4 Key Shifts Life Insurers Cannot Afford to Overlook
As we sail into uncharted waters with geopolitical turbulence and a significant number of election events on the horizon, life insurance companies are expected to adopt a cautious stance. They will keenly observe the changing regulatory landscape and strategize accordingly to navigate potential challenges. However, an even more significant challenge looms large, poised to redefine the industry landscape.
The demographic shift toward an aging population cannot be ignored. With projections indicating the over-50 demographic will encompass 33% of the global populace, totaling 3.2 billion by 2040, the life insurance market is on the cusp of a monumental transformation. This demographic shift is not only about longer life spans but also the consequential concentration of wealth within this age group. Capgemini research highlights that policyholders above the age of 65 currently own 40% of life insurers’ asset under management, a figure expected to see a substantial transfer to beneficiaries come 2040.
To navigate this shifting landscape, life insurers must recalibrate their strategies to enhance policyholder engagement, trust, and ultimately, growth. Below are four pivotal shifts that can redefine the future of life insurance:
1. Rising Demand for Comprehensive Aging-Well Solutions
With families dedicating over a year to settle post-death financial affairs, the call for holistic services beyond mere life insurance payouts has never been louder. Forward-thinking insurers are transitioning from offering mere risk protection to comprehensive aging-well solutions that cater to individuals as they move from employment into retirement.
Case in point, Guardian Life Insurance launched Safeguard 360, a holistic policy combining life insurance with long-term care and disability income protection. This innovative product simplifies the process for policyholders through a digital platform, offering a seamless blend of essential coverage.
2. Powering Up the Customer Experience with API Wrappers
The life insurance sector’s reliance on antiquated systems has often led to operational inefficiencies, adversely affecting customer satisfaction, data security, and trust. However, the industry seems set for a turnaround with an increasing number of insurers investing in API technologies to bridge the gap between old and new systems.
Through digital API wrappers, insurers can ensure a smoother transition to modern systems, therefore, significantly improving legacy system capabilities and enriching customer experiences at a reduced IT cost.
3. Optimizing the Claims Process and Improving the Beneficiary Experience
The imminent wealth transfer will see a spike in claim payouts, putting a spotlight on the inefficiencies of legacy manual systems in handling claims. As insurers reassess the claims function, previously viewed as cost centers, there’s a growing recognition of their potential to foster deeper engagements with beneficiaries, thereby opening up new avenues for asset retention and growth.
Strategic digital transformation investments aimed at optimizing claims processing will not only streamline services but also help insurers to engage with beneficiaries more effectively, paving the way for a smoother beneficiary experience and potential growth opportunities.
4. Addressing the Needs for a New Generation of Policyholders
The evolving life insurance landscape demands adaptability, especially in meeting the needs of younger generations such as Millennials and Gen Z. Recent statistics from LIMRA suggest an uptick in life insurance interests among these groups, prompting insurers to innovate through strategic partnerships across various sectors.
For instance, Federal Life, Swiss Re, and Reframe Financial have collaboratively launched a hybrid policy that merges long-term care benefits with universal life insurance, targeting individuals supporting both children and aging parents. This initiative underscores the industry’s shift toward offering value-added services to deepen customer engagement and establish a dynamic, customer-centric ecosystem.
In conclusion, the life insurance industry stands at a crossroads, shaped by demographic trends, technological advancements, and changing consumer expectations. It’s not just about crafting policies; it’s about forging lifelong partnerships and demonstrating the intrinsic value of life insurance across all life stages. As we move forward, these key shifts offer both challenges and opportunities for life insurers ready to embrace change and innovate for the future.
