The federal government is consulting on draft laws banning the use of genetic test results in life insurance underwriting.

“Australians should not be discouraged from undertaking genetic testing out of fear it may impact their ability to get life insurance,” Financial Services Minister Daniel Mulino said.

“Genetic testing can help save lives, supporting medical practitioners to prevent, diagnose, treat and monitor a range of cancers, cancer predisposition syndromes and other heritable conditions.”

A draft explanatory document says changes to the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 will “establish a ban which prohibits insurers from using certain information about … genetic testing results to inform the offer of life insurance cover, or the terms and conditions on which the cover is offered.

“The bill also amends the [Disability Discrimination Act 1992] to align Australia’s anti-discrimination law with the ban.”

Consultation closes October 12. See details here.