Cyber Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

New Legislation Prohibits Use of Genetic Test Results in Life Insurance Underwriting

Australian Government Moves to Eliminate Genetic Discrimination in Insurance Sector

New Legislation Prohibits Use of Genetic Test Results in Life Insurance Underwriting?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The Australian government has announced plans to introduce legislation that will ban life insurers from using adverse genetic test results in their underwriting processes.
This move aims to eliminate genetic discrimination and encourage individuals to undergo genetic testing without fear of insurance repercussions.

Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, Stephen Jones, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating that early detection through genetic testing can lead to life-saving interventions. The proposed legislation seeks to ensure that Australians are not deterred from such tests due to concerns about insurance eligibility or premiums.

For real estate professionals, this development is particularly relevant. Many in the industry are self-employed or operate small businesses, making life insurance a critical component of their financial planning. The assurance that genetic information cannot be used against them in obtaining coverage provides peace of mind and promotes proactive health management.

This legislative change aligns with global trends towards protecting individuals from genetic discrimination. It reflects a growing recognition of the need to balance the interests of insurers with the rights and well-being of consumers.

Real estate agents and agency owners should stay informed about this and other regulatory changes in the insurance landscape. Understanding these developments can aid in making informed decisions about personal and business insurance needs, ensuring comprehensive protection without compromising personal privacy.

In summary, the forthcoming ban on the use of genetic test results in life insurance underwriting marks a significant step towards consumer protection in Australia. It underscores the government's commitment to fostering a fair and equitable insurance market, free from genetic discrimination.

Published:Tuesday, 30th Dec 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Travel Insurance Information
Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Travel Insurance Information
30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant ruling, Allianz Australia Insurance and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, have been fined a total of $16.8 million for providing misleading information about their travel insurance products. The Supreme Court of New South Wales found that between 2016 and 2018, the companies misrepresented the extent of coverage available to consumers, leading to potential misunderstandings about policy benefits. - read more
Allianz Partners Highlights Risks of Travelling Uninsured
Allianz Partners Highlights Risks of Travelling Uninsured
30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent research conducted by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has unveiled a concerning trend: approximately 14% of Australian travellers embark on international journeys without any form of travel insurance. This statistic has prompted Allianz Partners to urge Australians to reconsider the importance of securing adequate coverage before travelling abroad. - read more
Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance
Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance
30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In 2024, medical incidents emerged as the leading cause of travel insurance claims among Australian travellers, accounting for more than 40% of all claims handled by nib Travel. This trend underscores the critical importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with medical emergencies abroad. - read more
Allianz Australia Penalised $16.8 Million for Misleading Conduct
Allianz Australia Penalised $16.8 Million for Misleading Conduct
30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant regulatory action, Allianz Australia and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, have been fined $16.8 million for making false and misleading statements. This penalty was imposed following an investigation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), underscoring the critical need for transparency and honesty in the insurance sector. - read more
New Legislation Prohibits Use of Genetic Test Results in Life Insurance Underwriting
New Legislation Prohibits Use of Genetic Test Results in Life Insurance Underwriting
30 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian government has announced plans to introduce legislation that will ban life insurers from using adverse genetic test results in their underwriting processes. This move aims to eliminate genetic discrimination and encourage individuals to undergo genetic testing without fear of insurance repercussions. - read more


Cyber Insurance Articles

The Essential Guide to Cyber Insurance for Australian Businesses
The Essential Guide to Cyber Insurance for Australian Businesses
Cyber insurance is a type of insurance designed to protect businesses from internet-based risks and, more generally, from risks relating to information technology infrastructure and activities. It covers losses related to data breaches, cyber extortion, and other kinds of cyber attacks. - read more
Case Studies: The True Impact of Cyber Attacks on Australian Small Businesses
Case Studies: The True Impact of Cyber Attacks on Australian Small Businesses
As we delve into the digital era, the number of cyber threats that challenge Australian small businesses is significantly on the rise. Cyber attacks have become more sophisticated, frequent, and continue to disrupt the operations of small enterprises, often with devastating consequences. The need to fortify defenses against such threats has never been more paramount. - read more
How to Protect Your Small Business from Cyber Threats
How to Protect Your Small Business from Cyber Threats
In today's digital age, the rising importance of cybersecurity for small businesses in Australia cannot be overstated. As technology permeates every aspect of business operations, it offers tremendous advantages but also exposes small businesses to a growing array of cyber threats. These threats are increasingly targeting small companies, seeking to exploit vulnerabilities and potentially cause significant financial and reputational damage. - read more
Understanding the Importance of Cyber Insurance in the Digital Age
Understanding the Importance of Cyber Insurance in the Digital Age
As we dive deeper into the digital era, the topic of cyber security becomes increasingly critical. With businesses and individuals relying heavily on digital technologies, the threat of cyber attacks looms larger than ever. This introductory section aims to unpack the concept of cyber insurance as a tool to mitigate these risks. - read more
Navigating the Aftermath: Your Cyber Attack Recovery Roadmap
Navigating the Aftermath: Your Cyber Attack Recovery Roadmap
In an age where digital presence intertwines with daily operations, the threat landscape in Australia has magnified, exposing businesses to an evolving array of cyber threats. From sophisticated phishing attempts to ransomware attacks, the risk of digital insecurity looms large. Australia, with its growing technological adoption, finds itself facing an upsurge in cyber threat incidents year over year. - read more


Your free Cyber insurance quote comparison starts here!
First Name:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Public Liability Insurance:
A very broad term for insurance covering liability exposures for individuals and business owners. It provides broad coverage, generally including all exposures for property damage and bodily injury.