Bupa rolls out pharmacogenomic testing as government moves on long-stalled ban on genetic discrimination

Bupa has stepped into the pharmacogenomics space, becoming the second health insurer to provide free testing kits that reveal how a person’s genetics may influence their response to more than 100 medicines.

But while industry momentum builds, policy has lagged. Medibank was the first Australian health insurer to cover pharmacogenomic testing for Extras customers, a move that immediately raised red flags about the government’s failure to ban genetic discrimination in life insurance – an especially glaring gap given Medibank’s own life insurance products.

After years of delay, that gap may finally close. The government yesterday released a draft bill to deliver its long-promised ban on genetic discrimination in life insurance. Despite bipartisan backing and a joint submission from over 100 community organisations before the last election, the legislation has been mired in inertia until now.

“This is a really momentous step in what has been a very long process! Enormous thanks to Dr Daniel Mulino [Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services] for prioritising this legislation, and to Stephen Jones [Former Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services] for all the work he did in the previous term to lay the groundwork, and to the Opposition and cross bench for their multi-partisan support of this critical reform.

“I’ll need a few days to consider it in detail, but on a brief initial review it’s a very positive piece of work,” said Dr Jane Tiller, lawyer, public health researcher and fierce advocate for this legislation.

For Bupa, the life insurance controversy is not directly in play as it does not sell life insurance. Instead, the company is focused on cementing its role as a healthcare provider, with plans to run 130 medical centres nationwide and new investments across GP, allied health, and pathology services in metropolitan and regional areas.

Bupa is partnering with myDNA to deliver pharmacogenomic testing through its Blua digital health platform and Bupa Medical Centres. The broader public will also be able to access the tests through Blua at a discounted rate. The company has stressed that undergoing testing will not impact health insurance premiums and results will remain confidential from its insurance arm.

The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) has developed a list of pharmacogenomic indications, categorising drugs into ‘recommended’, ‘consider’, and ‘no consensus’, based on where PGx testing is most clinically beneficial.

Dr Simon Benson, Bupa’s Clinical Innovation and Genomics Director, said pharmacogenomic testing could finally help move prescribing beyond guesswork.

“Currently, medications are prescribed without knowing how an individual’s genetic makeup may impact their response to the medication. Sometimes finding the right medication can require some trial-and-error. Pharmacogenomic testing can help inform medication choices, reduce side effects, and limit unnecessary healthcare cost,” Dr Benson said.

The test itself is simple: customers order an at-home cheek swab kit via Blua, with results sent to their nominated GP. Free kits are available if ordered by November 30, with samples returned by December 31. GP appointments remain at the patient’s expense.

“Finding the right medication and reducing side effects with guidance from healthcare professionals can potentially help increase patient adherence to treatment plans and contribute to improved health outcomes,” added Dr Benson.

myDNA co-founder Allan Sheffield commented, “We firmly believe that pharmacogenomics testing should be a standard part of care for all Australians, which could help doctors provide more effective, personalised health outcomes,” he said.

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