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Life insurance and genetic test results: a mutation carrier's fight to achieve full cover

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 21:26 authored by Keogh, LA, Margaret OtlowskiMargaret Otlowski
Currently, there is debate about life insurance companies' use of genetic information for assessing applicants. In his early 20s, James (pseudonym) was denied full life insurance cover because he revealed that he had discussed genetic testing with a genetic counsellor. He was later tested and found to carry a mutation in the MSH6 gene; after disclosing this, he was denied cover for cancer by two other life insurance companies. Unsatisfied with the insurance companies' risk assessments, and based on his understanding that regular colonoscopy significantly reduced his risk of cancer, James made a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission. After informing the third insurance company that he had done so, he was offered full coverage, which suggests that the company did not have actuarial data to justify its decision. This case provides evidence of the high level of initiative and proactivity required for a consumer to achieve a fair result. Few Australians would be in a position to pursue the level of research and advocacy undertaken by James (a professional with scientific training).We call on a collaborative approach between industry, government and researchers to address the issues that James's case raises about genetic testing and life insurance.

History

Publication title

Medical Journal of Australia

Volume

199

Issue

5

Pagination

363-366

ISSN

0025-729X

Department/School

Faculty of Law

Publisher

Australasian Med Publ Co Ltd

Place of publication

Level 1, 76 Berry St, Sydney, Australia, Nsw, 2060

Rights statement

Copyright 2013 Medical Journal of Australia

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Justice and the law not elsewhere classified

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