Key Amendments to the Moratorium on Genetic Testing and Insurance
9 September 2025 | Genetic Testing & Insurance | MOH Cir 57/2025
Summary
1. Purpose - Key Amendments to Genetic Testing Moratorium
MOH announces key amendments to the Moratorium on Genetic Testing and Insurance, which restricts insurers' ability to require or use genetic test results in underwriting and premium decisions. Amendments clarify scope and application.
2. Moratorium Principles
- Scope: Applies to all forms of insurance (health, life, disability, long-term care)
- Prohibition: Insurers cannot require applicants to undergo genetic testing for underwriting
- Existing Tests: Results of previously conducted genetic tests cannot be used for new insurance underwriting
- Exceptions: Limited exceptions for specific medical underwriting in life insurance (specified conditions only)
- Confidentiality: Genetic information protected; disclosure only with explicit informed consent
3. Key Amendments
- Clarifies definition of "genetic testing" to include carrier status screening
- Specifies exceptions for familial conditions with established insurance protocols
- Updates procedures for handling genetic information discovered during routine testing
- Extends protections to genetic counseling records
- Defines reasonable accommodations for applicants with genetic predispositions
4. Obligations for Healthcare Professionals
- Inform patients genetic testing results cannot be mandated by insurers
- Do not disclose genetic information to insurers without explicit consent
- Document patient consent for any genetic information sharing
- Maintain genetic testing records confidentially
- Advise patients on implications of genetic testing for insurance
5. Compliance & Enforcement
Insurers found in violation face regulatory sanctions. Healthcare professionals must ensure patient rights are protected in genetic testing contexts.
Action Items: Review genetic testing consent procedures; train staff on patient rights; ensure confidentiality protocols; update privacy notices.
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𝟭. 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 - 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘂𝗺
MOH announces key amendments to the Moratorium on Genetic Testing and Insurance, which restricts insurers' ability to require or use genetic test results in underwriting and premium decisions. Amendments clarify scope and application.
𝟮. 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀
• Scope: Applies to all forms of insurance (health, life, disability, long-term care) • Prohibition: Insurers cannot require applicants to undergo genetic testing for underwriting • Existing Tests: Results of previously conducted genetic tests cannot be used for new insurance underwriting • Exceptions: Limited exceptions for specific medical underwriting in life insurance (specified conditions only)...
𝟯. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀
• Clarifies definition of "genetic testing" to include carrier status screening • Specifies exceptions for familial conditions with established insurance protocols • Updates procedures for handling genetic information discovered during routine testing • Extends protections to genetic counseling records • Defines reasonable accommodations for applicants with genetic predispositions
𝟰. 𝗢𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀
• Inform patients genetic testing results cannot be mandated by insurers • Do not disclose genetic information to insurers without explicit consent • Document patient consent for any genetic information sharing • Maintain genetic testing records confidentially • Advise patients on implications of genetic testing for insurance
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Circular
Annexes