New laws will mean Australians seeking genetic testing will no longer be discriminated against by life insurers.

New laws will mean Australians seeking genetic testing will no longer be discriminated by life insurers.

The changes passed parliament today - it will ban life insurers from hiking premiums, imposing unfair conditions or refusing cover if individuals and families undertake preventative and diagnostic genetic testing. 

The Disability Discrimination Commissioner Rosemary Kayess says its a step forward for equality, dignity and public health.

She says the changes will also provide legal rights and pathways for re-dress for those who experience genetic discrimination by insurers

The Australian Human Rights Commission says it follows years of community advocacy and research which showed fear of discrimination was deterring some people from undertaking certain genetic testing