Genetic Testing and Insurance
Genetic tests can be used to distinguish if someone has inherited a genetic condition or has an increased risk of inheriting it in the future.
There are two types of genetic test:
- Diagnostic – This is when the individual already has symptoms of a genetic illness and the test is carried out in order to see if they do, or don’t have it.
- Predictive – A predictive test is carried out when a genetic condition runs in a family. The person doesn’t have any signs or symptoms of that condition, the test is purely to look at the risk of them inheriting it in the future.
Getting Insurance
Some people worry that having a genetic test will stop them from getting insurance in the future.
If someone has had a diagnostic test, they should always tell the company about this when applying for insurance.
The rules around predictive tests are different. Having a predictive genetic test for cancer shouldn't affect a person’s ability to get insurance (within certain limits).
There is a voluntary agreement (called the Code on Genetic Testing and Insurance) between the Government and the Association of British Insurers (ABI).
In the agreement, among other things, insurers give eight commitments on the information they ask their customers.
For example, they won’t ask customers to:
- have a predictive genetic test in order to get insurance
- tell them about a family member’s genetic test results
- tell them about any predictive genetic tests they have had as part of clinical research
- tell them about any predictive test results they have had after their policy has started
The code makes sure that customers don’t have to tell their insurer about the results of predictive genetic tests. This is applicable for policies up to £500,000 (per person), of life insurance, £300,000 (per person), of critical illness insurance, or for paying annual benefits of £30,000 (per person) for income protection insurance.
To read the code in more detail visit:
Family history
When an insurer is determining whether or not to offer someone insurance, and if so on what terms, they will ask about a person’s health and medical history. They will also ask about the health and medical history of their close family members. So, if someone has had cancer already, or if any of their close relatives have had cancer (or another serious health problem) at a relatively young age, insurance companies may refuse to offer cover, or may increase the payment they are willing to charge.
The same applies for private health insurance for cancer care and treatment. If the person applying for insurance (or a number of their relatives) have had cancer already, it's likely to be harder (and more expensive) for them to get insurance cover.
If someone has had a genetic test, they can choose to tell their insurer about a negative result. This might make up for any negative effect their family history has had on the application. Most insurers will take the result of such a test into account, provided that the result is from a reputable source.
Further Information
For more information visit: https://www.abi.org.uk/data-and-resources/tools-and-resources/genetics/