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Genetic tests moratorium for UK insurance renewed again
Source: ABI press release
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has announced another extension of an existing moratorium on the use of genetic test results for insurance purposes.
First established in 2001, the agreement between the ABI with the UK Department of Health means that individuals are not obliged to disclose the results of predictive genetic tests to insurers. The Concordat and Moratorium on Genetics, last renewed in 2008 until 2014 (see previous news), has now been extended further to 2017; the next review will take place in 2014.The exceptions to this agreement remain unchanged: life insurance policies in excess of £500,000 (around 3% of all policies), and only for government approved genetic tests – there is only one of these, for Huntington’s Disease.
The UK’s approach to genetic testing and insurance appears to be functioning well, with insurers not apparently thirsting for genetic information about applicants in order to inform decision making. Of course, this relates to life insurance as opposed to health insurance, which is a key focus of the US Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act (GINA). The National Health Service in the UK means that health insurance is not an essential requirement for medical care.
Comments (2)
We dont have a choice what genetics we are born with and feel the whole concept causes concern if insurers can decide whether to provide cover and change the premium. It is good that this is only presently a consideration for life assurance.
Also I agree that we do have the NHS. There is a limit to what the NHS will pay for. Private Medical insurance can pay for advanced cancer drugs that may not otherwise be within the reach of many people. Considering 1 in 3 people will be effected it may be an worthwhile option if you can afford the cover.