Health Insurance Online :: News

Share this news item!

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.

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
Sources

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Australian Insurance Market Set for Significant Growth, Reaching $144.5 Billion by 2029

19 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia's general insurance market is on a trajectory of substantial growth, with projections indicating that total direct written premiums (DWP) will reach $144.5 billion by 2029. This expansion reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8%, underscoring the sector's resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving consumer needs and external challenges. - read more

IAG CEO Predicts Ongoing Insurance Premium Rises Amid Inflation and Climate Risks

19 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Insurance Australia Group (IAG), one of Australia's leading insurers, has reported a significant 91% increase in net profit for the first half of the 2024-2025 financial year, reaching $778 million. This substantial growth is largely attributed to favourable weather conditions during the period. - read more

Australian Home Insurance Premiums Experience Significant Increase in 2025

19 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent research from Canstar has revealed a substantial 14% increase in average Australian home and contents insurance premiums over the past year. This surge translates to an average annual premium rising from $2,452 to $2,795, marking an increase of approximately $343. - read more

Understanding the 4.41% Increase in Health Insurance Premiums

18 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian health insurance policyholders are set to experience a significant increase in their premiums, with an average rise of 4.41% scheduled to take effect from April 1, 2026. This adjustment marks the most substantial hike since 2017, when premiums rose by 4.84%. - read more

Rising Insurance Premiums in Australia: What Policyholders Need to Know

18 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent industry reports indicate that Australian insurers are grappling with escalating claims costs and broader economic pressures, leading to adjustments in premium rates across various sectors. This trend is particularly significant for consultants and professionals who rely on comprehensive insurance coverage to mitigate risks associated with their services. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Health Insurance Articles

How to Choose the Best Family Health Cover for Your Needs

With healthcare being a critical aspect of every family's well-being in Australia, securing the right family health insurance is not just a necessity but a responsibility. Recognizing the importance of this safety net is the first step towards safeguarding the future health needs of your loved ones. Balancing comprehensive coverage against affordable premiums can seem overwhelming with a multitude of plans available. - read more

Keeping Your Family Protected: The Importance of Adequate Health Insurance Coverage

The modern Australian family faces a dynamic and ever-evolving set of health needs, with access to quality healthcare remaining a cornerstone of managing our wellbeing. As these needs shift through the different stages of life, the assurance of having a safety net in place can provide unparalleled peace of mind. It's this sense of security that makes adequate health insurance coverage indispensable in today's fast-paced society. - read more

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting Family Health Insurance

Choosing the right family health insurance can feel like navigating a maze. With so many options and factors to consider, it's no wonder many Australians find the process overwhelming. The stakes are high, as the wrong choice could not only impact your family's access to healthcare but also strain your finances. - read more

Is Private Health Insurance Worth It? Exploring the Benefits

In Australia, health insurance plays a significant role in ensuring individuals can access quality medical care without incurring prohibitive costs. - read more

Insider Secrets to Finding Cost-Efficient Health Insurance

Health insurance in Australia is a crucial aspect of ensuring you and your family receive the medical care needed without facing exorbitant costs. The healthcare system, consisting of both public and private sectors, offers various options to suit different needs and budgets. While the public sector (Medicare) provides essential services, private health insurance offers additional benefits such as faster access to services, choice of doctor, and coverage for services not included in Medicare. - read more

Knowledgebase

Subrogation:
The process by which an insurance company seeks to recover the amount paid to the policyholder from a third party responsible for the loss.

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) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.

IMPORTANT: We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party intermediaries, insurers, and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. 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 always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.