CATEGORIES
International News
Saudi Arabia's Insurance Market Poised for Transformation - Saudi Arabia's general insurance market is on a trajectory of rapid growth, with gross written premiums expected to rise from SAR 68.8 billion ($18.4 billion) in 2024 to SAR 105.3 billion ($28.1 billion) by 2029, reflecting a CAGR of 8.9%. This growth is driven by regulatory reforms, economic diversification, and increased consumer awareness of risk management.
Life Insurance News
HDFC Life Insurance Reports Data Breach - HDFC Life Insurance recently disclosed a data breach, adding to the growing list of Indian insurers facing cybersecurity threats. The breach, revealed in a regulatory filing, prompted the company to launch an extensive investigation with information security experts to safeguard customer interests.
Health Insurance News
Star Health Launches 'Star Arogya Digi Seva' to Enhance Rural Healthcare - In a bid to revolutionize rural healthcare, Star Health Insurance unveiled its latest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, 'Star Arogya Digi Seva,' in collaboration with the Center for Chronic Disease and Control (CCDC). The initiative aims to provide essential healthcare services to underserved rural areas by leveraging telemedicine technology and Mobile Health Units (MHUS).
Insurance Regulator Update
IRDAI Calls for More Players in the Insurance Sector - IRDAI Chairman Debasish Panda has called for more conglomerates to enter the insurance space, emphasizing the immense opportunities offered by India's vast population of 1.4 billion. Panda urged private equity funds, institutional investors, venture capitalists, and family offices to explore the insurance market, highlighting that the current 70 insurers in the country are insufficient to meet growing demands.
General Insurance News
Tier 2 and 3 Cities Propel Growth in Motor Insurance - The rise in private consumption in India has positioned tier 2 and 3 cities as key drivers of growth in the motor insurance segment. Increasing vehicle ownership and heightened awareness of insurance have fueled this expansion, according to a report by InsurTech platform Turtlemint. These cities accounted for over 90% of motor insurance policies sold and the premium volume during the festive season this year.
"Bancassurance is at the heart of our growth strategy. It allows Bandhan Life to reach more customers and provide accessible, trusted insurance solutions through a familiar network."
About Indranil Dutta - Indranil Dutta brings 23 years of experience in insurance, banking, and sales, with a specialization in bancassurance. As the Chief Business Officer - Bancassurance at Bandhan Life Insurance, he leads the banca sales channel and plays a key role in driving the company's strategic vision of becoming a leading multi-channel life insurer with an expanded presence across product categories.
IRDAI Corner
The Eighth Bima Manthan, the quarterly meeting of IRDAI with the insurance industry was held on 11th and 12th November 2024, in Hyderabad
International Conference on Inclusive Insurance (ICII) 2024
The 20th edition of the International Conference on Inclusive Insurance (ICII) concluded on a high note in Kathmandu, Nepal, after five days of insightful discussions, interactive workshops, and collaborative networking. Hosted by the Nepal Insurers' Association in partnership with the Life Insurance Association Nepal, Nepal Micro Insurance Association, Nepal Insurance Authority, Munich Re Foundation, and the Microinsurance Network, the conference brought together around 500 participants from around the globe. The Insurance Times was the media partner in the event.
How to choose a Health Insurance Plan that fits your evolving needs
When you are single, you might focus on plans with basic coverage and low premiums. As you get married, look for family floater plans that cover your spouse. When you have children, ensure the plan covers pediatric care, vaccinations, and other child-specific healthcare needs.
My View on #20SIRC Conference
The participants include world top reinsurers, brokers, insurers, IT companies, Consultants, and Regulators. As a regulator from Nepal attending the (#20SIRC) was a unique thrilling experience that provided opportunities for learning, networking, and strategic development. Here's a detailed perspective that I had experienced during my visit to Singapore.
