New moratorium on genetic testing
The insurance industry and the Government have agreed a new moratorium on genetic testing until 2011.
This means that insurers will not test for genetic conditions until at least 2011, except for certain high value policies such as life insurance over the value of £500,000. And, they will only use tests approved by a Government body – the GAIC.
The only currently approved genetic test is for Huntington’s disease.
Mary Francis, director general of the Association of British Insurers, said: “The concordat will provide welcome clarity and reassurance for both insurance companies and our customers, well in advance of the end of the current agreement next year.
“Because the existing moratorium works well, and the number of people currently taking relevant tests remains low, we felt confident about proposing to the Government that it should be extended. I’m delighted that ministers responded so positively to our suggestion.”
