Abstract
In Australia and New Zealand, by contrast with much of the developed world, insurance companies can use genetic test results to refuse cover or increase premiums for mutually-rated insurance products, including life, income protection and disability insurance. Genetics professionals regularly discuss insurance implications with clients and report the issue as a clinical challenge, yet no studies have examined clinical practices or opinions. This study surveyed genetic counsellors and clinical geneticists from Australia and New Zealand to (i) investigate variability in professional practice across the Australasian clinical genetic workforce relating to the insurance implications of genetic testing, and (ii) ascertain views regarding current regulation of the issue. There was considerable variability in training and clinical policies, especially around the communication of insurance implications. Almost half of participants reported receiving no training on the insurance implications of genetic testing, and almost 40% were unsure whether they could adequately advise clients. A number of deficits in professional knowledge and understanding of the issue were identified. Widespread concerns regarding regulation of this area were reported, with < 10% of Australian participants considering current Australian regulations as adequate to protect clients from genetic discrimination. The findings from this study highlight scope for greater education, consistency and professional training on the issue of genetics and insurance in Australasia, and strong agreement about the need for regulatory reform.
Highlights
In Australia and New Zealand, insurance companies can use genetic test results to refuse cover, increase premiums or exclude aspects of cover for mutually-rated life insurance products, including life, income protection and total disability insurance
Genetics professionals were recruited through the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) by email to members of the Australasian Society of Genetic Counsellors and the Australasian Association of Clinical Geneticists, the HGSA newsletter, and the 2017 HGSA Annual
Results of this study suggest many Australasian genetics professionals, while acknowledging it as a major issue in clinical practice, do not feel adequately equipped to advise clients regarding the insurance implications of genetic testing
Summary
In Australia and New Zealand, insurance companies can use genetic test results to refuse cover, increase premiums or exclude aspects of cover for mutually-rated life insurance products, including life, income protection and total disability insurance. Genetic test results cannot be used for health insurance in Australia, which is community rated (1), but can be used in New Zealand for this purpose. In Australasia[1] life insurance companies can require applicants to disclose any results of genetic testing known to the applicant. This includes genetic results from clinical testing as well as research and online, direct-to-consumer genetic tests (4). Insurers can use that information, with other health and lifestyle information, in making underwriting decisions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
