Philippines Faces Rising Non-Life Insurance Premiums Due to Global Reinsurance Trends
Non-life insurance premiums in the Philippines are anticipated to rise as the costs of global reinsurance increase, influenced significantly by climate change and natural disasters. This concern was highlighted by industry leaders during a recent press briefing covered by Business Mirror.
The Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association (PIRA) has raised alarms over catastrophic events, such as the California wildfires, which are impacting reinsurance costs. According to Eden R. Tesoro, PIRA’s former chairperson and the chief operating officer of Malayan Insurance, insurers connected to these affected reinsurers might face heightened pricing. “If your reinsurer is one of those affected by those fires, then you can expect that they will adjust their pricing,” Tesoro explained.
Understanding Reinsurance Dynamics
Reinsurance serves as a financial risk management tool for insurance companies, enabling them to share large-scale risks by transferring parts of their exposure to other insurers. When the cost of reinsurance climbs, these increases are generally passed on to insurers, and eventually, to policyholders.
Tesoro pointed out that the escalating cost of reinsurance is burdening insurers, with expenses ranging from 50% of total costs to nearly double in some situations. She informed Business Mirror that this financial strain has already led to a 10% to 15% hike in non-life insurance premiums for 2023 and 2024.
Despite these rising costs, insurers cannot independently raise premiums. Michael F. Rellosa, PIRA’s executive director, emphasized that any adjustments in premiums require regulatory approval, thus limiting insurers’ ability to swiftly adapt to increased costs.
The ‘Hard Market’ of Reinsurance
Jose Augurio N. De Vera Jr., head of the non-life reinsurance division at the National Reinsurance Corporation (NatRe), described the current reinsurance landscape as a “hard market”—a term used when insurance coverage becomes both more expensive and harder to obtain.
De Vera noted that the California wildfires are merely one example of global catastrophes contributing to increased costs. Each significant disaster exerts financial pressure on reinsurers, which influences the pricing of insurance coverage on a global scale.
The Philippines’ susceptibility to natural calamities exacerbates the issue. As noted in the World Risk Index and cited by Business Mirror, the country ranks first worldwide for disaster risk exposure.
Rellosa warned that the Philippines might experience unprecedented high temperatures and increased rainfall, raising concerns over potential future losses. “It looks like there’s a perfect storm brewing, and we want to be ready for that,” he stated.
Global Political and Economic Influences
Adding to the complexity are global political and economic conditions. Tesoro highlighted concerns over trade tensions, especially those involving the United States. Rising tariffs could elevate import costs and lead to higher local production expenses, potentially influencing insurance pricing further.
