Is It Desirable that I Must Disclose My Genetic Data to Swiss Private Medical Insurances?

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Abstract

Genetic testing has far-reaching consequences, not only in terms of immediate patient management and the wider implications for the patient and their families, but also with respect to disclosure to insurance companies. The focus of this review is the controversial but important topic of the use of genetic data in private medical insurance. We discuss the current legal regulation of genetic data in the context of Swiss insurance, what type(s) of information is relevant to insurance companies, and why 'genetic exceptionalism' (the notion that genetic data has special status) persists. Furthermore, we discuss the sensitive area of handling genetic data from children. The consequences of legal regulation of disclosure of genetic information are considered, particularly from the economic perspective. Finally, we examine how legal conditions correspond to current insurance practice and contrast the Swiss system with the handling of genetic data in other countries in the context of private insurance. Switzerland has adopted fairly 'laissez-faire' regulations compared to other countries, and the public need education on the potential effects of genetic testing on their insurance, especially with respect to direct-to-consumer genetic testing, where there is no consultation from a qualified doctor, or when minors are involved.