German insurers refrain from gene tests

The German Insurance Association (Gesamtverband der Deutschen Versicherungswirtschaft, GDV) last week decided to adopt a five-year voluntary moratorium on the use of genetic tests. German insurers will not ask potential new customers to undertake genetic tests until the end of 2006. In addition, they will not ask applicants to disclose results of genetic tests already performed, provided the life insurance sum does not exceed E250,000 ($225,725) or, in the case of occupational disability or annuity insurance, exceed an annuity of E30,000 per year. ...