A complete ban on the use genetic test results in life insurance is now likely, with the Federal Government announcing it will introduce legislation to enact the ban.
Australian Genomics welcomed the decision after calling for a total ban earlier this year to protect consumers, remove the fear of genetic discrimination and ensure government oversight of insurers’ compliance.
In a joint submission with the Australian Alliance for Indigenous Genomics it also warned against compounding inequities around access to genomic healthcare and research.
“This is a critical breakthrough and a hard-won fight to prevent genetic discrimination deterring people from having genetic testing that could save their lives and contribute to research,” Australian Genomics Managing Director Tiffany Boughtwood said.
A Government review on the issue earlier this year received more than 1000 submissions, with 97 per cent of those supporting a total ban.
Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones said in a statement that no Australian should be discouraged from undertaking testing out of fear it may impact their ability to get life insurance.
Consumers will still be able to choose to disclose a favourable genetic test result to insurers.
The ban will not be subject to financial limits, caps or exceptions, and will be reviewed after five years.
In 2023 Monash University’s Dr Jane Tiller and Professor Paul Lacaze released a report from a three-year study into the existing life insurance moratorium. The report recommended replacing industry self-regulation with Federal Government regulation and oversight.