Genetic information and life insurance: a 'real' risk?

Public concern about genetic discrimination, particularly access to insurance following genetic testing, has been reported in the literature. This paper aims to separate myths from realities regarding genetic discrimination in life insurance and to underline the positive aspects of allowing insurers access to relevant genetic information for underwriting purposes. We present a review of the literature pertinent to discrimination in life insurance and a comparative analysis of industries guidelines. There are few reported cases in the literature of validated genetic discrimination. However, the benefits to be gained by allowing insurers access to relevant genetic data could justify fostering a more active role in the use of genetic information by insurance companies.