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Life Insurance and Genetic Testing

When the use of genetic testing with regard to life insurance was under discussion in the 1990s, concerns were raised by many who regarded this possibility as an intrusion into their privacy and the inclusion of health problems which may never happen.

The Association of British Insurers was commendable in its response, which took the form of a set of rules in a Code of Practice covering the use of genetic information in health linked policies. The basics of these rules are as follows.

Insurers will not apply pressure to applicants to take a test, but unless it is specifically stated that they are not required, any test results already available and relevant should be given to the insurer.

Applicants will not be required to give the insurer any genetic test results of another person, even if a direct relative.

Where test results are given they will not be considered until the insurer has established that the test was reliable and the results pertinent.

In addition insurers must seek expert medical advice when assessing the impact of test results and the insurance can only be affected if there is a definite increase in risk of death. Where an applicant can provide satisfactory genetic test results, this will not be a reason to offer lower premiums as this would enable insurers to favour the lower risk groups.

Existing genetic test results will not be sought by insurers, where a new mortgage linked life policy is requested by the applicant for their own use. The applicant's doctor is to be given details of the reason for any refusal of an insurance request or any premium increase.

The rules outlined above are mandatory for insurers handling genetic test information in connection with any health related insurance such as life insurance and critical illness insurance.