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Dr Jane Tiller, Ethical, Legal & Social Adviser - Public Health Genomics, Monash University

Life insurers can charge more or decline cover based on your genetic test results. New laws must change this

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Genetic tests can provide life-saving information. They can help diagnose disease, enable access to preventive care, prompt early screening and treatment, and guide patients’ therapeutic options.

In Australia, life insurance companies can legally use the results of genetic tests to discriminate. They can decline to provide life insurance coverage, increase the cost of premiums, or place exclusions on an individual’s cover. This is known as “genetic discrimination”.

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