Genetic Testing

It is possible to have genetic testing, which anaylses your genetic code for signs of hereditary diseases and/or potential raised risk of contracting certain illnesses. Genetic testing will usually only indicate that you are might be at slightly higher risk of contracting an illness compared to other people, but this does not guarantee that you will contract the illness. There was some worry that these tests would cause insurance companies to demand genetic testing and base the cost of your premiums on the results.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) issued a mandatory Code of Practice regarding genetic testing information and life insurance application. This code stipulates that insurers cannot insist on you having genetic tests, but they are entitled to refer to existing test results if these are available. If you have taken a voluntary genetic test in the past, your insurer is not obliged to take this into account or even be informed of its existence, unless it indicates that there is a genuinely increased risk of illness or death. Medical advice should be taken by your insurance company to confirm the accuracy and reliability of the test. Genetic tests taken by blood relatives will not be relevant to your application. If you are refused life insurance or your premiums increase because of genetic tests you have taken, your insurance provider must explain their reasoning to your doctor.

It should also be noted that if you omit to mention medical conditions that you have or lie about your state of health in any way, your insurance policy may be rendered void and your insurance provider can refuse to pay out to your survivors in the event of your death or diagnosis with a terminal illness: see also Pay-Out Refusal. It is in your best interest therefore that your General Practitioner conducts a medical examination or completes a report for your insurance provider so that there is less chance that they could refuse to pay out when required.