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The Human Genetics Commission (HGC) has recommended that, except in respect of high-value policies (over £500,000), insurance companies should not be permitted to use the results of genetic tests in assessing risk for insurance underwriting purposes, for at least the next three years (see recommendations). Even in the case of high-value policies, the HGC suggests that the only tests whose use should be permitted are those approved by the Genetics and Insurance Committee (currently only Huntington's disease, though tests for a few other rare single-gene disorders are currently under consideration). During the period of the moratorium, which the HGC says should be imposed by legislation, insurers would still be able to use favourable test results submitted to them voluntarily by an applicant for insurance.

The HGC points out the substantial level of public concern over the issue of genetics and insurance, and notes that the House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology recently concluded that the current system of self-regulation by the insurance industry was not working satisfactorily. The HGC also calls into question the way family history information is used by insurers, and suggests that during the moratorium period this issue could be investigated. The aim would be to devise a regulatory system for the use of all genetic information in insurance that would have the confidence of both the public and the insurance industry.The Government's response to the HGC's recommendation is awaited.

On the same day that the HGC recommendations were released, the Association of British Insurers announced that its member companies would not use the results of genetic tests in assessing premiums for any type of insurance product, up to a policy value of £300,000. This extends the ABI's former commitment not to use genetic test results for life insurance linked to mortgage applications up to a value of £100,000. For policies over £300,000, only the results of tests approved by GAIC can be used.