Income Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Landmark Genetic Test Protection Gains Massive Support

Landmark Genetic Test Protection Gains Massive Support

Landmark Genetic Test Protection Gains Massive Support?w=400

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.

The federal government’s recent move to prohibit the usage of genetic test outcomes in life insurance underwriting has garnered substantial endorsement from various sectors.

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:

Rate this article

Sign in with Google to rate

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

Isuzu Recall Puts Software Risk on the Insurance Radar
Isuzu Recall Puts Software Risk on the Insurance Radar
05 Nov 2026: Paige Estritori
A fresh Australian Government vehicle recall for selected Isuzu MY25 trucks is a timely reminder that modern heavy vehicle risk is no longer limited to tyres, brakes, steering, driver behaviour or road conditions. Software faults can also create safety exposures that matter for fleet operations, incident investigations and insurance conversations. - read more
Delayed Insurance Inquiry Keeps Tradie Cover Issues on the Table
Delayed Insurance Inquiry Keeps Tradie Cover Issues on the Table
05 Nov 2026: Paige Estritori
A federal parliamentary inquiry into small business insurance has pushed its reporting timetable into early 2027, extending the wait for recommendations that may shape future debate on affordability, availability and regulation. For Australian tradespeople, the delay matters because the inquiry is examining the commercial insurance lines many small operators rely on daily, including public liability, professional indemnity, cyber risk and business interruption cover. - read more
Why Claims Communication Is Back in the Spotlight
Why Claims Communication Is Back in the Spotlight
05 Nov 2026: Paige Estritori
A new Life Code Compliance Committee inquiry has put fresh attention on the way life insurers manage longer-running income protection insurance and total and permanent disability claims, finding that clearer communication and earlier information requests could reduce avoidable stress for people waiting on claim decisions. - read more
New Isuzu Truck Recall Highlights a Claims Evidence Issue
New Isuzu Truck Recall Highlights a Claims Evidence Issue
05 Nov 2026: Paige Estritori
A fresh safety recall affecting 3,710 Isuzu MY25 trucks is a timely reminder that modern truck insurance risk is not only about driver behaviour, road conditions or workshop servicing. Software, trailer systems and electronic braking signals can all become part of the evidence trail if an incident occurs. - read more
Mental Health Cover Debate Now Matters for Business Protection
Mental Health Cover Debate Now Matters for Business Protection
05 Nov 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s life insurance sector is moving into a detailed debate over how mental health conditions should be treated in disability-style cover, and the outcome could matter for business owners who rely on insurance to protect income, debt and operational continuity. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Life Insurance Articles

Combining Financial Security and Affordability: Income Protection for Australians Explained
Combining Financial Security and Affordability: Income Protection for Australians Explained
Financial security is a cornerstone of peace of mind, particularly when life is known for its unpredictability. This introductory section sheds light on the vital nature of income protection insurance and its role in safeguarding Australians' financial well-being. Ensuring continual financial inflow during times of illness or injury not only offers stability but also protects one's standard of living. - read more
How to Compare Income Protection Insurance for Self-Employed Australians
How to Compare Income Protection Insurance for Self-Employed Australians
For self-employed Australians, the financial stability provided by consistent income is the backbone of both personal and business success. Unlike traditional employees, who might have access to sick leave or employer-sponsored disability benefits, self-employed individuals are solely responsible for their financial security in the event of illness or injury. This is where income protection insurance steps in as a crucial safeguard. - read more
Income Protection vs. Life Insurance: What's Best for You?
Income Protection vs. Life Insurance: What's Best for You?
Financial protection is an essential aspect of sound financial planning. It ensures that you and your family are safeguarded against unexpected events that could lead to financial hardship. Two common types of financial protection are income protection insurance and life insurance. - read more
How Income Protection Insurance Claims Work in Australia
How Income Protection Insurance Claims Work in Australia
Income protection insurance claims involve more than lodging a form. In Australia, claimants usually need to show they meet the policy definition of disability, provide medical and income evidence, complete the waiting period and keep the insurer updated while benefits are assessed or paid. - read more
Income Protection Insurance Explained: Ensure Your Livelihood in Times of Uncertainty
Income Protection Insurance Explained: Ensure Your Livelihood in Times of Uncertainty
When life takes an unexpected turn, whether due to illness, injury, or other unforeseen events, the financial repercussions can be devastating. This is where income protection insurance becomes an essential component of maintaining financial stability. Income protection insurance acts as a safety net, ensuring that even in times of hardship, your financial obligations can be met, and your standard of living maintained. - read more

Knowledgebase
Underwriting:
The process by which an insurer determines the risk of insuring a client and decides the terms of coverage.

Quick Links: | Income Insurance | Income Protection Insurance | Income Insurance For Self-employed | Income Insurance Quotes | Best Income Insurance Australia | Income Insurance For Employees | Income Insurance Comparison | Income Protection For Contractors | Temporary Income Protection | Income Replacement Insurance | Income Protection Policy
This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Unique Group Broker Services.
IMPORTANT: We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party brokers, insurers, and lenders. We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should independently verify the credentials and licensing of any adviser or provider you engage. Visit the ASIC website for further information.