Private Genetic Testing FAQ

What types of genetic testing are there?

There are different types of genetic testing. Germline genetic testing, which looks for inherited changes in key genes. Somatic or tumour testing is also available, which looks for DNA changes in cancer cells and is used to guide cancer treatment.

How do I find a reputable provider?

Look for a service that involves a qualified genetic counsellor or clinical geneticist, and a laboratory that is accredited in Australia (NATA accreditation). You can search the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) Register of Genetic Counsellors and its Directory of Clinical Genetics Services to find registered professionals near you https://hgsa.org.au/Web/Web/HP-Resources/Clinical-genetics-services-by-state/Clinical-Genetic-Services.aspx 

The HGSA believes that genetic counselling should be conducted by appropriately trained and regulated professionals and maintains a Register of Genetic Counsellors who are regulated by the HGSA Board of Censors for Genetic Counselling. 

Pankind have curated a list of providers extracted from the HGSA website:

This list is drawn from the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) directory of private clinical genetics services, filtered to providers who appear to offer testing and counselling for adult hereditary cancer risk. The HGSA directory lists contact details only, not each clinic's specific focus, so scope has been inferred from each provider's name and clinical focus rather than confirmed directly. Please check with the provider that they can support your specific situation before booking.

This is a non-peer-reviewed, professional directory, and Pankind does not endorse individual providers. Some providers may also offer telehealth appointments regardless of their listed location - ask when you get in touch.

Source: Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA), Clinical genetics services (Private), hgsa.org.au. Last reviewed 21 July 2026.

Can my GP order the genetic test?

GPs do not usually order cancer genetic testing directly, because there are many test options and the results need specialist interpretation. Your GP can refer you to a private genetics clinic or genetic counsellor, who will arrange the appropriate test.

What is "medical-grade" genetic testing?

This is testing ordered through a doctor or genetic counsellor and analysed in an accredited clinical laboratory. It looks at the genes that matter for your situation, the results are interpreted for you, and they can be used to guide your medical care and inform your family.

Is that the same as a direct-to-consumer test?

No. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) tests are bought online without a clinician, often as ancestry or wellness kits. They differ from clinical testing in important ways:

• They often screen only a limited set of gene changes, so a "low risk" or "negative" result can miss a variant that clinical testing would find.

• They are not diagnostic, and any result relevant to your health should be confirmed with an accredited clinical test.

• They may not include genetic counselling, so there is no one to help you understand what the result means.

• Laboratory quality, privacy, and how your data is stored or shared can vary.

If your goal is to understand your inherited cancer risk and act on it, medical-grade clinical testing is the reliable option. 

How much does private testing cost? 

If you choose private testing, you pay for it yourself. Costs vary between clinics, but you can generally expect to pay somewhere between $500 and $1,000 once the test and the genetic counselling appointment are included. Larger gene panels cost more, and some clinics charge the consultation separately, so ask the provider for a full quote before you start.

How long does it take? 

Wait times vary between providers. In the private system you can often be seen sooner than in the public system, sometimes within days to a couple of weeks. Once testing is arranged, the laboratory result itself usually still takes a few weeks. Your provider can give you a clearer timeframe.

Will genetic testing affect my life insurance?

In Australia, the rules have recently changed in favour of patients. In April 2026 the government passed a law that bans life insurers from using your genetic test results when you apply for cover. The ban is total, meaning it applies no matter how much cover you are seeking. It starts on 8 October 2026 and is backed by penalties for insurers who break it.

A few things worth knowing:

• The ban covers genetic test results only. Life insurers can still ask about your personal health and your family history of disease, as they always have.

• You can still choose to share a favourable result if you want to. The ban stops insurers from requiring or using your results against you; it does not stop you volunteering them.

• Before the ban starts, an industry agreement (in place since 2019) already limits how insurers can use genetic results below certain cover amounts.

• This applies to life insurance products and does not affect private health insurance or Medicare. 

Is genetic testing appropriate for children?

Generally, no. Pancreatic cancer risk is generally only assessed in adulthood. The Human Genetics Society of Australasia (https://www.hgsa.org.au/)  recommends postponing this kind of testing until a young person is old enough to decide for themselves. Parents can still talk with children about family health history and a genetic counsellor can help guide these conversations. 

Other things to think about before testing

• Your family's views, and whether you've discussed testing with them.

• Your readiness for an unexpected or uncertain result.

• Whether there are risks you would rather not know about.

This is general information, not financial or insurance advice.

Life insurance content is current as at July 2026; the total ban commences 8 October 2026.