The code on genetic testing and insurance is an agreement outlining that insurers can’t use predictive genetic test information when assessing someone’s insurance application except in a small minority of circumstances. The code was originally published in 2018 and the latest review has been published in December 2022. There are plans to further review and update the Code during 2023.

All members of the Association of British Insurers (ABI) are signed up to the Code, and insurance companies who are not members can also sign up.

The Code commits insurance companies to:

• treat applicants fairly and not require or pressure any applicant to undertake a predictive or diagnostic genetic test
• not ask for, or take into account the result of a predictive genetic test, except when the life insurance is over £500,000 and the applicant has had a predictive genetic test for Huntington’s Disease
• not ask for, or take into account, the result of any predictive genetic test obtained through scientific research

The Department of Health and Social Care have published a guide for consumers.

You can read the full Code, in detail, here.