Genetics still testing life sector

Financial Standard Podcast

Treasury recently launched a consultation on the use of genetic testing results in life insurance underwriting with the aim of addressing concerns with the partial, industry-led moratorium introduced in 2019. A recent review found the moratorium is discouraging consumers from participating in genetic testing, which could identify an underlying health issue, and from taking part in potentially life-changing medical research. At the same time, there's the potential for unhealthy people to be priced out of cover or, on the flip side, healthy individuals to withdraw from life insurance altogether.

So, what's the solution, and is government intervention required? Actuaries Institute member Jessica Chen joins the Financial Standard podcast to discuss the various issues and how Australia's approach to genetic testing for insurance purposes compares to global counterparts.