The Union Finance Minister announced a significant hike in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector — from 74% to 100%.

FDI Hike in Insurance Sector

• Objectives: Aimed at achieving “Insurance for All” by 2047.
  • Boost insurance penetration in India (currently at 3.7% in 2023-24, compared to the global average of 7%).
  • Attract foreign investments, enhance competition, and improve accessibility to insurance.
• Expected Benefits:
  • Foreign Investments: Substantial capital inflow into the Indian insurance sector.
  • Global Giants: Entry of global insurance companies (20 out of the world’s top 25 insurers are not present in India).
  • Autonomy: Foreign insurers will have full autonomy to operate in India.
  • Innovation: Introduction of advanced technology, sophisticated risk management practices, and innovative products.
  • Job Creation: New job opportunities in the sector.
  • Consumer Benefits: Potentially lower premiums and better products/services for consumers.
• Regulatory Changes:
  • Amendments required to the Insurance Act 1938, Life Insurance Corporation Act 1956, and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act 1999.
  • Draft Bill to be tabled in Parliament soon.

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Current Scenario of Insurance Sector in India

• As of March 2024, India has 73 registered insurers and reinsurers (26 life insurers, 25 general insurers, and 7 standalone health insurers).
• As per Economic Survey 2024-25, the Insurance sector accounted for over 62% of the $5.7 billion equity inflows (FDI) into the services sector during April–September FY25.

India’s Insurance Market

• Growth in Premiums: Total insurance premium grew by 7.7% in FY24, reaching ₹11.2 lakh crore.
  • Life insurance premium income: ₹8.3 lakh crore in FY24 (6.1% YoY growth).
  • Non-life insurance gross direct premium: ₹2.9 lakh crore in FY24 (7.7% YoY growth), driven by health and motor segments.
• Insurance Penetration and Density:
  • Penetration: Declined slightly from 4% in FY23 to 3.7% in FY24 (global average: 7%).
    • Life insurance penetration: 2.8% in FY24 (down from 3% in FY23).
    • Non-life insurance penetration: Stable at 1%.
  • Density: Increased from USD 92 in FY23 to USD 95 in FY24.
    • Non-life insurance density: USD 25 in FY24 (up from USD 22 in FY23).
    • Life insurance density: Stable at USD 70.
    • Insurance density in India is relatively low compared to global standards.
• Claims and Benefits:
  • Life insurers paid benefits of ₹5.8 lakh crore in FY24, including ₹42,284 crore for death claims.
  • Non-life insurers’ net incurred claims: ₹1.72 lakh crore in FY24.

Global Insurance Market Trends

• Growth and Transformation: The global insurance market is growing due to steady economic expansion, strong labor markets, and rising real incomes.
  • Despite challenges like high inflation and geopolitical tensions in 2023, the sector grew by 2.8%.
• Drivers of Transformation: Changing macroeconomic environment, climate fluctuations, technological progress, and evolving customer preferences.
  • Global insurers are adopting innovative technologies, expanding market reach, and focusing on customer-centric approaches.

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Opportunities for Growth

• Untapped Markets: Insurance penetration in India (3.7%) is below the global average (7%), indicating significant growth potential.
  • Focus on tier 2 and 3 cities and rural areas, where awareness and accessibility are limited.
• Government Schemes: Leverage government schemes like:
  • Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY): Life insurance.
  • Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Crop insurance.
  • Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): Health insurance.
  • Innovative distribution models can help include underinsured customers.

Projections and Trends

• Growth Projections: India’s insurance sector is projected to grow at 11.1% annually (2024-2028), making it the fastest-growing market among G20 nations.
  • Expanding middle class, technological advancements, and supportive regulatory measures will drive growth.
• Life Insurance Trends: Shift towards protection and guaranteed return savings products.
  • 40% of households now covered, largely due to LIC’s extensive network.
• Non-Life Insurance Trends: Expected to double its premium-to-GDP ratio over the next two decades but will remain below the global average.

Challenges and Risks

• Emerging Risks: Climate change, geopolitical uncertainty, and increasing life expectancy.
  • Underwriting risks related to longevity and a widening pension gap.
• Non-Financial Risks: Misselling, delayed claims settlements, AI, cybersecurity, and third-party interactions.
  • Need for a clear and quantitative understanding of risk appetite.
• Innovation and Efficiency: Insurers must develop strong capabilities to tackle emerging risks through rapid innovation.
  • Focus on simplification, standardization, and digitization to ensure efficiency and productivity.

Way Forward for the Insurance Sector in India

• Enhance Insurance Penetration in Rural and Tier 2/3 Cities: Conduct targeted awareness programs to educate rural and semi-urban populations about the benefits of insurance.
  • Develop simple, affordable, and easy-to-understand insurance products tailored to the needs of low-income groups.
• Leverage Government Schemes for Wider Coverage: Collaborate with government schemes like PMJJBY, PMFBY, and PMJAY, to expand coverage and ensure seamless claim settlements.
  • Encourage partnerships between private insurers and government agencies to enhance the reach of social security schemes.
• Adopt Advanced Technologies for Efficiency and Innovation: Use AI for risk assessment, fraud detection, and personalized product offerings.
  • Implement blockchain for transparent and secure claim settlements.
• Address Emerging Risks and Challenges: Develop innovative products like parametric insurance for climate-related risks (e.g., crop insurance for farmers).
  • Strengthen cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive customer data and prevent fraud.
• Strengthen Regulatory Framework and Consumer Protection: Simplify and standardize regulatory processes to encourage innovation and competition.
  • Establish robust mechanisms for timely resolution of consumer complaints, especially related to misselling and delayed claims.

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Conclusion

The hike in FDI to 100% and targeted reforms in the insurance sector can significantly boost penetration, innovation, and financial inclusion in India. By leveraging technology, expanding rural reach, and addressing emerging risks, India can achieve its goal of “Insurance for All” by 2047.

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