Article excerpt:

INSURER NIB has defended a program in which policy holders will be genetically tested to reveal the likelihood of them getting preventable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

NIB chief executive Mark Fitzgibbon said offering customers cut-price DNA tests meant they'll be more likely to increase their "health behaviour". Helping policy holders stay fit makes sense "for obvious commercial reasons", he told ABC TV.

... "I believe with all my heart that in 10 years every general practitioner in the country will have this type of information at their disposal to assist them in making better decisions."

Critics said the tests, to be conducted by US company Navigenics, could lead to increased premiums or insurers refusing cover altogether for those more predisposed to disease.

They were also worried GPs weren't involved in the process.

... Mr Fitzgibbon admitted other forms of cover, including life insurance, could be affected.

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