Code on Genetic Testing and Insurance annual report 2024: government summary
Published 29 January 2025
© Crown copyright 2025
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The Code on Genetic Testing and Insurance (the code) was first published in 2018 by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Association of British Insurers (ABI). The code is an agreement between the government and ABI.
The code reassures members of the public about how and whether genetic testing could affect their access to life, critical illness and income protection insurance products in the UK.
Annual report 2024 findings
The 2024 report finds that:
- since the last report, 7,453 genetic tests, including predictive and diagnostic tests, were reported to insurance companies that are signed up to the code
- in 2023:
- 93% of life insurance policies fell below the financial limit of £500,000
- 86% of income protection policies fell within the limit of £30,000 (per year)
- 99% of critical illness policies and 95% of accelerated critical illness policies fell under the limit of £300,000
- there were only 3 complaints to insurance providers about the use of a genetic test, and all 3 were resolved between the customer and insurance provider
- the government and ABI are now involved in preparations ahead of the 2025 triennial review of the code, where results from the 2023 call for evidence and views of stakeholders will be used to review the code and ensure it is fit for purpose
Triennial review 2025
Ahead of the 2025 triennial review of the code, DHSC is currently compiling findings from the July 2023 Call for evidence on the Code on Genetic Testing and Insurance, consulting with stakeholders and assessing relevant advances in genomics and genetic testing that may impact the code.
The triennial review will include a summary review of developments in the genomics and genetic testing landscape that could be of relevance to the code.