20/04/2026
One of the biggest barriers to genetic testing in Australia is finally coming to an end.
This week, Federal Parliament passed a new bill coming into effect later this year stating that life insurers can no longer use your genetic test results to decline your cover or charge you higher premiums.
This matters enormously. Research has consistently shown that fear of insurance discrimination stops people from getting tested, even when they have a strong family history of serious conditions like familial hypercholesterolaemia, inherited cardiac conditions, or hereditary cancers. People were being forced to choose between protecting their health and protecting their financial future.
That's no longer the case.
For anyone who has been sitting on the fence about genetic testing, this changes the conversation significantly. The benefits of risk stratification, tailored screening and deeper understanding — remain. While the risk of testing has meaningfully reduced.
This is the result of years of advocacy from clinicians, researchers, patient groups and policy leaders across Australia. A meaningful step forward for preventive health.
🔗 Link in bio to learn more about genetic risk assessment at HealthScreen.
