The most common genetic test by local life insurers is for hereditary haemochromatosis (HH), an inherited disorder in which iron accumulates in the blood.

The Investment and Financial Services Association’s (IFSA) report for the six months to the end of May show that HH represented 73% of tests.

The total number of genetic tests considered by underwriters rose from 117 for the 12 months to the end of May 2002 to 235 for the corresponding 2004 period. However, IFSA says the increase was exaggerated by a backlog of tests.

The reason for the increase in the test in recent years is that the C282Y mutation of the HFE gene for the disease has been included in the Medicare Schedule from November 1998.

Just over 141,000 tests have been performed between November 1998 and April 2004.

The IFSA Genetic Testing Policy requires life insurers not to request an applicant to undergo a genetic test and not to use information from one family member to underwrite another family member.