Protection cover not to be affected by adverse genetic test results.
The ABI (Association of British Insurers) has announced that the moratorium enabling consumers to take out substantial insurance without having to disclose results of predictive genetic tests has been extended to 2014.
Stephen Haddrill, the ABI’s director general, said: “The moratorium on the use of predictive genetic test results works well for consumers. It means people can insure themselves and their families, even if they have had an adverse result from a predictive genetic test. The moratorium has proved effective since its introduction in 2001 and can now continue.”
The moratorium, which was established in 2001, covers policies worth up to £500,000 for life insurance, £300,000 for critical illness insurance and £30,000 a year for income protection insurance.
Even above these amounts, insurers are not to use adverse predictive genetic test results unless the test has been specifically approved by the government. The ABI said only around 3% of all policies sold are above these limits.
The ABI’s next review on genetic tests is planned for 2011.
