A person who has since died answered no to a number of questions in a life assurance application that included a query as to whether the person had ever received advice or treatment in relation to Hepatitis B, C, AIDS, or HIV.

The form also included a declaration that was signed by the deceased on which he stated that he had read all the questions and declared that his answers were correct.

On investigation, it emerged that the person had attended a clinic for one of the conditions listed in the question for a number of months prior to signing the application form.

He had also attended hospital for investigation and treatment.

The company refused to pay a benefit and the Ombudsman did not support the complaint arising from this decision.