Insurers are banned from using genetic test results to deny coverage or increase premiums. The restraint applies to all insurance products, including life insurance, income protection insurance and total and permanent disability insurance.
In the past, some people like Karen Butler, who have genetic conditions, have had their insurance rejected. She was denied the coverage of income loss because she had Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder of connective tissue, even though the condition was caused by a spontaneous gene mutation rather than inherited.
Researchers and medical experts like Dr. Jane Tiller have long called for a ban because insurance companies discriminate against people based on their genetic results. It also discouraged many from undergoing life-saving tests that could reveal the risks of inherited diseases like breast cancer (BRCA).
Australia is catching up with the world, as countries like Canada and the UK have already banned insurance companies from using genetic test results. Canada did so in 2017, while the UK it happened over 20 years ago.
Though the reform will not change the entire structure of life insurance, it will protect people who choose to have a genetic test. People will still need to disclose any family history or personal diagnoses, but genetic test results can no longer be used to discriminate in insurance calculations.
Thus, these changes will help people feel more confident about undergoing genetic testing knowing that it will not affect their access to insurance products.
Photo courtesy of public sources
