From 8 October 2026, the Treasury Laws Amendment (Genetic Testing Protections in Life Insurance and Other Measures) Act 2026 is in effect.
Life insurers cannot ask for, solicit or use genetic testing information when assessing an application for life insurance. This ban means you can be confident that you can consider, plan, and undertake a genetic test without worrying about it impacting your ability to get life insurance cover.
What is changing
Life insurers cannot use genetic testing information when deciding:
- to offer life insurance, or
- the terms of that insurance (for example, the price, or any exclusions or conditions).
This applies to all types of life insurance including death cover, total and permanent disability (TPD), trauma, and income protection. It does not apply to health insurance.
The ban applies to new policies of life insurance that start, or existing policies that are varied, on or after 8 October 2026
Information life insurers cannot use
Life insurers cannot use information about:
- your genetic test results (however, individuals may volunteer test results);
- whether you have been recommended to take a genetic test;
- whether you have had or plan to take a genetic test; and
- any of the above in relation to any of your blood relatives.
Information life insurers can still use
Life insurers can still use information about:
- medical history and clinically diagnosed diseases, including prognosis and treatment
- other non-genetic medical tests, for example, blood tests and diagnostic imaging
- signs and symptoms
- family history
- age and lifestyle
- a genetic test result that has been volunteered with written consent to be used and does not disadvantage you (for example, to prove you have not inherited a genetic variant that runs in your family)
- other relevant information about an individuals’ life insurance risk.
Where to find more information
Fact sheet
Read the fact sheet for detailed information about:
- what is changing
- why these changes are being made
- information life insurers can and cannot use
- practical examples
- complaints and support options
- frequently asked questions.
Stakeholder kit
Use the stakeholder kit to support discussions and communications about the changes.
The stakeholder kit contains practical information and resources for health professionals, advocacy groups and industry stakeholders.
Download the stakeholder kit below: