Landmark Genetic Test Protection Gains Massive Support

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Prominent support has come from the Council of Australian Life Insurers alongside professionals from the medical and legal fields.

Michelle James, the national president of the Australian Lawyers Alliance, applauded the ban announced by Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones, saying it represents “great news” for consumers.

Historically, the life insurance sector regulated itself through a moratorium started in 2019, which addressed concerns that individuals might avoid genetic testing due to fear that unfavorable results could impact their ability to secure affordable life insurance.

This moratorium was indefinitely extended under revisions to the industry’s code of practice in July of last year. However, it stopped short of a complete prohibition. For example, the moratorium allowed insurers to use genetic test results if an individual's total lump sum death coverage exceeded $500,000.

According to Ms. James, “The life insurance industry’s partial, self-regulated moratorium on using genetic results has not sufficiently protected consumers. Hence, legislating to prohibit insurers from using genetic test results in life underwriting is essential.” She emphasized that this development ensures individuals can make choices about genetic testing without worrying about insurance repercussions.

Steve Robson, president of the Australian Medical Association, underscored the significant positive impact of this policy change on both consumers and the health system. He stated, “We know that the fear of being denied insurance coverage has been a major deterrent for Australians who might benefit from genetic testing.”

The decision for a legislative ban followed a Treasury consultation earlier this year, wherein three potential strategies were suggested: maintaining the status quo, enforcing a complete or partial ban, or instituting financial thresholds for insurance companies regarding the use of genetic test results.

Christine Cupitt, CEO of the Council of Australian Life Insurers, commented on the consultations, expressing the group's consistent stance on the necessity for stringent regulations to prevent anyone from avoiding genetic tests out of fear. “We have long been clear about the need for strict regulation to ensure no one is deterred from taking a genetic test to proactively manage their health,” she said.

Minister Jones' announcement of this landmark prohibition signals a significant turning point in ensuring that Australians can pursue genetic testing crucial for their health without the looming threat of insurance discrimination based on their genetic information.

Published:Tuesday, 17th Sep 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Why climate disclosure rules should prompt a cover check

01 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s mandatory climate-related financial disclosure regime is moving from policy discussion into practical reporting, and consultants who support sustainability, governance, risk, data, finance or transformation projects should pay close attention. The rules initially apply to larger entities, but their impact is likely to spread through procurement, due diligence and supply chain expectations. - read more

Why Slower Building Approvals Can Become an Insurance Issue

01 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s latest building approvals commentary has again highlighted a difficult reality for the construction sector: the national housing task is ambitious, but the project pipeline remains uneven. Industry groups have pointed to approvals volatility, planning delays and capacity constraints as continuing barriers to lifting housing supply at the pace governments want. - read more

Why NSW Levy Reform Matters for Personal Trainers

01 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori

NSW’s move to redesign the way emergency services are funded has put business insurance affordability back in focus. For personal trainers, bootcamp operators and small studio owners, the issue is more practical than political: when statutory charges are added to premiums, cover can become harder to maintain at the level a growing fitness business actually needs. - read more

Cyclone Reinsurance Pool Puts Cover Affordability Back in Focus

01 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori

The latest monitoring of Australia’s cyclone reinsurance pool has again highlighted a key reality for households and small businesses in cyclone-exposed regions: government-backed premium relief can help, but it does not remove the need to check whether cover is suitable, affordable and realistically sized for the risk. - read more

What Fresh Claims Data Says About the Value of Life Insurance

01 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori

Fresh industry claims data has put a timely spotlight on the role life insurance continues to play for Australian families, workers and business owners. While premiums and affordability often dominate the conversation, the latest sector snapshot is a reminder that life cover is ultimately tested at claim time, when a death, serious illness, disability or extended inability to work can quickly become a financial shock. - read more

Click for more Insurance News