The Council of Europe calls upon the Governments of its Member States to ensure non-discrimination, including on grounds of genetic characteristics, and the protection of private life in the framework of insurance contracts covering risks related to health, age or death.

“People’s health and genetic data are highly sensitive and must be properly protected. Governments have duty to ensure nobody is discriminated on the grounds of his or her genetic characteristics. Genetic tests for insurance purposes should therefore be banned,” said Secretary General Jagland. “Our recommendations show the way how to better protect the rights of insured people in an increasingly international market,” he added.

The new Recommendation adopted today sets out essential principles aimed at protecting the rights of persons whose personal data are processed for insurance purposes. It takes into account insurance companies’ legitimate interest in assessing the level of risk presented by the insured person. The recommended measures include strict safeguards for the collection and processing of health-related personal data, based on the insured person’s consent, as well as the prohibition of requiring genetic tests for insurance purposes. (more...)

Interview with Mark Bale, Chair of the Council of Europe Committee on Bioethics

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