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1Lifedirect, South Africa’s first, truly direct life insurance provider is shaking up the life insurance industry once again by being the first life insurer to introduce HIV Saliva testing as part of its life insurance underwriting.
Traditionally, the life insurance industry requests that their applicants undergo HIV testing for underwriting purposes. Applicants have their blood drawn at pathology laboratories, after which the blood is sent for testing. Results are then forwarded to the life insurer for analysis. The process is usually painful and protracted, with many clients choosing not to undergo the uncomfortable procedure and not take up the cover they applied for.
As of 22 January 2010, 1Lifedirect will utilise an oral fluid swab to ascertain a client’s HIV status.
Accuracy of the oral fluid tests has been confirmed through numerous studies across South Africa, US, Asia, Central Africa and South America. Studies have shown accuracy comparable to the current 4th Generation Elisa Blood Test commonly utilised by other life insurers.
In addition to launching the innovative oral fluid test, 1Lifedirect will also be making the test more accessible to their clients by allowing clients to have the test performed at Link Pharmacies countrywide. Clients will no longer be required to go to laboratories for a painful test. Now the test can be performed in a couple of minutes at a local Link Pharmacy.
Pharmacists will make use of state of the art mobile devices to identify clients, verify policy details and capture the test results. 1Lifedirect will receive test results immediately and be able to confirm life insurance policies in record time.
According to 1Lifedirect CEO Anton de Souza, “We were the first life insurer to go direct, the first to offer on-line quotes and sales and now, the first to offer HIV saliva testing. Our new mobile technology takes innovation to the next level and we are pleased to offer this convenient and accurate solution to the South African public.
