Genetics and insurance in Britain: why more than just the Atlantic divides the English-speaking nations

Abstract

The British Government's official advisory committee on genetics has recommended a moratorium on the disclosure of genetic test results for life insurance until predictions based on such tests can be validated as actuarially important. In contrast, the trade association of the British insurance industry believes that genetic tests relating to eight conditions can yield information useful for life insurance. Although the Government has yet to respond, the debate is already moving on to genetic testing and the funding of health care for the elderly.