Gene Test Could Put Life Cover At Risk

Those who have taken gene tests to check if they are at risk from developing diseases such as breast cancer have been warned that they may be denied life insurance.

This warning has come from an influential panel of peers. It is believed that insurance companies could use the test results to hike up premiums even if the test had been carried out years ago.

The tests in question are designed to inform the taker of any potential health problems such as cancers, obesity and heart problems, this information can all be gained from a sample of DNA.

At the moment there is a voluntary agreement between prospective clients and the insurance companies which prevents the insurer asking if the perspective client has taken a test or order them to take the test.

Mandatory cover

This agreement which has protected many is set to run out in 2014, but there are now fears that those who h ave taken the test could be forced to reveal their results, whilst some insurers may make it mandatory to take the test before the will provide life cover.

This potential problem has been heightened by the increased availability of home DNA testing kits, which cost up to £700 making it easier for those with a family history of disease to find out if they are at risk or not.

Helen Wallace, of watchdog GeneWatch UK, told the House of Lords science and technology committee, which issued the report: "There are women deciding whether to take the test now who do not know if they buy insurance later on, whether at that point the moratorium will have ended and there will be a requirement from the insurance industry to see the results.

"Women do worry about the future insurance implications when they consider whether or not to take a test, so you have a specific circumstance where a medical decision that you take may be influenced by knowing whether or not the insurance industry will have access."

Peace of mind

Manufacturers of the tests claim that the offer many peace of mind whilst empowering people with what they describe as a health horoscope. The makers also claim that those who take the test can take steps to insure that any potential risks are lessened by making life style changes, yet critics claim that the test aren't entirely accurate and doubt the amount of counselling given to those who take the test.

Lord Patel, the cross-bench peer who chaired the House of Lords committee's inquiry, said "that while genetic medicine presented 'exciting opportunities', the boom in home testing kits must be addressed."

"Without proper qualified interpretation, results could cause people to worry unnecessarily. It is time firms offering these tests were required to provide counselling and guidance on interpreting the raw results they provide."

Whilst th e House of Lords question the effectiveness of the tests and there worth, they have also called on the government to look into extending the current agreement which stops insurance companies requesting test results, otherwise there could be many being denied life insurance after 2014.