Predictive genetic tests can identify genes
that can directly cause some rare hereditary conditions before any
symptoms occur. They are usually carried out because the condition
runs in the family.
A positive test result indicates that an
individual has inherited the faulty gene and may go on to develop
the disease. But it is not certain that they will. Nevertheless,
they may find it impossible to obtain life insurance, critical
illness or income protection cover if they disclose the test result
to prospective insurers.
The voluntary code means that someone applying
for insurance up to a certain level is not obliged to reveal the
results of a predictive genetic test. Nor can insurers pressurise
applicants into having one taken.
Individuals applying for insurance must still
give details about their health and any major health problems in
their family if this information is requested on the application
form.
The moratorium applies to all members of the
ABI and to insurance policies of up to £500,000 for life insurance,
£300,000 for critical illness insurance and £30,000 a year from
income protection policies.
For policies above these levels, insurers will
not use adverse predictive genetic test results, unless the test
has been specifically approved by the UK Government. Only around
three percent of all insurance policies sold are above these
limits. Currently, the only approved test is for Huntingdon's
disease and only for life insurance of over £500,000.
ABI Director General Stephen Haddrill said the
moratorium works well for consumers.
"It means people can insure themselves and
their families, even if they have had an adverse result from a
predictive genetic test," he said. "The moratorium has proved
effective since its introduction in 2001 and can now continue.”
The ban does not prevent someone from choosing
to reveal a genetic test result to insurers, if, for instance, it
shows that they have not inherited a condition that affects other
family members. Insurers can take this information into account,
although each case will be assessed individually.
The moratorium is regularly reviewed to ensure
it keeps pace with medical and genetic developments. The next
review will take place in 2011.
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