Taking a genetic test can be a lifesaver for some people, but it can also pose a dilemma when it comes to life insurance.
A new study published in the Medical Journal of Australia has found the prospect of increased premiums, or even refusal from insurers, is putting off as much as half of the community from taking the test.
Researchers from the University of Melbourne identified 106 people from 25 families considered at greater risk of contracting bowel cancer. Initially they were not told of the implications for life insurance of taking a genetic test. Dr Louise Keogh, Lecturer & NHMRC Post Doctoral Research Fellow and Study co-author from the Key Centre for Women’s Health in Society, says 80 per cent of participants were in favour, but when given the extra information about insurance, many went cold on the idea.
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