GITNUX REPORT 2024

Global Life Insurance Industry Statistics: Market Trends and Projections Explained

Unveiling the Evolution of Life Insurance Industry: Key Statistics, Trends, and Future Projections Revealed.

Author: Jannik Lindner

First published: 7/17/2024

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Northwestern Mutual is the largest life insurance company in the U.S. by direct premiums written

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MetLife is the largest life insurance company globally by market capitalization

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AIA Group is the largest life insurance company in Asia by market capitalization

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Prudential Financial is the second-largest life insurance company in the U.S. by total assets

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China Life Insurance is the largest life insurer in China by market share

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Allianz is the largest insurance company in Europe by total assets

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Japan Post Insurance is the largest life insurance company in Japan by premium income

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In 2021, 52% of Americans owned some type of life insurance

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Millennials are the most likely generation to own life insurance, with 45% having coverage

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31% of consumers say they are more likely to buy life insurance because of COVID-19

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54% of Americans overestimate the cost of term life insurance by 3x or more

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70% of life insurance buyers prefer to work with a financial professional when purchasing coverage

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In 2020, 54% of new life insurance policies were purchased online

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The average life expectancy in the U.S. decreased by 1.5 years in 2020 due to COVID-19

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By 2030, all baby boomers will be older than 65, expanding the size of the older population

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The global population aged 65 and above is projected to reach 1.5 billion by 2050

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Millennials are expected to inherit $68 trillion from their baby boomer parents by 2030

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The U.S. Hispanic population is projected to reach 111 million by 2060, creating new market opportunities

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The global middle class is expected to reach 5.3 billion people by 2030, driving insurance demand

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The number of single-person households in the U.S. has increased by 39% since 1980

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In 2020, the life insurance industry paid $90 billion in annuity benefit payments

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Life insurers hold approximately 18% of all corporate bonds in the U.S.

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The life insurance industry contributes approximately 2.5% to the U.S. GDP

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Life insurance companies paid $29 billion in state premium taxes in 2020

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The life insurance industry provides 2.6 million jobs in the U.S., including direct and indirect employment

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Life insurers' mortgage loans on real estate totaled $570 billion in 2020

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The life insurance industry's total tax contributions to state and local governments were $22.2 billion in 2020

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In 2020, life insurers paid out $87.3 billion in death benefits

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The life insurance industry's total assets reached $8.2 trillion in 2020

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The life insurance industry employed 283,000 people in the U.S. in 2020

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The top 10 life insurance companies account for 56% of the total market share

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The life insurance industry's net income was $22.2 billion in 2020

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Life insurers invested $7.2 trillion in the U.S. economy in 2020

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The life insurance industry's return on equity was 10.5% in 2020

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The life insurance penetration rate in the U.S. was 3.0% in 2020

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Hong Kong has the highest life insurance penetration rate globally at 19.3%

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India's life insurance penetration rate was 3.2% in 2021

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The UK's life insurance penetration rate was 8.0% in 2020

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Japan's life insurance penetration rate was 6.3% in 2020

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The global average life insurance penetration rate was 3.3% in 2020

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South Africa has the highest life insurance penetration rate in Africa at 12.1%

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43% of U.S. households have an individual life insurance policy

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The global life insurance market size was valued at $2,860.44 billion in 2022

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The life insurance market is projected to reach $3,936.35 billion by 2032

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The life insurance market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.3% from 2023 to 2032

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In 2021, the U.S. life insurance market size was $151.7 billion

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China's life insurance market is expected to grow to $484.37 billion by 2027

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The global term life insurance market is projected to reach $2.4 trillion by 2030

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The average face amount of individual life insurance policies purchased in 2020 was $178,150

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Term life insurance accounts for 71% of new individual life insurance policies sold

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The average annual life insurance premium in the U.S. is $640

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Whole life insurance policies make up about 36% of all individual life insurance policies in force

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The average face amount for group life insurance certificates is $46,800

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Universal life insurance accounts for about 37% of all individual life insurance premiums

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The global insurtech market size was valued at $3.85 billion in 2021

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The insurtech market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 51.7% from 2022 to 2030

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55% of life insurers are using or exploring artificial intelligence and machine learning

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41% of life insurance executives believe that blockchain will revolutionize the industry

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70% of insurers are using or planning to use robotic process automation

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The global digital insurance platform market size is expected to reach $169.2 billion by 2028

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85% of life insurers are investing in digital technologies to improve customer experience

