Health Insurance -
Genetic tests banned - 18/06/2008
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The temporary ban on results of genetic tests for insurance companies has now been extended by three more years. What this now means is that people who are looking for health insurance or life insurance do not have to reveal the results of genetic tests which could point out the risk of serious illness in the future.
The temporary ban has been in place since 2001 and since then campaigners have urged for the ban to be extended
Health and life insurance companies already use complex calculations which are based on age, existing illnesses, lifestyle and weight in order to calculate the expected lifespan, and the risk of disease in someone applying for a policy.
Some health professionals say that there are genetic "markers" for common serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease. But campaigners fear of unfair discrimination such as increased premiums or a rejection of insurance if disclosure of genetic tests was granted. They also argue that just because an individual may test positive of having a disease gene that does not one hundred percent mean that the illness is certain.
The extension of the temporary ban on the right of companies to ask for disclosure of all but one genetic test has been welcomed by the Association of British Insurers (ABI). As they said
"The moratorium on the use of predictive genetic test results works well for consumers,"
"It means people can insure themselves and their families, even if they have had an adverse result from a predictive genetic test."
However there is one exception to the ban. When issuing a life insurance policy worth more than £500,000, insurers have been granted the right to ask for results of medical tests for the gene which causes Huntington's Disease. The next review of the ban will take place in 2011.
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