Doctors will no longer have to answer probing questions from insurance companies about the sexual health history of their patients, according to new guidance.

People applying for life or health insurance often have to consent to a medical questionnaire being filled in by their doctor before being allowed to take up a policy.

The rules, drawn up jointly between the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and the British Medical Association (BMA), should mean that quizzing is restricted only to positive test results for HIV/Aids or hepatitis.

The person applying for life insurance is the only one who can answer truthfully and knowledgeably about risks to their health that they take Dr Michael Wilks, BMA

Insurance companies would no longer be able to ask whether a person had ever been tested for HIV or another sexually transmitted infection, even if that test had proved negative.

If a person has had a sexually-transmitted disease in the past - or even several incidents of sex infection - there is no need to reveal this, as long as there are no long-term health effects.

If the person dies, insurance firms will only have the right to ask for information from the doctor in the event that they firmly believe "relevant" information was withheld at the time the policy was taken out.

Unfair policy

The guidelines are a response to fears that some insurers were trying to find out not only about established illnesses, but also clues to "risky behaviour", such as sexual lifestyle and drug use, which they believe might increase the likelihood of a claim.

Insurers will, however, still be able to ask whether someone has had a positive test for HIV/Aids, is or receiving treatment for hepatitis.

Dr Michael Wilks, chairman of the BMA's Ethics Committee, said on Monday: "Doctors are only experts in clinical matters yet insurance companies often ask us about lifestyle issues such as sexual behaviour or drug use.

"These guidelines are important as they set out exactly how much information doctors can and should reveal.

"The person applying for life insurance is the only one who can answer truthfully and knowledgeably about risks to their health that they take as part of their chosen lifestyle."

Richard Walsh, from the ABI, said: "These joint guidelines will provide reassurance to our customer, and a better working relationship between doctors and the industry."

The discussions are also likely to mean that in future, patients will have a right to see medical reports written about them on behalf of the insurer by independent doctors.