The Federal Government’s genetic testing reforms take effect on 8 October 2026. From that date, insurers can no longer ask applicants about genetic tests or use genetic test information when assessing life insurance applications.

What do advisers need to do? 

If you have any quotes or applications in progress in the Archived Portal on the NEOS Platform, these include genetic test questions and must be submitted or booked for a tele-interview before 8 October 2026.

Any Archived Portal quotes or applications created before 14 August 2026 that have not been submitted or booked for a tele-interview will expire on 8 October 2026.

Quotes and applications created and visible on the new NEOS Platform will not expire on 8 October 2026.

What happens from 8 October? 

For applications created before 14 August 2026 that have been submitted or are awaiting a tele-interview:

  • The genetic test question will not be asked during a tele-interview or in any applications created on the new NEOS Platform.
  • The unanswered question asking if the applicant has ever had a genetic test will be automatically recorded as “No” in the Application Summary.
  • An explanatory note will be included in the Application Summary confirming that genetic test information was not requested or used in assessing the application.
  • Where an underwriting decision has not yet been made, underwriters will ignore any genetic test information provided before 8 October 2026.

How to find quotes and applications in the Archived Portal

Simply click on the Archived Portal menu item in the NEOS Platform.

You can then refer to recent activity or search for your quote or application by name or reference number.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact your dedicated NEOS underwriter, Adviser Services or your BDM.