Ban on use of genetic data by insurers heralded by medical bodies

The RACGP said a legislated ban would put the public at ease and had tremendous potential for health improvement.

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Yesterday, the federal government announced the introduction of legislation to prohibit insurers from discriminating against people based on the results of genetic testing.

The new legislation will mean insurers cannot ask customers about any genetic testing results they have received and customers will not be required to disclose this information.

The ban will apply to all risk-related insurance, such as life, income protection and permanent disability insurance.

RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins championed the 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. 

“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.”

AMA president Professor Steve Robson said the announcement was “fantastic news” for the public and the health system.

“Fixing this unacceptable situation is an enormous step forward for health care in this country,” he said.

“A situation where there has been a huge financial penalty for having potentially life-saving medical testing has now been corrected. 

“Having a legislated ban on the use of genetic test results is the only way to ensure Australians feel safe and confident their genetic results won’t result in discrimination.”

Even the life insurance industry came out in support of the announcement.

“Australia’s life insurers have never wanted to do anything to discourage people from taking genetic tests and accessing the information they need to make informed choices about their health,” said Council of Australian Life Insurers chief executive Christine Cupitt.

“Five years on, genetic testing is becoming more common in our community, cheaper to access and increasingly helping people manage or even avoid hereditary conditions.

“Now is the time for strict government regulation. It’s good for working Australians, it’s good for government, and it’s good for industry too.”

Those looking to be insured will still be allowed to share “favourable” results should they wish.

The legislation, if passed, will bring requirements for life insurers in line with health insurers who are already prohibited from using genetic testing results to alter coverage.

It represents a step forward from the life insurance industry’s self-regulated moratorium to minimise the use of genetic testing information, which was introduced in 2019 for policies under $500,000.