India looks set to continue being one of the fastest growing insurance markets over the next decade, with rising income levels and awareness of risk management expected to drive a considerable demand for coverage solutions nationwide. Two new industry briefings released by India's commerce chamber reveal that the country will be one of the few major insurance markets expected to deliver double digit…

The United Arab Emirates' large expatriate workforce will soon be subject to a comprehensive medical screening process before being admitted into the country as part of the government's plan to stop the spread of contagious diseases amongst migrant workers in the Arab state. The new system will also curb the number of workers who slip into the UAE with fake certificates by mandating re-tests once they…

New Statistics released this week by the U.S. Census Bureau reveals that health insurance has remained stagnant in the United States, with citizens failing to increase their coverage due to more pressing economic concerns. According to the report, titled Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010, 49.9 million Americans or 16.3 percent of the total US population had no…

Lloyd's of London, the world's leading specialist insurance market, has now begun writing direct insurance policies in China through its fully owned subsidiary Lloyd's Insurance Co. (China) Ltd, according to a press statement released by the insurer on Wednesday. A more open China, now presiding over the world's second largest economy, has proved to be a tempting opportunity for international insurers…

This week, MetLife Alico announced a new partnership with Mashreq Bank, one of the MENA region's leading financial institutions, to provide new life insurance products and other protection options through their facilities in Bahrain. Read the rest of the article about MetLife Alico partners with Mashreq in Bahrain article.

South Africa's ABSA Insurance Company (AIC) has acquired Takafol SA, the first and only Islamic insurance provider operating throughout Africa's largest economy. The transaction was announced last week for an undisclosed amount and is subject to regulatory approval. Islamic insurance products, otherwise known as takaful, are mutually beneficial coverage policies that cater specifically to Muslim communities…

Multinational insurance companies are continuing to look towards the Asia Pacific region for sustained premium growth and innovative new business opportunities to offset the more stagnant performance forecast for their home markets. This week, representatives from Swiss insurer Zurich Financial Services Group told media that they were planning to expand their operations in Indonesia considerably…

The global reinsurance industry could be set to rebound, with rates finally rising to offset the record catastrophe losses incurred this year by an unprecedented series of natural disasters in both the Asia Pacific region and United States. New analysis released this week by worldwide credit and insurer rating agencies…

Aviva PLC, the United Kingdom's largest insurer with over 19 million customers, reported this week that it had so far paid out £212 million (US$ 341.28 million) on its critical illness and life insurance policies in the first half of 2011. This equates to a settlement on 98 percent of all claims made during that period. Many British insurance providers are now publishing half year, as well as annual,…

India's private healthcare industry, which features an abundance of specialist hospital facilities, an extensive network of healthcare providers and highly trained staff, has become one of the preeminent destinations for travelers seeking cost-effective medical treatment from all over the world, a practice widely known as medical…