The Alzheimer's Society has claimed that many of the UK's top insurance companies are misleading customers into providing genetic test results, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph newspaper. The Society carried out a survey that revealed that eight out of nine insurance firms are breaking their own industry code, which states that customers must not be asked about genetic tests when applying for life insurance on mortgages of up to £100,000.
Most insurers ask their customers to provide details of all medical tests. But of the nine companies in the survey, only Allied Dunbar made it clear that the results of genetic tests do not have to be disclosed. 'The ABI (Association of British Insurers) is allowing its members to collect genetic information on genetic tests which they neither need nor are able to use' said Harry Cayton, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society.
A spokesman for the ABI said that he was keen to discuss the matter, and to see if the code needed reinforcing.
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Insurers accused of breaking code on genetic test results
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