Changing attitudes towards gay people's insurance, enshrined by a recent law change, have been welcomed by a leading financial expert.

Independent financial adviser Chris Morgan, managing director of Compass, who mainly advise gay and lesbian clients, said: "About four or five years ago I'd have struggled to have placed £100,000 or £200,000 of sum assured for a client who was openly gay.

"I can now place up to £1 million worth of life assurance for a civilly partnered couple without an HIV test."

That he can do so, is partly due to new legislation implemented in October 2005, when all insurance companies had to observe a new code of best practice regarding HIV and insurance.

Previously, discrimination in the industry had been typified by the infamous 'gay question' on some health and life cover application forms. Answering 'yes' could mean increased premiums or even having the application rejected - jeopardising mortgage insurance for the disappointed customer.

This practice is now illegal, meaning that the pink pound now travels a lot further for gay couples, a development welcomed by Chris Morgan.

"Pretty much, we have equality on life assurance," he commented.

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