Genetics and Insurance: What have we Learned So Far?

Genetics and insurance is an area unusually exposed to rapid scientific advance, close public and political scrutiny, and popular myth. It may be leading the way towards evidence-based underwriting. This survey paper describes some of the experience gained since actuarial involvement began in the mid-1990s, particularly the vital link with genetic epidemiology. We survey the relevant aims and outputs of genetic epidemiology, mainly relating to single-gene disorders, and the use of genetic epidemiology in actuarial models. The part that actuarial models might play in evidence-based approaches to underwriting and policy-making is discussed.