Publication
A step forward, but still inadequate: Australian health professionals’ views on the genetics and life insurance moratorium
Publisher:
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date:
29-05-2021
DOI:
10.1101/2021.05.25.21257683
Abstract: In 2019, the Australian life insurance industry introduced a partial moratorium (ban) limiting the use of genetic test results in life insurance underwriting. The moratorium is industry self-regulated and applies only to policies below certain financial limits (eg AUD$500,000 of life cover). We surveyed Australian health professionals (HPs) who discuss genetic testing with patients, to assess knowledge of the moratorium reported patient experiences since its commencement and HP views regarding regulation of genetic discrimination (GD) in Australia. Between April-June 2020, 166 eligible HPs responded to the online survey. Of these, 86% were aware of the moratorium, but % had attended related training/information sessions. Only 16% answered all knowledge questions correctly, yet 69% believed they had sufficient knowledge to advise patients. Genetics HPs’ awareness and knowledge were better than non-genetics HPs’ (p .05). There was some reported decrease in patients delaying/declining testing after the moratorium’s introduction, however 42% of HPs disagreed that patients were more willing to have testing post-moratorium. Although many (76%) felt the moratorium resolved some GD concerns, most (88%) still have concerns, primarily around self-regulation, financial limits and the moratorium’s temporary nature. Almost half (49%) of HPs reported being dissatisfied with the moratorium as a solution to GD. The majority (95%) felt government oversight is required, and 93% felt specific Australian legislation regarding GD is required. While the current Australian moratorium is considered a step forward, most HPs believe it falls short of an adequate long-term regulatory solution to GD in life insurance.