Vision Zero and the Role of Insurance in Achieving Road Safety
Vision Zero is a road safety philosophy and strategy that originated in Sweden in the late 1990s. The fundamental principle behind Vision Zero is the belief that no. loss of life or serious injury on the roads is acceptable. It aims to create a transportation system where no traffic-related fatality or severe injury is regarded as inevitable or acceptable.
ERM Implementation Challenges in the Indian Insurance Sector
This article is a snapshot of ERM implementation challenges identified by discussing the current position within the insurance sector in India with Chief Risk Officers, Heads of Risk, and other personnel working in the Risk Team.
"IMS Unison University differentiates itself in the Indian higher education landscape through a strong commitment to quality education, a personalized student experience, and a modern, industry-relevant curriculum."
About Dr Anil Subba Rao Paila
IRDAI Corner
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Insurance Fraud Monitoring Framework) Guidelines, 2024
Insurance Caselaws
The Himachal Pradesh State Commission orders Oriental Insurance Co. to pay Rs. 7.9 lakhs for repudiating an insurance claim solely because of delayed notification.
New Product Launches
Canara HSBC Life Insurance unveils new plan combining life protection and wealth creation
Gunford: Marine Insurance Fraud or Purely Coincidence!!
Global Maritime trade is affected hugely by the policies of maritime insurance being followed in various nations. An insurance policy is a contract in which an individual or entity (known as an insured) receives monetary reimbursement against losses, emerging from the occurrence of an event, from an insurance company (known as an insurer), generally in exchange for a premium.
How various insurtech startups are addressing the challenge of low market penetration in the Indian Life insurance sector
India's life insurance sector, despite being one of the largest markets in the world by population, faces a significant challenge in terms of market penetration. With a penetration rate hovering around 3% of GDP, it's clear that a vast majority of Indians remain either uninsured or underinsured.
Exclusion clauses in Insurance Contract: Enforceability and Interpretation
The terms of the insurance contract require strict construction without eschewing or adding the words in the contract. However, insurers are exempted from any liability where the loss is attributable to an excluded peril specified in the exclusion clause or not mentioned in the covered causes/perils/risks/loss.
Risk Management 2.0 in the new Gen Z Milieu
I notice that the world has significantly changed over the last five years due to black swan events (like Covid-19), geopolitical upheavals affecting supply chains (like situation in Middle east and Eastern Europe) and tech advances (like Al, robotics) have reshaped the risk landscape. Risk professionals must now adapt faster than ever to navigate these disruptions to ensure business resilience.
International News
Growing demand in Europe: Munich Re remains disciplined while further expanding
Life Insurance News
About 7 crore people have subscribed to the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) whose corpus has swelled to Rs 35,149 crore, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.
Health Insurance News
100 Hospitals Achieve Digital Certification from NABH
Insurance Regulator Update
Panda encourages more conglomerates to enter Insurance Sector
General Insurance News
PM's Principal Secretary Advocates for Broader Insurance Coverage Across All sectors
"We concentrate on climate risk and adaptation, climate change mitigation and inclusive insurance which complements Munich Re's sustainability agenda. This has been the case from the beginning and has not changed."
Q1: The Munich Re Foundation was established in 2005 to mark the 125th anniversary of Munich Re. Could you elaborate on the mission of the Foundation and how it has evolved over the years?
IRDAI Corner
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) as part of steps towards reinforcing empowerment of policyholders has issued Master Circular on Protection of Policyholdersi¦ Interests under the IRDAI (Protection of Policyholdersi¦ Interests, Operations, and Allied Matters of Insurers) Regulations, 2024 replacing 30 circulars.
Insurance Caselaws
The Supreme Court disagreed with the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission's (NCDRC) ruling in an appeal contesting an NCDRC ruling.
Legal Update
J&J told to pay Rs. 35L each as compensation to hip implant victims
New Product Launches
Star Health and Policybazaar Launch 'SUPER STAR': A Modular Long-term Health Insurance Plan