The Utilization and Limitation of Genetic Information in Insurance: Improvement Plan of China’s“Genetic Non-discrimination Act”

Abstract

According to current Chinese law, insurance companies cannot use genetic information for medical, disease, disability, care and medical accident insurance. Nevertheless, this approach has not effectively solved the problem of “genetic discrimination” in China. Genetic information plays a vital role in insurance. The theory that genetic information can be used in insurance is based on risk classification and price equilibrium principle. Adverse selection can be avoided by dividing genetic information into different risk classes. This is an inevitable requirement of the insurer's right to know. For the consideration of social and public interests, commercial insurance should undertake a reasonable social relief function, but it is necessary to clarify the limitations of the social relief function of commercial insurance, and commercial insurance and social insurance cannot be equated. In terms of the characteristics of genetic information itself, there is no substantial difference between it and general medical information. Insurance covers uncertain risks, and with the progress of technology, the accuracy of genetic testing has also been improved. Therefore, theoretically speaking, it is not necessary to completely prohibit insurers from using genetic information in the insurance field. Therefore, in the future, China's legislation on genetic discrimination should be changed from completely prohibiting the use of genetic information by insurers to conditionally restricting the use of genetic information by insurers. First of all, the way to obtain genetic information by the insurer should be clarified, and the insurer should be prohibited from forcing the insured to carry out predictive genetic testing. The insurance applicant only must inform the specific genetic testing results. Secondly, it is necessary to set conditions for the insurer to use genetic information. The insurer can only use genetic information in personal insurance that meets a certain amount of money, and the use of genetic information must meet legal procedures and obtain the consent of the insured. In addition, it is also necessary to strengthen the regulation of the gene testing industry, formulate strict market access rules, and establish a gene consultant system to make up for the inferior position of the insured in the profession. Finally, improve the rescue of the insured, let professionals participate in the settlement of disputes, and increase the severity of punishment for the illegal use of genetic information by insurance companies.