Publication database

Across the world, insurers have shifted away from traditional agents and brokers to partner with various alternative distribution channels – ranging from churches, trade unions and mobile network operators to banks, retailers and even civil service organizations - as a way of reaching critical mass at low cost. This study examines two of these channels – banking and retail correspondents – studying four examples in four countries.

The paper reviews the pilot experiments conducted from 2011 onwards in eight districts across six states to test the provision of outpatient (OP) benefits under RSBY, India’s Social Health Insurance Scheme for low income populations. Administrative data on enrolment, empanelment of care providers and outpatient claims was analysed for the review. The paper also discusses the status of primary care in India and outpatient care provision in similar schemes in other developing nations (Vietnam, Ghana, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand).

The potential size of the global micro reinsurance market is estimated somewhere between US$6 billion and US$12 billion in ceded premium. An untapped market of this size warrants significant attention from the reinsurance community, given downward global trends in commercial reinsurance and other pressures on top-line growth. 

In the last decade, some insurance associations (IAs) have expanded beyond their traditional core functions to develop insurance consumer education (ICE) programmes.  IAs, as the representatives of the industry are well-positioned and ideally suited to invest in ICE. By investing in ICE they not only promote consumer protection but they also contribute in improving the reputation of the industry. Excerpted from Microinsurance Paper no. 31, this brief summarises steps that the IAs should take during the preparation of an ICE.

Delivering insurance to the poor is a formidable task. Insurers must reach people who do not come into contact with their usual sales channels, at low cost and in large numbers. To be successful, they must answer three critical questions: How can I make most of the distribution channel? What can I do for the distribution channel? Is the channel right for my target market?

Health microinsurance (HMI) can deliver value to clients and support efforts to achieve universal health coverage. Despite being the most demanded type of microinsurance across the world, its success remains limited and HMI providers face a myriad of challenges: how to provide affordable comprehensive benefits, prevent illness, reduce administrative costs, provide access to quality health care, limit fraud and moral hazard, and manage the cost of care? 

The last brief of Client Value series provides recommendations for policy-makers, regulators and funders on how to create an enabling environment that promotes client value. The insights are based on new impact evidence of microinsurance and the experience of countries where governments and donors are using insurance related interventions to achieve public policy objectives or develop the market. The brief presents ten blueprints to guide government and donor decisions and actions across the three main dimensions 1) insurance promotion through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and subsidies; 2) investment in infrastructure and client education; and 3) regulation and supervision.

Some banks have started to develop partnerships with commercial outlets, such as shops or pharmacies, who provide a set of financial services on behalf of the bank. This model has been particularly successful in Brazil, where the number of bank branches remained stable from 2002 to 2011, but the number of banking correspondents experienced a 19 per cent annual growth rate. Find out about Bradesco’s experience using its extensive network of almost 47,000 banking correspondents to sell personal accident and funeral insurance.

UAB Vie offers a highly-trusted savings product to market traders in Burkina Faso. The daily, manual transactions were proving inefficient and prone to error and fraud. It therefore decided to equip each member of its sales staff with a mobile phone to record the transactions in real time. This brief reflects on the advantages and limitations of this technology upgrade.

In the past decade, some insurance associations have expanded beyond their traditional core functions to develop insurance consumer education (ICE) programmes. While the motivations for doing so are diverse, ICE programs ultimately aim to improve the perception, and spread the culture, of insurance.

Microinsurance Paper #34 discusses the different approaches available to insurance associations in Latin America to effectively deliver ICE. Emphasis is placed on a business model for associations, while providing key general lessons and links to useful reference material. The discussion is based on a review of the experiences of insurance associations in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico.