Interest in genetic testing is increasing as more people look to predict whether they are predisposed to inherit a serious disease from a parent or grandparent. Each year thousands of people in the UK take these tests, which can detect if you carry the genes associated with cancer, cystic fibrosis or Alzheimer’s disease.

Taking a genetic test can have positive medical benefits. Depending on the results, you could, for example, change your lifestyle to minimise your chances of contracting a particular disease. But if you later decide to take out some form of insurance such as life cover, taking a genetic test could make it more difficult to secure cover. Insurers are concerned about adverse selection – people who know they are at high risk taking out policies while concealing their true condition.