. This is a fantastic step towards a fairer and more transparent healthcare system.
With this change, life insurers will no longer be able to ask for or use genetic test results to deny coverage or raise premiums. It’s a positive change that empowers people to take control of their health without the fear of financial repercussions.
The legislation hasn’t been formally enacted yet, so rest assured that we cautiously approach every request to ensure that all patients receive accurate counselling and education before any testing is conducted.
With Eugene, every test result is accompanied by comprehensive genetic counselling. Our service:
Reduces clinical burden: We save you time on every consult by managing test orders and interpreting results.
Mitigates risk: We minimise the risk of misinterpretation, improve health outcomes, and reduce healthcare providers' liability.
Enhances patient care: Our genetic counsellors guide patients through their results and ensure they receive ongoing support.
Key facts until the new legislation comes into effect:
In some cases this test could impact your ability to get life, income protection
insurance
or other
insurances
.
Not impacted:
Your ability to get
health insurance
.
Your existing life and/or income protection cover. However, if you want to take out cover or change your existing policy, this test may have an impact.
Life and other
insurances
through super that are group policies and don't take into account personal medical history. If your result doesn't identify a gene variation then your
insurance
shouldn't be impacted.
Could have an impact:
If you want to take out new cover or change your existing policy.
Policies that do consider your medical history - known as underwriting, or risk-rating - above certain coverage amounts (currently $500,000 for life
insurance
). If a gene variation that increases your risk of cancer is identified before you have taken out cover, you may be denied cover or have to pay a higher premium or have policy exclusions for that
insurance
product.
For more information about how life and other
insurance
products may be impacted by genetic testing, visit the Financial Services Council or the Centre for Genetics Education websites.
We’re excited to stand with you as this new reform encourages more people to take control of their health with confidence. If you’d like to learn more about our testing options, please feel free to
with our clinical team.