The Future of Insurance and Genomic Underwriting and Claims
Jade Baggs, Health Claims and Health Claims Cost Containment Lead, AXA Group
For insurers to become world leaders in their field they must embrace advances in medicine and technology, including the current revolutionin genetic testing and personalised medicine. This should not be seen as an emerging risk, but an opportunity. Since the completion of the Human Genome Project (HGP)the process of DNA and whole-genome sequencing has become quick, cheap, and effective. DNA sequencing can not only tell an individual if they are at risk of developing certain cancers but help tailor specific treatments to match the genetic makeup of the individual1 . As insurers we have the possibility to not only provide insurance coverage to a wider market of previously uninsurable customers but also to empower our customers with the knowledge required to live healthier lives. DNA testing will help insurers to support advances in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and in the longer term, to support the cure of diseases which are today seen to be untreatable.