Posted: 12 September 2024
The Albanese Government will end the ability to discriminate based on adverse predictive genetic test results by banning their use in life insurance underwriting.
Genetic testing can be a life‑saving step for members of the community. This valuable technology supports medical practitioners to prevent, diagnose, treat, and monitor a range of heritable conditions, cancer predisposition syndromes, and cancers.
No Australian should be discouraged from undertaking testing out of fear it may impact their ability to get life insurance.
This decision places Australia as a world leader in removing barriers to genetic testing by stopping the use of adverse predictive test results in life insurance.
Advocates have campaigned for this change over the last decade. The Government has taken this step in partnership with the community to support Australians.
This ban is underpinned by extensive stakeholder engagement and consultation, and will ensure that all Australians can reap the benefits offered by this technology. Consumers will still be able to choose to disclose a favorable genetic test result.
The government consulted on options to address genetic discrimination in life insurance earlier this year and received over 1000 submissions, with ninety-seven per cent supporting a total ban.
The total ban will be subject to a 5 yearly review to ensure there are no unintended consequences.
This continues the Albanese Government’s longstanding commitment to investing in genomic research in Australia, including the investment of $66 million in genomic research and $5.5 million for newborn screening of genetic disorders.
Comments attributable to Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, Stephen Jones MP:
“This change will give Australians the confidence to undertake genetic testing without fear it will impact their ability to access financial security through life insurance.
“I have met with countless people affected by this issue and thank them for sharing their stories and helping to drive this important change.
“The engagement from the community on this issue speaks to the importance of this announcement for so many Australians.”
Comments attributable to Australian Medical Association President, Professor Steve Robson:
“I’m delighted with this announcement from the Minister – a big and grateful congratulations from me personally and from doctors across the country.
“We know that the fear of being denied insurance coverage has been a huge disincentive for Australians to have genetic testing when they need it. Seeing this situation fixed is an enormous step forward for health care in this country.
“A situation where there’s been a huge financial penalty for having potentially life‑saving medical testing has now been corrected. That’s fantastic news for Australians and for their health system.”
Comments attributable to Monash University ethical, legal and social adviser, Dr Jane Tiller:
“I congratulate the Government and the Assistant Treasurer on their commitment to consumer protection and preventive health, and the rigorous process they have undertaken on this issue.
“This is outstanding news for patients and the Australian public, and will safeguard future of genomic medicine, precision health and medical research.
“This policy reform will provide certainty to consumers and allow Australians to make genetic testing decisions based on their health rather than fears of financial discrimination.”
Comments attributable to Council of Australian Life Insurers CEO, Christine Cupitt:
“The Council of Australian Life Insurers fully supports this announcement. It’s good for working Australians, it’s good for government and it’s good for industry too.”
“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.”
“Australia’s life insurers put in place an industry standard back in 2019 to control how they use genetic tests. 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.”
“We’re pleased to see this announcement includes a 5‑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.”
