The Association of British Insurers says people will not have to take genetic tests, which can reveal weakness to diseases, when applying for insurance cover.

But existing test results should be given to insurance companies when they ask a relevant question, says the ABI.

The directive is included in the ABI's code of practice, published on Wednesday, on how insurance companies use and handle genetic test information.

Tests can show that an individual has inherited a predisposition to certain diseases.

Insurance companies want to use the information to decide who to insure and how much to charge them.

The code will apply to all types of insurance - life, permanent health, critical illness, long-term care and medical expenses. It will be reviewed at least once a year.

The chairman of the ABI's genetics committee, Peter Jacobs, said: "People will not be required to take genetic tests. But where they do pass a genetic test result to an insurance company, it will treat both the applicant and the information in a sensitive and proper manner."

Both insurance companies and other organisations with an interest in genetics considered the code.

The ABI also submitted its proposals to the scrutiny of a "citizens' jury", organised by the Institute for Public Policy Research.

But Government advisers say not enough is known about the science of genetics.

The Human Genetics Advisory Council wants a delay of two years before requests for genetic information are made.
 

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