal access to financial protection.
For instance, CNP Assurances has eliminated additional premiums for women cured of breast cancer, while Crédit Mutuel, a pioneer in this area, removed the medical questionnaire for loyal customers in 2021. This practice has since been generalized through the Lemoine law, exempting borrowers from a health questionnaire for loans under 200,000 euros repaid before their 60th birthday.
Even caregiver support is being addressed, with several banks, including BPCE and La Banque Postale, incorporating guarantees that cover monthly payments for parents who pause their careers to care for a sick or disabled child.
This shift towards inclusivity is further highlighted by the fact that approximately 180,000 people in France live with HIV, and 93% of them have an undetectable viral load thanks to effective antiretroviral treatments.
In 2023 alone, 7.5 million HIV screening tests were conducted, revealing 5,500 new infections, underscoring the ongoing relevance of accessible and inclusive insurance solutions for this population.
This commitment to inclusivity sends a powerful message: access to essential financial protection should not be limited by health status. By removing barriers and embracing a more equitable approach, BNP Paribas Cardif and other forward-thinking actors are paving the way for a more inclusive financial future.
What are the potential benefits of this policy change for individuals living with HIV?
## Interview: A Milestone for Financial Inclusion
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing a groundbreaking move by BNP Paribas Cardif that’s making headlines in the world of finance and healthcare. Joining us to discuss this is [Guest Name], an expert on insurance accessibility and HIV advocacy. Welcome to the programme.
**Guest:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** Let’s dive right in. BNP Paribas Cardif has announced a significant change to its loan insurance policies. Can you tell us about it?
**Guest:** Absolutely. Starting December 1st, BNP Paribas Cardif is offering borrower insurance contracts **without** any extra premiums or exclusions for individuals who are HIV-positive. This is a major shift from the industry standard, which often sees HIV-positive individuals facing higher premiums or outright denials for loan insurance.
**Host:** This sounds like a huge win for people living with HIV. Can you elaborate on the specific impact of this change?
**Guest:** Absolutely. Access to affordable borrower insurance is often a major hurdle for homeownership, and historically, people living with HIV have faced significant barriers in accessing this essential protection. This move by BNP Paribas Cardif removes those barriers, opening doors to homeownership for a population that has often been excluded.
**Host:** The announcement mentions an “undetectable viral load” as a requirement. Can you explain what that means and how common it is among people living with HIV?
**Guest:** That’s right. An undetectable viral load means that the level of HIV in a person’s blood is so low that it cannot be detected with standard tests. This is achievable for the vast majority of people living with HIV who are on effective antiretroviral treatment. In fact, about 93% of those on treatment reach an undetectable viral load.
**Host:** So, this new policy is inclusive for the overwhelming majority of people living with HIV who are on treatment?
**Guest:** Exactly.
**Host:** We also mentioned that this policy differs from the previous ‘Aeras agreement.’ Can you briefly highlight those differences?
**Guest:** The Aeras agreement set stricter criteria for HIV-positive borrowers, including a longer period of undetectable viral load, a minimum CD4 count, and limits on loan amounts. This new policy by BNP Paribas Cardif simplifies those requirements, making it much more accessible.
**Host:** This seems like a major step forward for financial inclusion and HIV advocacy. What makes this move so significant?
**Guest:** It’s truly pioneering. This shows that financial institutions are recognizing the reality of effective HIV treatment and the fact that people living with HIV can lead healthy and productive lives. It’s a powerful statement about inclusion and a testament to the advancements in HIV care.
**Host:** Thank you so much for joining us today and shedding light on this important development.
**Guest:** My pleasure.
