Genetic discrimination by Australian insurance companies: a survey of consumer experiences.
Eur J Hum Genet
; 28(1): 108-113, 2020 01.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31281182
ABSTRACT
We report previously undocumented evidence of genetic discrimination by Australian insurance companies, obtained through direct consumer reports. We surveyed 174 consumers with cancer-predisposing variants, recruited by cancer organisations Lynch Syndrome Australia and Pink Hope. Questions related to experiences accessing risk-rated insurance after genetic testing. Results indicate that both legal (permitted under current regulation) and illegal discrimination is occurring. Although some respondents had not applied for risk-rated insurance, or had insurance in place before genetic testing (n = 100), those seeking new policies (n = 74) commonly experienced difficulties obtaining insurance (86%, 64/74). Of those experiencing difficulties, 50% (32/64) had no prior history or symptoms of cancer, and had undertaken risk reduction through surveillance and/or preventative surgery. Seventy-seven percent (49/64) reported difficulties related to life insurance. Follow-up telephone interviews with four respondents further described cases of apparent illegal breaches. All reports of discrimination identified were, to our knowledge, previously unreported in the literature. The number of cases suggests a systemic problem with the Australian life insurance industry. We support calls for government oversight of the inherently conflicted model of industry self-regulation in Australia, and an immediate ban on the use of genetic test results in insurance underwriting.
Texto completo:
1
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Selección Tendenciosa de Seguro
/
Neoplasias Colorrectales Hereditarias sin Poliposis
/
Predisposición Genética a la Enfermedad
/
Seguro de Salud
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
Límite:
Humans
País/Región como asunto:
Oceania
Idioma:
En
Año:
2020
Tipo del documento:
Article