The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) has voiced support for prohibition on incorporating genetic test results into insurance underwriting processes.
CALI, consisting of 19 members, emphasised the need for Federal Government intervention to ensure that Australians are not discouraged from undergoing genetic testing to actively manage their health.
CALI CEO Christine Cupitt said the council advocates for regulatory measures to safeguard individuals’ ability to make informed health decisions.
“With genetic testing becoming more prevalent in the community, now is the time for Federal Government regulation to ensure that no Australian is deterred from taking a genetic test to proactively manage their health,” she said. “It has never been the intention of the life insurance industry to deter people from taking genetic tests that give them more information about their overall health.
“Australia’s life insurers have never, and would never, require someone to take a genetic test for the purposes of underwriting.”
In its submission to Treasury’s inquiry on the issue, CALI outlined the industry’s endorsement of strict regulations on the use of genetic test results in underwriting, with limited government-approved exclusions to ensure fairness for all insured Australians.
“We want to deliver the protection and certainty millions of Australians need on their best and worst days. Declining to offer cover is rare and only ever a last resort,” Cupitt said.
