Genetic testing can be used for early diagnosis and treatment and in some cases can help prevent a disease developing. Life insurance companies in Australia will no longer be able to discriminate based on results.Genetic testing can be used for early diagnosis and treatment and in some cases can help prevent a disease developing. Life insurance companies in Australia will no longer be able to discriminate based on results.
“I have met with countless people affected by this issue and thank them for sharing their stories and helping to drive this important change.”Genetic testing identifies changes in genes, chromosomes and proteins in the body and can help confirm or rule out a suspected medical condition. It can be used for early diagnosis and treatment and in some cases can help prevent a disease developing.
Under the change, that obligation will be removed – but diseases that have been medically diagnosed as already present must still be disclosed according to the insurer’s requirements. The Australian Medical Association president, Professor Steve Robson, welcomed the change and offered “a big and grateful congratulations” from doctors nationwide.