Life insurance is one of the oldest forms of insurance and life insurance policies are major contributors to the global financial services market.
But just how big is the life insurance market and, who contributes to its size?
In this post, we’ll unpack the latest data on life insurance, the value of the life insurance market, the amounts paid out in claims, and answer questions like “who is looking for additional coverage?”.
In 2024, the global life insurance market reached an estimated value of $3.1 trillion, up from $1.9 trillion in 2017.
It is projected to grow by approximately 9% from 2023 to 2028, reaching $4 trillion by 2028, and $4.8 trillion by 2035.
The United States accounts for nearly 27% of global life insurance premiums.
In Germany, the life insurance market peaked in 2020, with €101.1 billion in gross written premiums, representing 3.1% of the country’s GDP.
Premiums declined to €97.8 billion in 2022 and €95.8 billion in 2023, but the market returned to growth in 2024.
Between 2025 and 2029, the German life insurance market is expected to grow modestly at a rate of 0.19%.
Sources: Swiss Re, Allianz Global Insurance Report, Trading Economics, CEIC
Hong Kong leads the world with a 79% life insurance ownership rate, and 84% of its residents consider life insurance important.
India and Thailand have the highest proportion of citizens who believe life insurance is essential, both at 91%.
Sources: LIMRA
Age plays a key role in life insurance ownership, with older generations more likely to have coverage:
Source: LIMRA
This trend shifts for single mothers:
Source: LIMRA
The average value of life insurance policies varies by country:
Source: Capital for Life
In 2023, 39% of consumers reported plans to purchase a life insurance policy.
Younger generations showed a stronger intent:
Overall, 42% of the population said they either need coverage or need more coverage.
This need is especially high among single mothers, with 59% expressing the need for coverage.
Source: LIMRA, Insurance Information Institute
The most common reason for purchasing life insurance is to cover burial and final expenses.
Source: LIMRA, Insurance Information Institute
The cost of life insurance is the most frequently cited barrier.
This trend is also seen among single mothers:
Source: LIMRA
In 2023, $831 billion was paid out globally in life insurance claims, up from $812 billion in 2022.
In Germany, life insurers pay out over €160 billion annually in term life insurance benefits to the families of policyholders.
Source: Insurance Information Institute, Statista
Younger generations are also more likely to feel underinsured:
Source: LIMRA
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