On the 31st of May, 2013, countries around the globe will celebrate World No Tobacco Day. On this day, the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners call attention to the health risks of tobacco. This year, World No Tobacco Day will put a special focus on tobacco advertising; although WHO's Framework Convention for Tobacco Control bans the advertising…

There have been a number of notable changes in International Private Medical Health Insurance in the last few weeks, while not as earth shattering as the Libor scandal or the crop failures in the US, the progressive and continual changes reveal an industry that is currently very dynamic and competitive. While Bupa is launching products to fill gaps it sees in the IPMI market, US healthcare giant…

As the European debt crisis continues to take its toll on affected countries, numerous companies are revamping their businesses strategies to keep their heads above the waves. Britain's second-biggest insurer, Aviva, has increasingly felt the impact of Europe's unstable economy and recently came under fire when its large exposure to the eurozone crisis contributed to a drop of 38 percent in share…

Australian insurance giant QBE has reported a significant rise in half-year profits, but have, at the same time, also been quick to downplay their full-year margin expectations due to the unprecedented string of heavy catastrophe claims incurred in 2011. In a statement released to the Australian Stock Exchange, QBE posted a 53 percent rise in net profit for the six months of 2011 to June 30, up to…

The number of Australian citizens choosing to venture abroad for medical care is increasing steadily. Some health experts warn however that patients receiving more complex surgeries overseas are putting both themselves and the Australian health system at risk of spreading hazardous foreign viruses upon their return. The relatively high cost of healthcare and insurance…

More established players in the reinsurance market are set to release their quarterly accounts and reassess their capacity to now meet annual growth targets.

Several multinational property and casualty insurance companies have had their first-quarter earnings significantly impacted by the catastrophic losses due to earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand and the severe floods in Australia.

Bupa Asia Pacific, Australia's largest privately owned health insurer, has delivered exceptional results for 2010. The company reported a 26 percent rise in after-tax profits as a result of pronounced increase in premium revenue coupled with a recovery in investment income.

Major players in the Australian insurance industry are fighting tooth and nail to halt the rise of price comparison services for customers seeking to better evaluate their coverage options in the country.

Starting April 1st 2011, private health insurance premiums in Australia are set for an average cost increase of 5.56 percent across the board. The average premium for families is due to rise AU$2.88 per week and Australians are projected to cumulatively spend an extra AU$821 million per year for their private health insurance options. Individuals will pay around an additional AU$75 annually and combined…