Life insurers currently have the legal ability to utilize the results of genetic tests to either deny insurance coverage, impose exclusions on customer coverage based on risk factors, or increase the cost of premiums. However, two Australian academics, Jane Tiller and Paul Lacaze, have urged the government to prohibit life insurers from discriminating against individuals based on genetic test results. This discrimination can extend to various industries, such as insurance for death, income protection, disability, and travel. Health insurance is exempt as it is not risk-related.
The use of genetic tests is intended to facilitate the diagnosis, screening, monitoring, treatment, and prevention of diseases. According to Tiller and Lacaze, the threat of genetic discrimination may discourage individuals from undergoing genetic testing. This issue is especially pertinent as research projects like the DNA Screen study aim to offer DNA screening to the general population in order to identify risk factors for cancer and heart disease.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised regarding security risks associated with genetic tests. An investigation by Reuters in 2021 revealed that a Chinese gene company, the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) Group, was found to be sending data from prenatal tests to the Chinese regime to advance its economic and military advantages. Additionally, BGI has provided COVID-19 testing kits to numerous countries, including the U.S. and Australia.
In the context of Australia, the life insurance industry had previously implemented a self-regulated moratorium on using genetic results, but Tiller and Lacaze expressed that it was insufficient. Federal MP Josh Burns introduced a motion to prevent life insurers from discriminating against customers based on genetic test results, emphasizing that legislation would be essential to ensure adequate protection. Labor MP Louise Miller-Frost supported this motion, asserting that Australians should be able to make decisions based on their health needs rather than financial considerations.