Insurance Sector

Irdai proposes tighter expense limits, new commission caps for insurers

The regulator proposes phased cuts to insurers' expense limits, new commission caps and a ban on compulsory bundling of insurance with loans to lower costs and curb mis-selling

Term plans with return of premiums: Count the real cost before you buy

Compare the higher premium with pure term cover, factor in inflation, and examine lapse and surrender terms

Irdai eases dividend repatriation rules for foreign-owned intermediaries

The insurance regulator has removed the requirement for prior approval to repatriate dividends by insurance intermediaries with majority foreign ownership

Indian Bank to explore partners for insurance, mutual fund businesses

Indian Bank aims to enter the insurance and asset management spaces through joint ventures within 1.5 to 2 years, while launching wealth management services in H2

Irdai's insurance registry: What data will it link and who can access it?

From policy and claims records to intermediary and grievance data, Irdai's proposal sets out what the registry could connect and how access would be controlled

Irdai plans public insurance registry to bridge data gaps, widen coverage

Proposed registry will provide an interoperable access layer to verified insurance data, helping streamline policy servicing, claims and regulatory oversight

Irdai takes firm stance on insurers breaching expense management limits

Regulator's action on EOM breaches signals tighter scrutiny of operating and distribution costs, though experts expect limited short-term business impact

Life insurers' new business premium rises 20.7% to ₹47,005 crore in July

Life insurers' new business premium rose 20.7% in July, led by strong growth in LIC's group business and steady expansion by private insurers

Insurance sector poised for growth, but profitability concerns persist: S&P

S&P Global Ratings says reforms and low insurance penetration support long-term growth, but underwriting pressures and weak profitability remain key risks for insurers

India's insurance sector set for 'massive' growth despite risks: S&P

India's insurance sector is poised for 'massive' long-term growth, supported by structural reforms, low insurance penetration, and a favourable regulatory environment, but macroeconomic headwinds and profitability pressures remain key risks, S&P Global Ratings said on Thursday. In a report titled 'India Insurance Sector Trends', S&P said favourable regulatory reforms are attracting foreign capital and accelerating M&A activity in the sector. "Accelerated industry reforms and low penetration levels to drive massive sector growth in India. Liberalization, competition and regulatory changes will shape the insurance sector's development," the report said. The government had earlier this year approved 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector under the automatic route. S&P said both life and non-life insurance sectors have growth potential, but profitability of non-life insurers could continue to be strained as pricing philosophies lean heavily on

Bajaj General Insurance ties up with Swiss Re for commercial partnership

Partnership will use Swiss Re's international platform to offer structured risk solutions to Indian companies

Beyond policy sales: Insurance companies must prioritise customer retention

Rising life insurance policy surrenders highlight weak policy persistency, underscoring the need for reforms focused on better products, sales practices and consumer retention

Premature life policy exits surpass maturity payouts, shows govt data

Surrenders and withdrawals accounted for 39% of total benefits paid by life insurers in FY26, overtaking maturity payouts amid rising early exits from long-term policies

Irdai's revised share-transfer regulations may raise compliance burden

Legal experts say the revised regulations could require more insurance share transfers to seek prior regulatory approval, despite higher thresholds under the SBSR Act

General Insurance Council defends fever admission advisory framework

Insurance body says the advisory follows ICMR and health ministry guidelines, aims to curb unnecessary hospital admissions and does not restrict doctors' clinical autonomy

Irdai grants licence to ProTec General Insurance, fourth approval in 2026

Regulator also approves reforms covering investment norms, intermediary registration, capital raising, governance and policyholder protection measures

Insurance distribution lifts fee income at most public sector banks in FY26

Public sector banks saw higher insurance commission income in FY26, led by SBI, while mutual fund distribution earnings showed mixed trends across lenders

Irdai grants health insurance licence to Prudential HCL joint venture

The Prudential-HCL Group joint venture becomes India's eighth standalone health insurer, with the regulator issuing its third registration of calendar year 2026

ESIC clears direct hospital management, extends unemployment benefit scheme

Corporation approves direct management of upcoming ESI hospitals, extends the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana till June 2027, and clears new medical education and healthcare initiatives

Generali Central General Insurance targets ₹10K cr premium in five years

The insurer plans to focus on profitable growth by expanding retail health, fire and SME insurance while reducing exposure to intensely competitive group health business