Standard Life has stated it will not require its policyholders to reveal the details of genetic test...
Standard Life has stated it will not require its policyholders to reveal the details of genetic tests when applying for insurance.
The company has joined a number of other providers, including the Co-operative Insurance Society, BUPA and PPP in the stand. Mandy Blanks, public relations officer at Standard Life Healthcare, said: "We do not have any plans to change our stance in the near future. We think that it may cause people to not take genetic tests and slow down medical developments. It has not had a significant effect on claims for us."
The move follows the publication of a new survey by the Human Genetics Commission (HGC) which indicates that most people do not want insurers to use genetic information when assessing premiums.
The research found that 76% of those surveyed thought that insurance companies should not use genetic information to determine premiums. Just over half thought it would be inappropriate to disclose information regarding the results of genetic tests in applications for life, health and long term care insurance.
