People Avoid Taking Genetic Disease Tests Due To Info Shared With Insurers

Concerns have been raised in parliament that people in Malta are holding back from taking genetic tests that identify a predisposition to certain illnesses because the results may be shared with insurance companies and affect their ability to obtain cover.

Labour MP Amanda Spiteri Grech warned that this fear is discouraging individuals from seeking information that could help them manage their health proactively.

Speaking in the House, Spiteri Grech argued that genetic information should remain the personal property of the individual who takes the test.

She criticised the current situation in which results from tests carried out at Mater Dei Hospital can be shared with insurers, unlike tests conducted in private clinics, which remain confidential.

She stressed that a genetic predisposition does not mean a person will develop a disease, but awareness allows people to take preventative measures and make informed lifestyle choices.

The MP pointed to international examples, noting that countries such as the United States prohibit employers and insurers from using genetic data, while Canada and the United Kingdom have specific legal frameworks protecting individuals from genetic discrimination.

She said Malta should follow suit and introduce similar safeguards to ensure people are not penalised for seeking medical knowledge.

Spiteri Grech also highlighted the difficulties faced by workers in high risk roles, such as rescuers, who encounter higher insurance premiums when applying for loans.

She described this as unfair, adding that the government is working on a compensation scheme to address the issue. No one, she said, should be disadvantaged for serving the country.

#MaltaDaily