RACGP backs ban on genetic test results use in life insurance

Life insurance companies are now banned from using the results of genetic testing to refuse cover to individuals, in a move that has been lauded by healthcare providers, who say this will encourage more people to undergo testing.  
 
The RACGP has previously advocated for this change, citing the benefits genetic testing has for both patients and medical professionals.
 
Previously, insurance companies could discriminate against consumers based on genetic predictions of an inherited disease.
 
After lengthy consultation, in which the RACGP provided a submission, the Federal Government announced on Wednesday that the practice will be outlawed.
 
Federal Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones said the move will allow for people to have ‘confidence to undertake genetic testing without fear it will impact their ability to access financial security through life insurance’.
 
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins welcomed the new legislation.
 
‘Genetic testing has great potential to improve health outcomes for Australians, and people shouldn’t be afraid to get tested for fear that they’ll be denied insurance,’ she said.
 
‘Genetic tests enable us to identify and manage risks for conditions that can be life threatening, such as familial breast cancer.
 
‘Patients must be protected against genetic discrimination based on adverse results.’
 
The Federal Government consulted widely on options to address genetic discrimination in life insurance earlier this year and received more than 1000 submissions into the topic.
 
It said 97% of those submissions supported a total ban.
 
Council of Australian Life Insurers chief executive Christine Cupitt said the council supports the announcement and welcomed the Government’s commitment to a five-year review of the legislation.
 
‘This will be essential to ensuring the law keeps pace with advancements in genomic science and the way genetic tests are used in the future,’ she said.
 
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