Genetics moratorium extended

Europe

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has extended the moratorium on genetic testing to 2014. The move enables consumers to take out life insurance cover without having to disclose adverse results of predictive genetic. Stephen Haddrill, the ABI’s Director General, said the moratorium has proved effective since its introduction in 2001 and should continue. The ABI moratorium covers policies worth up to £500,000 for life insurance, £300,000 for critical illness insurance and £30,000 a year for income protection insurance. Mr Haddrill explained that even above these amounts, insurers will not use adverse predictive genetic test results unless the test has been specifically approved by the government.