ABI: Insurance genetics moratorium extended to 2017
The ABI has today announced that the long-standing Concordat and Moratorium on Genetics, agreed with the Department of Health has been extended to 2017.
Nick Starling, the ABI’s Director of General Insurance and Health, said:
“The Concordat and 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 has now been extended to 2017.”
The moratorium means the results of a predictive genetic test will not affect a consumer’s ability to take out any type of insurance other than life insurance over £500,000. Above this amount, insurers will not use adverse predictive genetic test results unless the test has been specifically approved by the Government. Only around 3% of all policies sold are above these limits. The only test that is approved is for Huntington’s Disease.
Health Minister Anne Milton said:
“This is an excellent agreement that has benefitted both patients and consumers. The extension of the moratorium will ensure that the public continue to have confidence in using predictive genetic tests and being insured.”
To provide ongoing certainty for consumers, the ABI and the Department of Health undertake planned reviews three years before the end of each extension. This announcement follows the 2011 review; the next review will take place in 2014.
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Notes for Editors
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Kelly Ostler-Coyle MCIPR
Media Relations
ABI (Association of British Insurers)
t: 020 7216 7415
m: 07968 364 302
www.abi.org.uk
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