Genetic test discrimination banned

Media release: 12 September, 2024

Heart Foundation welcomes Government ban on genetic test discrimination in life insurance

The Heart Foundation welcomes the Australian Government’s decision to ban the use of genetic test results in life insurance underwriting.

The ban will remove a significant barrier for people living with genetic cardiomyopathies, various sudden cardiac death syndromes, congenital heart disease, and genetic conditions leading to high cholesterol, diabetes, and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

The ban means people in Australia can undertake genetic testing without fear of insurance discrimination.

Heart Foundation Chief Medical Advisor, Professor Garry Jennings, said:

“This ban ensures that Australians can access life-saving genetic testing without compromising their financial security.

Testing helps us to support early diagnosis, prevention, and management of inherited heart conditions for individuals and to better understand the situation among the Australian population.

Professor Garry Jennings

Chief Medical Advisor

“Having this knowledge can save lives today and lead to more research and better treatments in the future.

“The Heart Foundation commends the Australian Government for putting the welfare of Australians first.”