The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) has voiced support for a ban on using genetic testing results in insurance underwriting. As genetic testing becomes more popular and accessible, CALI emphasizes the need for government regulation to prevent discrimination based on genetic information. CALI CEO Christine Cupitt stated that the life insurance industry does not intend to deter people from taking genetic tests for health insights. The organization, representing 19 members, recognizes the importance of genetic testing in providing peace of mind and empowering individuals to manage potential health risks. CALI submitted a statement to the Treasury inquiry, advocating for strict regulation on the use of genetic testing in underwriting, with limited government-approved exceptions to ensure fairness. Cupitt emphasizes CALI’s commitment to delivering protection and certainty for Australians, noting that declining coverage based on genetic testing is rare and only considered as a last resort. The move reflects a growing awareness of the potential misuse of genetic information and aims to strike a balance between consumer rights and industry practices in the evolving landscape of genetic testing and insurance underwriting.
