Australians Gain New Protection Against Genetic Discrimination
08 Oct 2026
Under the new rules, life insurers cannot request or use genetic test results to refuse insurance, reduce cover, apply exclusions or increase premiums for life insurance, income protection, trauma insurance and total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance.
The protections apply to relevant insurance decisions made from the commencement date, even if the genetic test was taken earlier.
The change is particularly relevant to people affected by breast cancer. Concerns about insurance discrimination have previously discouraged some people from genetic testing, despite its potential to guide treatment, improve screening decisions and help identify future cancer risks.
Research has identified worries about insurance as a major barrier to genetic testing.
The new protections follow years of advocacy led by Associate Professor Jane Tiller and colleagues at Monash University, with support from consumer groups such as Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).
When draft regulations were released in June, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Daniel Mulino said genetic testing could support early detection and prevention. He also stressed that Australians should be able to access testing without fearing it could affect their insurance options.
BCNA chief executive Kirsten Pilatti said the changes would help people make health decisions with greater confidence.
She said people should be able to consider genetic testing and preventive care according to their health needs, rather than worry about possible financial consequences. BCNA also welcomed the outcome of the advocacy efforts behind the new protections.
Australians Gain New Protection Against Genetic Discrimination
Source: Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).