The New Zealand government has updated legislation to give it power to stop genetic testing discrimination by life insurers.

“Genetic testing is a valuable, emerging technology that can unlock significant health and productivity benefits,” Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly said.

“However, there are international examples of insurers limiting cover, or increasing premiums, due to genetic testing results.”

He says the law changes mean the government can, if needed in future, regulate the use of genetic testing results by insurers.

“This change brings New Zealand closer in step with our partners,” he said.

“Canada has laws stopping insurers from seeing genetic test information, and recently Australia announced it will ban life insurers from using genetic test results.”