Australia has reached an important milestone in genetic privacy. From 8 October 2026, new legislation restricting the use of genetic test information by life insurers is in effect, marking a significant development for Australians considering genetic testing and personalised healthcare.[1]
The change follows the passage of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Genetic Testing Protections in Life Insurance and Other Measures) Act 2026 through Parliament on 1 April 2026. The legislation received Royal Assent on 8 April 2026, with the genetic testing protections commencing six months later. [2, 3]
For individuals who have considered genetic testing but were concerned about the potential implications for life insurance, these new protections represent an important step towards greater confidence in accessing genetic insights.
What has changed?
Under the new legislation, life insurers are prohibited from requesting, soliciting or using protected genetic testing information when making decisions about life insurance cover, subject to the specific provisions and exceptions set out in the legislation. [1, 3]
This includes decisions about whether to offer a policy and the terms on which cover is offered, such as premiums, exclusions and conditions. The protections apply to new life insurance policies commencing on or after 8 October 2026, as well as existing policies varied on or after that date. [1]
The changes cover several types of life insurance, including:
- Life insurance and death cover
- Total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance
- Trauma insurance
- Income protection insurance [1]
The protections do not extend to private health insurance. [1]
Why does this matter for genetic testing?
Genetic testing can provide valuable information about a person’s inherited genetic characteristics and potential health risks. Depending on the test, these insights may help inform healthcare decisions, guide conversations with healthcare professionals and support more personalised approaches to health.
However, concerns about life insurance have historically been a consideration for some people when deciding whether to undertake genetic testing. Concerns about genetic discrimination have been identified as a potential barrier to accessing genetic testing and its possible health benefits. [4]
By restricting how life insurers can use protected genetic test information, the new legislation aims to reduce this barrier and help Australians make decisions about genetic testing with greater confidence. [1, 2]
This is an important development for the broader advancement of personalised healthcare, where genetic insights can contribute to a more informed understanding of individual health.
What do the new protections mean for Australians?
The introduction of these protections provides greater clarity around the role of genetic information in life insurance underwriting.
For Australians considering genetic testing, the changes mean that life insurers cannot use protected genetic test information to determine whether to offer cover or impose less favourable policy terms in the circumstances covered by the legislation. [1, 3]
There are, however, important distinctions to understand.
The legislation does not remove all forms of life insurance underwriting. Insurers may continue to consider other relevant information, including an individual’s existing signs and symptoms, diagnosed conditions and other information permitted under the applicable rules. [1, 3]
The legislation also provides for limited circumstances in which an individual may voluntarily provide genetic test results with written consent, provided the results would not adversely affect the insurance offer or policy terms and the relevant legal requirements are met. [3]
Anyone making decisions about genetic testing or insurance should consider their individual circumstances and seek independent advice where needed.
A step forward for genetic privacy and personalised healthcare
As genetic testing becomes increasingly relevant to healthcare, protecting the responsible use of genetic information is an important part of building public confidence in genetic services.
The new Australian protections represent a meaningful milestone in the relationship between genetic testing and life insurance. By limiting the use of protected genetic information in underwriting decisions, the legislation supports a future in which people can consider genetic testing with greater confidence.
At myDNA, we recognise the value of genetic insights in supporting more personalised approaches to health. We welcome developments that help Australians better understand their genetic information and make informed decisions about their healthcare.
The commencement of these protections is an important step towards a future where genetic insights can be used to support health and wellbeing, with greater safeguards around how personal genetic information is used.
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References
[1] Genomics Australia. *Genetic Testing and Life Insurance.* Australian Government. https://www.genomicsaustralia.gov.au/individuals/genetic-testing-and-life-insurance
[2] Australian Government, Treasury Ministers. *Legislation passed to ban use of adverse genetic testing in life insurance.* https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/daniel-mulino-2025/media-releases/legislation-passed-ban-use-adverse-genetic-testing
[3] Federal Register of Legislation. *Treasury Laws Amendment (Genetic Testing Protections in Life Insurance and Other Measures) Act 2026.* https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2026A00035/asmade/2026-04-08/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html
[4] Research on genetic discrimination and its potential impact on access to genetic testing. A specific research publication should be identified and verified before this reference is used in the final published article.