Federal exemptions from disability discrimination laws allow insurers to manage risks appropriately, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has told an Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) inquiry.

The council says the Australian Human Rights Commission received only 15 complaints about general or life insurance in 2012/13.

However, ICA supports a review of the rights commission’s disability guidance, because it may need updating after being written in 2005.

It says a review could address concerns in some quarters that there is insufficient justification for insurers’ decisions.

The ALRC is considering insurance as part of an inquiry into the ways Commonwealth laws or legal frameworks may affect disabled people.

It may consider insurers’ ability to discriminate in providing life and income protection cover and travel insurance.