Genetics and Insurance Committee publishes second report 28/01/04. By the Public Health Genetics Unit The Genetics and Insurance Committee (CAIG) has published its second report covering September 2002 to December 2003. This is their first report since being reconstituted with an extended remit.

The committee's main role over the last year has been "…to make decisions on the validity of using predictive genetic test results in determining insurance premiums for a range of insurance products."

Currently, GAIC has only approved one genetic test from which results can be used in setting insurance premiums, the Huntington's disease test, and only for life insurance policies over £500 000. GAIC has, however, advised the Association of British Insurers on how applications for 17 other tests should be rewritten so that they may be resubmitted for further consideration.

GAIC has also been concentrating on two of its new roles. First, it monitors the insurance industry’s compliance with the moratorium on using the results of predictive genetic tests in setting insurance premiums. The moratorium is in place until November 2006 and GAIC reports that the insurance companies have been complying as required.

Feature: Moratorium on the use of genetic test results by insurers

Plans do need to be made to determine the future of the moratorium and GAIC has noted that it will work with the Government, patient groups, the insurance industry, the Human Genetics Commission, and other interested parties, on a long-term policy solution.

In its second role, GAIC considers complaints from individuals. They considered one complaint from a member of the public and it was resolved to the satisfaction of all concerned.

Some very interesting information is provided in the annexes to the report. 'A Brief Guide to Life and Health Insurance in the UK' provides details on five insurance products: life, critical illness, income protection, long-term care and private medical insurance. Each is explained thoroughly with a section on the market issues related to genetics that might be relevant to GAIC and the Human Genetics Commission in their deliberations.

There is also information on the state of genetics and insurance in countries in the European Union, North America and outside the EU.

Article courtesy of the Public Health Genetics Unit .

Further reading

Genetics and Insurance Committee second report [PDF 244KB]