Commission invites public comment on the review of guidelines for insurance

The Human Rights Commission has begun a review of its guidelines on insurance and the Human Rights Act 1993.

The guidelines were first published in 1997 to assist insurers to comply with the anti-discrimination provisions of the Law on Human Rights and the review is now appropriate.

A draft discussion paper is being developed and will be available for public comment in late June. Members of the public are invited to provide information about the experiences they have had in seeking insurance.


The Committee will also work with the insurance industry during the discussion and respond to questions raised in the discussion paper.


Key issues will include:

* The difference between legal and illegal discrimination;
* What is meant by reasonable statistical or actuarial data, advice or opinions;
* What medical advice or opinion justifies different terms and conditions;
* When exclusions or pre-existing conditions amounting to denial of insurance;
* Provide mental disability;
* The options for treating genetic discrimination, including the implications of an approach based on human rights in the formulation of policies and legislation.

A new set of guidelines will be developed after completion of the consultation on the draft discussion document.


Comments or suggestions can be made by contacting the Commission on Infoline (free) 0800 496877, TTY access number 0800 150111 or email infoline@hrc.co.nz.

Click here to see which media.