ECJ ruling: Gender-based underwriting banned from Dec 2012

All areas of insurance will be affected, with women facing increased car insurance premiums and some people potentially priced out of the life and health insurance markets. A court statement reads:"Taking the gender of the insured individual into account as a risk factor in insurance contracts constitutes discrimination." The decision takes effect from 21 December 2012. Think-tank Open Europe predicts the rule change will require insurers to raise an addition £936m to cover new uncertainties. Men stand to lose 4.73% of their annuity income under the ruling, according to figures ...