Momentum Corporate has expanded its group risk underwriting approach to allow certain HIV-positive members to access insurance cover above the Free Cover Limit (FCL), in a move the insurer says reflects improved medical outcomes and evolving underwriting practices.
The change, which took effect on 1 May 2026, applies across relevant group risk benefits, including death, disability, and income protection cover, as well as Group Insurance and FundsAtWork umbrella arrangements.
Momentum Corporate said group insurance has historically provided cover for all members, including people living with HIV, up to the FCL as part of standard group scheme arrangements. The revised approach extends access to higher levels of cover for HIV-positive members whose condition is considered “well managed” and who meet the insurer’s clinical and underwriting criteria.
The insurer said the move was prompted by advances in HIV treatment and management, particularly the long-term impact of antiretroviral therapy, which has significantly improved life expectancy and health outcomes for many people living with HIV. Momentum Corporate said the aim was to align underwriting more closely with current medical evidence rather than historical assumptions about HIV-related risk.
For employees, the practical effect may be improved access to higher levels of group risk protection that were previously unavailable or more difficult to obtain above automatic acceptance thresholds. Momentum Corporate said this was significant because group risk benefits are often the only form of insurance protection available to many employees.
The insurer also positioned the change as part of a broader shift towards more inclusive employee benefits structures. Employers may be able to offer more comprehensive group cover to HIV-positive employees without automatically limiting benefits at the FCL, subject to underwriting requirements being met.
Momentum Corporate said the same underwriting principles apply to all members, regardless of HIV status or other chronic conditions, and defined clinical criteria are used to assess whether HIV is “well managed”. However, the company did not disclose the detailed thresholds or medical benchmarks that would apply, saying only that the criteria are based on established medical guidelines and underwriting best practice and will continue to evolve.
The updated approach applies to both new business and existing schemes. Momentum Corporate said existing members requiring additional cover may also qualify for the enhanced approach, provided they meet the relevant underwriting and clinical requirements.
The company said it does not expect the change to have a material impact on premiums at scheme level.
