THE ESSENTIALS
Before you start
- An insurer cannot require a genetic test as a condition of joining.
- Existing genetic-test results also receive legal protection.
- Genetic protection does not make every health question prohibited.
The restriction covers existing tests too
The provision addresses both requesting a test and using information from previous tests. It also covers genetic information arising from the collection and recording of family history. Voluntarily taking a test for another purpose does not remove this protection.
Consult the legal reference in the sources. The rule explained here is neither a medical interpretation of a result nor a promise that any insurance application will be accepted.
Sources: Diário da República — Law 12/2005, Article 12, consolidated text checked 29 October 2026 ↗
Separate three situations before answering
Imagine questions about a current diagnosis, a routine analysis and a genetic result. Do not automatically classify all three in the same way. If you do not understand the request, ask the insurer to explain precisely what it seeks and why.
This distinction is not advice to leave an entire questionnaire blank. This article concerns genetic information; other duties, rights and application limits require their own consideration.
Clarify the request without exposing results
Fictional example: Luís previously had a genetic test for a family reason. While preparing insurance he sees a general instruction to attach examinations. Rather than uploading his entire archive, he asks what the instruction covers and raises the Article 12 question without posting the result publicly.
Keep the request and the insurer's answer. An administrative question about a form does not require posting relatives' names, reports or health information in comments.
Prepare a useful health insurance comparison
Once the form is clarified, compare actual needs: who to include, the care you want considered, provider-network use and expenses you wish to examine. A data-protection question does not replace a review of cover, limits and exclusions.
You can begin a health insurance quote enquiry with RMACHADO and say that you need clarification of the application process. Use the appropriate channel subsequently specified for sensitive documents. If a data request remains unclear, ask for its written basis before treating it as an ordinary requirement.
KEEP THESE QUESTIONS
Your checklist for the next conversation
- Identify whether the request concerns genetic information.
- Separate a new test from an existing result.
- Clarify general document-upload instructions.
- Keep personal and relatives' data out of public comments.
- Compare policy terms separately from the data question.
FROM THE ARTICLE TO YOUR SITUATION
Let us discuss your situation
Tell us what you want to protect. We review your request and help compare relevant terms. Requesting a quotation does not activate insurance.
Sources and transparency
Content updated on .
Consultation dates are stated in individual references when available.
Numerical examples are fictional and explain concepts. Editorial interpretations are identified in the text.
Information from RMACHADO GROUP. This is not an insurance offer or individual advice. Covers, acceptance, exclusions, sums insured and costs depend on the policy. The intermediary does not underwrite the risks.