As a health insurance broker, we’re always excited to share the latest advancements in healthcare that can benefit you and your loved ones. One such development comes from Bupa, which has become the first major private healthcare provider in the UK to pilot whole genome sequencing for selected customers.
But what is genome sequencing? Simply put, it’s a powerful technology that analyses your entire genetic code—the instructions that make you, you. By examining your genome, healthcare providers can determine your risk for developing certain diseases based on your unique genetic makeup.
Bupa’s new initiative, My Genomic Health, is a two-year programme offering whole genome sequencing to more than 3,500 customers. This programme provides participants with insights into their genetic risk profile for over 36 conditions, including heart disease, metabolic diseases, and 10 types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, skin, and bowel cancer. The goal is simple: to detect and treat these conditions earlier or prevent them altogether. There is obviously room here for Bupa to use this information to calculate their own risk and exposure to claims related to these expensive to treat conditions. You will be pleased to hear that Bupa are following ABI’s code on genetic testing.
If you’re found to be at higher genetic risk, Bupa will offer personalised recommendations and tailor-made health plans to help prevent illnesses or ensure early detection. Over 300 genes and nine polygenic risk scores (PRS) will be analysed, providing you with insights into how your genetics might affect how you respond to medications (pharmacogenomics) and your carrier gene status.
What makes this programme unique is the wraparound care Bupa provides. You’ll have access to genetic counselling, and, if needed, can be referred to Bupa’s GP or specialist services. Importantly, the test focuses only on genes where preventative actions can be taken, ensuring that your results are actionable.
Conditions that Bupa’s genomic testing can assess include:
- Colorectal cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Cardiomyopathy
- Type 2 diabetes, and more.
Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO for Bupa Global, India, and UK, sees this as a “pivotal shift” in healthcare. Rather than waiting for illness to occur, genomic testing enables a proactive approach—using personal genetic data to help you stay healthier for longer through tailored interventions.
Bupa’s programme also extends to post-diagnosis support. For example, if a customer has colorectal or bladder cancer, the Signatera test can predict whether the cancer is likely to return, and whether chemotherapy is required. Other tests, like Digistain and Galeas, offer further insights into cancer recurrence risks and diagnosis.
Looking forward, Bupa will soon offer Health Insights Polygenic Risk Scoring (PRS) as an optional add-on for its health assessments, targeting breast cancer, prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes. With this in-depth report, customers will be able to have informed discussions with their GP about their health risks and take steps to maintain better health.
For most health insurance members, having a greater level of insight into their own health and future wellbeing, will no doubt be attractive.
Bupa’s integration of genomics into healthcare is a major leap forward in personalised medicine. As your broker, we’re here to guide you through the options and help you understand how advancements like these can be incorporated into your health plan for a proactive approach to your wellbeing.
It will be interesting to see how quickly other insurers lean into this technology, Vitality for example have historically incentivised an active lifestyle to reduce and manage risk. Let’s see.
