APPENDIX 5
Memorandum submitted by Zurich Financial
Services
Zurich Financial Services is one of the world's
leading providers of insurance and financial services and its
UK Life businesses currently provide life assurance, pensions
and investments solutions through the Zurich Life, Allied Dunbar
and Eagle Star brands in the UK. We welcome the opportunity to
have input and views on important industry matters.
We have been closely following the developments
on genetics for some time. I would like to answer your questions
in the order asked in your letter:
(1) Our policy is to follow the ABI Code
of Practice for all aspects of the use of genetic test results.
In particular, we do not ask for a genetic test to be carried
out and we only use previous genetic test results where the Code
permits.
(2) Again our policy is to follow the ABI
Code of Practice. We recognise the importance of seeking and obtaining
the best advice possible for applications involving genetic test
results. We are aware that the GAIC and the ABI are currently
assessing their reliability and suitability for the insurance
industry to continue to use. Therefore, any application which
has any mention of a genetic test or referral to a Geneticist
are referred initially to our Nominated Genetics Underwriter.
He will then obtain the advice of our Consultant Medical Officers,
our own Geneticist, our reassurance company and if necessary,
the ABI's Geneticist, Professor Sandy Raeburn, before making a
final decision.
(3) We currently only use those genetic
test results agreed within the ABI Code of Practice in assessing
risk. In the future, we would only anticipate using other genetic
test results as and when agreed by the GAIC and the ABI. We do
not currently anticipate using genetic test results for diseases
which are not single gene defects or where there are non-genetic
influences. In these cases we would continue to use the client's
own medical history and family history as we do now.
(4) We feel that the current regulatory
system has been very effective. We provided input to the ABI in
the formation of the original Code and follow it closely. We also
feel that the current regulatory system helps promote the ongoing
dialogue between all interested parties including geneticists
and insurers. We feel that this is continuing to form an approach
to genetic testing which benefits everybody.
The regulatory approach is robust and given
the level of interest from the media, genetic interest groups
and the public, we continue to treat the whole subject with the
greatest of respect and sensitivity. We have a particular interest
in understanding the reliability of genetic test results and are
currently contributing to the research being carried out by Professor
Angus McDonald.
19 January 2001
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