In almost all cases, individuals or organisations providing financial services must not treat you less favourably than they would treat anyone else on the grounds of your gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or belief ,or any disability you may have. It is unlawful for them or anyone working for them to refuse to provide you with a service, provide a lower standard of service, or offer a service on different terms than they would to other people. Providers of financial services must also make reasonable adjustments so that customers with disabilities can access their services.
Financial services include:
-
banks
-
organisations offering grants, loans, credit and finance
-
organisations offering insurance.
Under some circumstances, insurance companies may be able to refuse cover to you because of your gender or disability, or sexual orientation, or to provide cover on different terms: for example, by charging a higher premium or offering a lower level of cover. Find out more about insurance and sex discrimination.
Women claiming against a sickness insurance policy for reasons related to a pregnancy may find that they are not covered. This will depend on the precise wording of the policy and the nature of the illness. Generally, unequal treatment on the grounds of pregnancy and maternity is not unlawful. However, as only women are affected, there may be instances where it constitutes discrimination. For credit arrangements and occupational pensions, it is unlawful to treat men and women differently.
Example
A person with a diagnosis of manic depression applies for motor insurance. He is told that he will have to pay double the normal premium. The insurer is relying on statistical data relating to the risks posed by a person driving when in a manic episode, so the additional premium is justified.
Example
A loan provider will only offer loans to people who work full-time. Because women are statistically more likely to have part-time jobs, this could constitute indirect discrimination.