Treasury is seeking feedback on draft regulations supporting a ban on the use of adverse genetic test results in life insurance underwriting, ahead of the reforms taking effect on 8 October 2026.
The proposed regulations clarify how the ban will apply to certain genetic predispositions and bring related offence and civil penalty provisions within the infringement notice scheme under the Insurance Contracts Act 1984.
Under the new regime, insurers will be prohibited from requesting or using genetic test results when assessing applications for life insurance. An exception will apply where a policyholder, their authorised representative, or medical practitioner voluntarily provides the information and its use improves outcomes for the policyholder or beneficiary.
The draft regulations list a range of genetic conditions and predispositions that will be treated as protected genetic information, including:
- Huntington disease
- Lynch syndrome
- Familial hypercholesterolaemia
- Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes
Treasury said the reforms are intended to provide certainty that participation in genetic testing, including for medical research purposes, will not affect a person’s ability to obtain life insurance cover or the terms on which cover is offered.
Click here for more information. Submissions on the draft regulations close 26 June 2026.
See our report: AFCA Consults on Genetic Test Complaints
