As most of these privacy laws were passed before genetic testing became accessible, they do not specifically define what constitutes genetic information, nor do they provide any guidance on how such information should be protected. Can a direct-to-consumer genetic test tell me whether I will develop Alzheimer disease? A number of factors are considered for pooling individuals, such as age, smoking status, existing illnesses, etc. How do I choose a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company? Insurance is an exercise in "pooling" together individuals that are likely to exhibit similar financial risk in the future. Can a direct-to-consumer genetic test tell me whether I will develop cancer? Genetic Testing Information for Insurance Underwriting, CLHIA , 2015, available online at in French​. Our other Group insurance programs, underwritten by Sun Life, follow CLHIA practices. Health insurance providers have different policies about which tests are covered, however. What are whole exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing? How can consumers be sure a genetic test is valid and useful? The OPC's argument is structured around two themes: discrimination and privacy. Instead, they may opt to pay out-of-pocket for the test. At present, insurers are only allowed to use test results for Huntington's disease when selling life insurance. An applicant who has already gone through genetic testing and is likely to become severely ill or die at an earlier age is likely to seek much more insurance coverage than may otherwise be the case. If you want to undergo genetic testing but fear that the results might have a negative impact on your insurance eligibility, here is a recommended approach: If you have undergone genetic testing already, you will need to disclose the results to the insurers if they ask for them. This code – which constitutes a voluntary guideline for member companies – has three fundamental positions with respect to the use of genetic tests, consistant with what has already been mentioned: ​(a) Insurers will not initiate or require any applicant to undergo a genetic test as part of the process of applying for insurance. Companies that offer these policies have the right to request medical information, including the results of any genetic testing, when making decisions about coverage and rates. The arguments that support the use of genetic information as part of the insurance underwriting process are generally centred on anti-selection, or more precisely avoiding anti-selection. However, GINA does not apply when an employer has fewer than 15 employees. This would also imply that individuals will delay taking actions to improve their health, which will in turn have an adverse impact on the quality of their life as well as the Canadian healthcare system. At present, in Canada, there is no law that prohibits the use of genetic information by insurance companies. URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/dtcgenetictesting/dtcinsurancerisk/. Therefore, while discussing the possibility of genetic tests with patients, physicians may want to consider the effects that the test results may have on their eligibility for insurance or insurance premiums, among other things. Some of these companies request information about genetic testing as part of their application process, but others do not. However, there are no specific provisions to protect against genetic discrimination. What do the results of direct-to-consumer genetic testing mean? Now that we have discussed the basics of how insurance arrangements work, let's put it in context. Users with questions about a personal health condition should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. Howard (FCIA, FSA), July 2014, Statement on Genetic Testing and Insurance, Canadian Institute of Actuaries, June 2014, Statement on Genetic Testing and Insurance, Canadian Institute of Actuaries, November 2000, Canadian Life and Health Insurers Limit Use of Genetic Test Results, Jacqueline Nelson, The Globe and Mail, September 25, 2014, Debate Over Use of Genetic Tests in Insurance Heats Up, Jacqueline Nelson, The Globe and Mail, November 2, 2014, Health Insurance and 'Genetic Discrimination': Are Rules Needed?, Carly Weeks, The Globe and Mail, January 1, 2012, Home DNA Tests May Affect Insurance, Employment – Marketplace Investigation Finds No Protection for Canadians Against Discrimination Based on DNA Tests, Megan Griffith-Greene, CBC News, April 2, 2015, Insurance Companies Shouldn't Seek Genetic Test Results, Says Privacy Watchdog, Steve Rennie, The Canadian Press, July 10, 2014, Study Finds Genetic Discrimination by Insurance Firms, Joseph Hall, The Toronto Star, June 9, 2009, About Genetic Discrimination, Canadian Coalition for Genetic Fairness, 2009, Genetic Testing – New Options, New Obligations,The Canadian Medical Protective Association, September 2013, Genetic Discrimination: Australian Experiences and Policies, GeneWatch, The Council for Responsible Genetics (Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Ph.D.), 2009, Genetic Discrimination and Canadian Law, Library of Parliament Background Paper, Julian Walker (Legal and Social Affairs Division, Parliamentary Information and Research Service), September 16, 2014, Summary of Provisions on Genetic Discrimination in other Jurisdictions. Insurers often require applicants to disclose their family's health history as a means to assess risk. In addition to the discrimination argument, the OPC has cited concerns that Canada is the only G7 country that does not have privacy protection laws in place to regulate how genetic information can be used by insurance companies.

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