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Genetic testing
The question of life offices undertaking genetic testing came into the public eye some time ago and the Association of British Insurers published a mandatory code of practice for their members on the handling and use of genetic test information.
Below is a brief synopsis of the areas covered by the code.
- Insurance companies will not insist on genetic testing.
- Genetic tests will only affect insurance premiums/terms if they show a clear increased risk of illness or death. Low risks identified will not necessarily affect the premium.
- Insurance companies will always seek expert medical advice when taking into account the health impact of genetic tests results.
- Insurers will only take account of genetic tests established by the Government’s Genetics and Insurance Committee as being reliable and relevant.
- Applicants for insurance will not automatically be asked to take a genetic test, but existing test results should be given to the insurance company when it asks a relevant question, unless the life office has indicated that this is not required.
- Existing genetic test results will not generally be requested for lower sums insured.
- An applicant will not be asked to provide genetic test information from a relative or another person and one persons genetic test results will not impact on other life insured’s.
- The reason for any increased premium terms or rejection to insure will be provided to the applicant’s doctor on request.
- Insurers will not ‘cherry pick’ customers by offering lower premiums to those who have under gone genetic tests which has produced clean results.
Complaints about a breach of the code can be taken up with an independent adjudication tribunal.
Occupational factors
The life to be insured’s occupation may be relevant to the risk. Some occupations statistically present a higher risk of death and the underwriter needs to take into account all factors which influence the risk.
Some occupations present a higher risk of serious accident whilst others present a higher risk of disease.
The following are occupations which may present a higher accident risk,
- Scaffolders ;
- Steeplejacks;
- Steel erectors;
- Trawler men;
- Underground miners;
- Oil rig workers;
- Bomb disposal workers;
- Divers;
- Professional boxers;
- Handlers of radioactive materials.
Because of the health and safety at work act and the improvement in working conditions and better safety measures many occupations have become far safer.
Examples of occupations which can present increased risk of disease,
- Publicans – alcohol-related diseases;
- Divers – ‘the bends’;
- Miners – pneumoconiosis;
- Chemical workers – various types of poisoning;
- Asbestos workers – asbestosis.
Disease risks are usually minimised by safety features and each life office and underwriter will have their own approach to these areas.
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Service Risks