Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes confer very high risk of breast cancer (BC) but only account for about 25% of the observed familial clustering of BC. Antoniou et al. (2002) proposed a model that included the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, and a polygenic component that acted multiplicatively on the rate of onset of BC. We use this model to find premium rates for critical illness insurance: (a) given knowledge of an applicant's polygenotype; and (b) given knowledge of a family history of BC or

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... rian cancer. We find that the polygenic component causes large variation in premium rates even among non-mutation carriers, therefore affecting the whole population. In some cases the polygenic contribution is protective enough to reduce or remove the additional risk of a BRCA1/2 mutation, leading to cases where it will be advantageous to disclose genetic test results that are adverse in absolute terms. Premiums based on family history are lower than those found in an earlier study that attributed all genetic BC risk to the BRCA1/2