The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) wants the Federal Government to legislate without delay to ban the use of genetic test results in insurance underwriting.
After nearly two years of collaboration between Australia’s life insurers, the Federal Government, and other stakeholders, CALI welcomes the Government’s recommitment to legislate the ban, saying decisive action is urgently needed.
“Australians need certainty. No one should be deterred from taking genetic tests that help them to better manage their health,” said CALI CEO Christine Cupitt.
“Life insurers want to support Australians to manage their health in a preventative way and recognise that genetic testing plays an important part in empowering them to do so.
“Australians want the Government to legislate, and so does our industry. We need legislation to remove uncertainty in the community.”
Australia’s life insurers have long supported the responsible use of genetic testing to help Australians take charge of their health. In 2019, insurers introduced a mandatory industry standard to restrict the use of genetic test results in underwriting.
“A lot has changed since our industry standard was introduced. Given the advancements in the science and accessibility of genetic testing, now is the time for the Government to act and legislate,” Ms Cupitt said.
The industry has welcomed the recommitment to include a five-year review, which will be essential to ensure the law keeps up to date with the ever-evolving genetic testing landscape.
All of CALI’s members recognise that genetic testing can play an important role in giving people peace of mind and supporting them to reduce potential health risks.