Insurers told: Include PWDs in coverage

The Insurance Commission (IC) has reminded insurance companies that they cannot discriminate against potential clients who have been inflicted with disabilities and must provide them with reasonable premiums.

“There shall be no outright declination or refusal of any application to be covered by any insurance contract solely on the ground of disability. A PWD [person with disability] should have the opportunity to either accept or decline the premium that the insurers may offer,” Insurance Commissioner Dennis Funa said in Circular Letter No. 2020-86 issued on Aug. 27.

Funa said insurers must have “reasonable” risk assessment as well as premium formulation for PWDs applying for insurance policies.

“Insurers should be prepared and must explain to the applicant the basis for their decision,” Funa said.