People will not be required to disclose adverse medical test results to insurers until 2014.
The current moratorium affecting insurance customers who wish to take out cover without making public any adverse results of predictive genetic tests has been extended, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) said today.
This means that customers will not be obliged to disclose these tests, which might lead insurers to charge them higher premiums, until 2014. Current price limits of the moratorium will continue to apply, meaning that only life insurance policies worth up to £500,000 and critical illness policies worth up to £300,000 will be covered. The obligation currently applies to 97 per cent of policies.
Established in 2001, the ABI moratorium is subject to regular review. The bodies say that the results of the next decision on whether or not to extend it still further will be published in 2011.
Stephen Haddrill, the ABI's director general, said: "The moratorium on the use of predictive genetic test results works well for consumers. It means people can insure themselves and their families, even if they have had an adverse result from a predictive genetic test."
He added: "The moratorium has proved effective since its introduction in 2001 and can now continue."
Further details can be found at abi.org.uk.
