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

A new life insurance discount puts long-term value in focus

14 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Partners Life has introduced a new Life Advantage discount, giving eligible customers a permanent reduction on selected life and trauma-related covers. The offer is aimed at non-smokers aged 16 and over who meet a specified body mass index range and complete full medical underwriting when applying for new or increased cover. - read more

Why insurer technology resilience matters when you need to claim

14 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

A new regulatory focus on insurer operational resilience is a timely reminder that an income insurance policy is only as reassuring as the systems behind it. The Financial Markets Authority review, reported by Insurance Business in July 2026, found that many New Zealand insurers are still relying on ageing technology for core operations, while also managing significant outsourcing and cyber-security pressures. - read more

Why Delayed Life Milestones Are Changing Income Protection Decisions

14 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

New Zealand’s life and health insurance market is facing a quiet but important shift: younger adults are not necessarily rejecting protection, but many are postponing the life events that usually trigger it. Recent industry reporting, drawing on Deloitte and Financial Services Council research, shows Gen Z and millennial New Zealanders are delaying major decisions such as buying a home, starting a family, changing careers or launching a business because of financial pressure. - read more

Why Delayed Life Milestones Could Widen New Zealand’s Income Protection Gap

11 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

New Zealand’s younger workers are reshaping the traditional path into insurance. Fresh industry reporting, drawing on Deloitte’s 2026 Gen Z and Millennial Survey and Financial Services Council research, points to a clear shift: many Gen Z and millennial New Zealanders are delaying major life decisions because of financial pressure. Home ownership, starting a family and career changes have long been moments when people reassess life, mortgage and income protection cover. - read more

Why the FMA’s conduct focus matters for life insurance buyers

11 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

New Zealand’s financial advice sector is heading into a more targeted year of scrutiny after the Financial Markets Authority’s latest conduct priorities highlighted fraud, adviser commissions and complaints handling as areas of concern for 2026/27. For households arranging life, trauma, income protection or health-related cover, the message is practical: the quality of advice, disclosure and record keeping matters just as much as the premium on the page. - read more

Click for more Insurance News