Australians skipping genetic screening tests out of fear it will affect life insurance coverage
ABCGenetic researchers fear Australians are skipping genetic screening tests that could detect disease risks early, out of concern that it might affect their life insurance coverage. Key points: Some life insurance companies require genetic screening which they may use to lift premiums or restrict coverage Researchers say some Australians are skipping the tests to avoid it affecting their coverage They say the government should ban life insurers from being able to use the tests Genetic tests are considered a useful tool in the early detection and prevention of serious conditions such as cancer and heart disease. "Australian consumers are more susceptible to genetic discrimination in life insurance than their counterparts in many other countries," the report said. "We don't want people to avoid having genetic tests which could detect life threatening conditions because of a fear it may affect access to insurance," he said in a statement.
History of this topic
Statement: The Council of Australian Life Insurers CEO Christine Cupitt
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