People suffering from Hepatitis C and other diseases of this type are likely to be discriminated against by the life insurance sector, industry sources claim.

Statistics show that an estimated 500,000 people in the UK suffer from Hepatitis C, however, at present, the life insurance industry offers no specific guideline for those planning to take out a life insurance policy.

The Association of British Insurers recently said:” Insurers are acutely aware of the issues around diseases like Hep C and do treat customers sensitively and with respect. If you have had a test for Hep C with a negative result then you do not need to tell your insurance company and this will not be taken into account.”

However, people who have tested positive to Hep C or HIV can still get a cheaper insurance if they choose a specialist insurer. A recent research by insurance company AXA, found that some 50 per cent of working women in the UK have no kind of financial protection including life insurance, critical illness insurance or income protection insurance.

Despite increases in female economic activity, many breadwinners could be strongly under protected. As many as eight million women in the UK do not have life insurance or other financial protection policies in place, according to the study.