The use of gender in insurance pricing

In March 2011, on the basis of the Council Directive 2004/113/EC implementing the principle of equal treatment between men and women in the access to and supply of goods and services, the Court of Justice applied the prohibition of direct discrimination which does not permit any specific justification, unlike indirect discrimination, in the sector of insurance which is particularly important from an economic perspective. From 21 December 2012, dicrimination based on the gender will be prohibited. What is the impact of this decision on the insurance companies, on the consumers?