A Landmark Win: Australian Government Banning Genetic Discrimination in Life Insurance

Today, the Australian government made a landmark decision to ban life insurers from using genetic test results to deny or increase coverage premiums. This pivotal change paves the way for a more equitable healthcare system, enabling individuals to access genetic testing without fear of financial repercussions.

As a leading provider of at-home genetic testing and personalised genetic counselling, Eugene fully supports this decision, which aligns with its mission of empowering people to make informed health decisions confidently.

Kunal Kalro, CEO and Co-founder of Eugene, shares his thoughts on the decision:

“Today’s announcement is a major step forward in creating a healthcare environment where individuals can access genetic testing without concern.

We see this as an opportunity for all stakeholders—including patients, healthcare providers, and insurers—to work together to foster trust and encourage proactive, preventive care.

This decision empowers more people to take control of their health confidently.”

For years, concerns about discrimination when applying for life insurance have prevented many from seeking genetic testing, which has the power to change lives by providing critical health information. With this ruling, people can now explore their genetic health without worrying about life insurance implications. This decision reinforces that our genetic information should not be used against us—it should be a tool for empowerment, giving us the power to plan, act, and protect our futures.

Zoë Milgrom, Chief Clinical Officer and Co-founder of Eugene, reflects on the change:

“For many, genetic testing is life-changing. This ruling removes a key barrier, allowing people to explore their genetic health without fear of financial repercussions.

At Eugene, we’ve always focused on patient empowerment—providing personalized care and guiding patients toward proactive health decisions.

This decision gives people the confidence to access the insights they need to make informed choices without worrying about insurance implications.”

The government’s support for this ban also acknowledges that removing this barrier will not only encourage more people to participate in genetic testing but also promote vital genetic research. Studies, such as the A-GLIMMER study from Monash University, have demonstrated that removing the fear of being denied cover or higher costs of cover will likely contribute to significant healthcare savings by encouraging preventative care and early interventions.

Eugene has been at the forefront of providing accessible, high-quality genetic testing paired with personalized counselling, ensuring patients understand and can confidently act on their results. With over 20,000 individuals screened, Eugene is leading the way in integrating genetics into everyday healthcare, empowering patients and providers alike.

This ruling will reinforce the role of genetic testing as a cornerstone of preventive healthcare, encouraging collaboration between patients, providers, and insurers to create a healthier, more informed future. Eugene remains committed to providing trusted genetic insights, now with the added reassurance of no financial repercussions for those seeking life insurance cover.

“I am so proud to be working with our team at Eugene to ensure that our community has access to the genetic counselling support they need to make informed and empowered healthcare choices that align with personal values and beliefs.”

– Zoë Milgrom, Chief Clinical Officer and Co-founder of Eugene

For more information on Eugene’s reproductive and preventative genetic tests, click here. Or, to schedule an interview to discuss this update in the genomics landscape with Kunal Kalro or Zoë Milgrom, contact us.

Read the official Australian Government press release on the total ban on the use of adverse genetic testing results by life insurers here.