THE Equal Opportunities Commission is to probe alleged discrimination against the disabled in insurance policies.
Frederick Tong Kin-sang, the commission's director on disability, said it had received a number of complaints on the matter.
'Concern groups have told us the disabled have faced many difficulties in insurance purchases and claims,' he said. 'We want to compare the situation in Hong Kong with other countries.' He noted existing life insurance policies had exemption clauses against people with Aids or certain other conditions.
Mr Tong said an independent research team would be appointed soon to conduct the study. It would be completed by the end of the year.
Hong Kong Blind Union chairman Chong Chan-yau said the disabled usually had to pay much higher premiums for medical and life insurance.
'There is no evidence to prove we have a higher risk than others in accidents,' he said. 'There is a systemic misunderstanding towards the disabled.' He said some blind people faced career problems as companies refused to offer them labour insurance.
