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The Microinsurance Market in Bangladesh: An Analytical Overview

Author

Listed:
  • AHSAN, SYED M.

    (Concordia University and InM,)

  • KHALILY, M. A. BAQUI

    (Institute of MIcrofinance (InM),)

  • HAMID, SYED A.

    (Dhaka University and InM)

  • BARUA , SHUBHASISH

    (Dhaka University and University of Warwick,)

  • BARUA, SUBORNA

    (Dhaka University)

Abstract

This paper provides an analytical overview of the current state of the microinsurance market in Bangladesh comprising of products offered by commercial insurance companies, microfinance institutions (MFIs) and those by INAFI’s MIME programme. For the commercial life insurers, available products are characterised by a mix of inadequate risk coverage, excessively high premium rates unrelated to any plausible model of mortality of the insured, lengthy process of claim settlement and, above all, high costs of intermediation. Such products therefore appear unattractive to the vulnerable. The MFIs, on the other hand, mainly offer loan insurance thus minimising lenders’ risks and having a much quicker claim settlement process. Some MFIs also offer a variety of other products (notably, term life, health and livestock insurance). However, the health plans reviewed in the paper clarify that most of these are not examples of true insurance products since the bulk of the risk eventually remains with the insured. The requirement of cash transactions in each step of the way is a further drawback eroding popularity of the products. Finally, it is seen that, while INAFI has been implementing both term and endowment life policies, the premium structure appears rather steep vis-à-vis the cost of risks, presumably reflecting high costs of intermediation. In view of very limited competition in the market for commercial life coverage, regulatory directives may be targeted at improving competition in each segment of the market, thereby fostering innovation and fair play.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahsan, Syed M. & Khalily, M. A. Baqui & Hamid, Syed A. & Barua , Shubhasish & Barua, Suborna, 2013. "The Microinsurance Market in Bangladesh: An Analytical Overview," Bangladesh Development Studies, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), vol. 36(1), pages 1-54, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:ris:badest:0549
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Syed M. Ahsan & Shubhasish Barua & Jaimie Tax, 2010. "Toward an Efficient and Sustainable Microinsurance Market: The Regulatory Perspective," Working Papers 2, Institute of Microfinance (InM).
    2. Youngjae Lim & Robert Townsend, 1998. "General Equilibrium Models of Financial Systems: Theory and Measurement in Village Economies," Review of Economic Dynamics, Elsevier for the Society for Economic Dynamics, vol. 1(1), pages 59-118, January.
    3. Hans P. Binswanger, 1980. "Attitudes Toward Risk: Experimental Measurement in Rural India," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 62(3), pages 395-407.
    4. Amin, Sajeda & Rai, Ashok S. & Topa, Giorgio, 2003. "Does microcredit reach the poor and vulnerable? Evidence from northern Bangladesh," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 70(1), pages 59-82, February.
    5. Townsend, Robert M, 1994. "Risk and Insurance in Village India," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 62(3), pages 539-591, May.
    6. Douglas L. Young, 1979. "Risk Preferences of Agricultural Producers: Their Use in Extension and Research," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 61(5), pages 1063-1070.
    7. Deaton, Angus, 1992. "Understanding Consumption," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198288244.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Microinsurance; Term and Endowment Policies; Costs of Intermediation; Mortality Risks;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G22 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Insurance; Insurance Companies; Actuarial Studies
    • G28 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Government Policy and Regulation

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