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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.
Pink Hope's grant program provides access to proactive cancer genetic testing.
Exciting news! Pink Hope, in partnership with SHEIN, is proud to provide more access to proactive and preventative care through their genetic testing grant program. Eugene is honoured to be a part of this new and incredible initiative supporting 50 individuals on their lifetime cancer risk journeys. Genetic testing has become an essential tool for many individuals and families to understand their risk of certain heritable diseases, including various types of cancer. However, not everyone has easy access to these tests, especially those who do not qualify for publicly funded genetic testing or face long wait times to access it. To address this issue, Pink Hope, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing support and information to those at risk of breast and ovarian cancer, has partnered with Eugene to provide end-to-end care for all people to enable them to make proactive choices about their health. Together with sponsorship from SHEIN, Pink Hope's grant program provides 50 people with free genetic testing and counselling for an expanded gene panel that includes a total of 65 genes that are known to increase the risk of the most common heritable cancers, including breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer. By expanding the gene panel beyond the common genetic causes of these cancers, individuals who may have a family history of other types of cancer can also benefit from this program. Working with an internationally accredited laboratory, Eugene ensures that individuals who receive testing through this grant program receive a medical-grade test (which is non-invasive) and genetic counselling support to make informed decisions. The value of Eugene's Proactive Cancer Risk Test is $795AUD, which is Australia and New Zealand’s most accessible end-to-end test in the market. While Pink Hope and we at Eugene wish we could help everyone who needs proactive cancer genetic testing, they have a limited number of places in the grant program. However, we are committed to working with as many individuals as possible to help them access the care that is most appropriate for them. It is important to note that this grant program is designed to give access to genetic screening for those who are not eligible for Medicare-funded testing. Those who are not able to access testing through this program can purchase the test here with pay-later options available. If you are interested in applying for Pink Hope's grant program to receive free genetic testing and counselling, you can apply online through their website. This opportunity is open to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria and is not eligible for Medicare-funded testing who fits into the eligibility criteria: Participants will be over the age of 18 years and be able to make an informed decision Participants can live anywhere in Australia and New Zealand - if interpreters are required Pink Hope can facilitate this. Participants will have a family history of cancer Your expression of interest will be assessed based on how you meet the above criteria and the appropriateness of this test for your particular situation or history.* If you have a current cancer diagnosis or already have a gene variant in the family, there is likely a more appropriate genetic test available, such as diagnostic or predictive genetic testing, which may be funded by Medicare. You are likely eligible for Medicare-funded testing; please reach out to Pink Hope, who can help navigate your care options and pathways to these. Pink Hope's grant program, with the support of SHEIN, is an important step towards making genetic testing more accessible and affordable for those who may not otherwise have access to this healthcare service. Eugene invites all those who qualify for the grant program to apply and take advantage of this opportunity.