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Summary

  • The global life insurance market size was valued at $2,860.44 billion in 2022
  • The life insurance market is projected to reach $3,936.35 billion by 2032
  • The life insurance market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.3% from 2023 to 2032
  • In 2021, the U.S. life insurance market size was $151.7 billion
  • China's life insurance market is expected to grow to $484.37 billion by 2027
  • The global term life insurance market is projected to reach $2.4 trillion by 2030
  • In 2021, 52% of Americans owned some type of life insurance
  • Millennials are the most likely generation to own life insurance, with 45% having coverage
  • 31% of consumers say they are more likely to buy life insurance because of COVID-19
  • 54% of Americans overestimate the cost of term life insurance by 3x or more
  • 70% of life insurance buyers prefer to work with a financial professional when purchasing coverage
  • In 2020, 54% of new life insurance policies were purchased online
  • The average face amount of individual life insurance policies purchased in 2020 was $178,150
  • Term life insurance accounts for 71% of new individual life insurance policies sold
  • The average annual life insurance premium in the U.S. is $640

Hold onto your premiums because were diving deep into the world of life insurance statistics! From the eye-popping $2.86 trillion global market size to the quirky fact that 54% of Americans overestimate term life insurance costs by 3 times or more, this blog post is your ultimate guide to all things life insurance. So buckle up, because were about to uncover the fascinating numbers behind this trillion-dollar industry thats as unpredictable as a teenager driving for the first time!

Company Rankings

  • Northwestern Mutual is the largest life insurance company in the U.S. by direct premiums written
  • MetLife is the largest life insurance company globally by market capitalization
  • AIA Group is the largest life insurance company in Asia by market capitalization
  • Prudential Financial is the second-largest life insurance company in the U.S. by total assets
  • China Life Insurance is the largest life insurer in China by market share
  • Allianz is the largest insurance company in Europe by total assets
  • Japan Post Insurance is the largest life insurance company in Japan by premium income

Interpretation

In a world where numbers don't lie, the life insurance industry paints a picture of global dominance and fierce competition. Northwestern Mutual stands tall as the reigning giant in the U.S., while MetLife flexes its muscles on the global stage with an impressive market capitalization. AIA Group commands the Asian markets with authority, while Prudential Financial plays tag as the runner-up in U.S. total assets. China Life Insurance holds the fort in the vast landscape of China's market share, while Allianz proudly reigns over Europe. And let's not forget Japan Post Insurance, leading the charge in the Land of the Rising Sun with premium income that shines brighter than a sakura bloom. In this intricate dance of statistics and rankings, one thing is clear: the life insurance industry is a high-stakes game where only the strongest survive.

Consumer Trends

  • In 2021, 52% of Americans owned some type of life insurance
  • Millennials are the most likely generation to own life insurance, with 45% having coverage
  • 31% of consumers say they are more likely to buy life insurance because of COVID-19
  • 54% of Americans overestimate the cost of term life insurance by 3x or more
  • 70% of life insurance buyers prefer to work with a financial professional when purchasing coverage
  • In 2020, 54% of new life insurance policies were purchased online

Interpretation

In the dramatic dance of life insurance preferences, it seems the baton has been passed to the Millennials, who are boldly leading the charge with a 45% ownership rate. The pandemic has not only heightened awareness about the importance of protecting loved ones financially but has also sparked a surge in interest for life insurance among consumers. However, there seems to be a lingering misconception floating in the air, as over half of Americans still believe term life insurance costs an arm, a leg, and a unicorn, underestimating its affordability. Nevertheless, the majority prefer the steady hand of a financial professional when navigating the choppy waters of life insurance, even as the digital tide rises with over half of policies being purchased online last year. So, whether you're overestimating the cost, underestimating the necessity, or simply drowning in a sea of options, one thing remains clear: when it comes to life insurance, it's best to stay afloat with a knowledgeable guide by your side.

Demographic Trends

  • The average life expectancy in the U.S. decreased by 1.5 years in 2020 due to COVID-19
  • By 2030, all baby boomers will be older than 65, expanding the size of the older population
  • The global population aged 65 and above is projected to reach 1.5 billion by 2050
  • Millennials are expected to inherit $68 trillion from their baby boomer parents by 2030
  • The U.S. Hispanic population is projected to reach 111 million by 2060, creating new market opportunities
  • The global middle class is expected to reach 5.3 billion people by 2030, driving insurance demand
  • The number of single-person households in the U.S. has increased by 39% since 1980

Interpretation

In a world where life expectancy seesaws, millennials are poised to inherit a small fortune while baby boomers gracefully age into the swelling ranks of the elderly. As the population tilts towards the gray, the life insurance industry finds itself both grappling with the specter of COVID-19 and salivating over new market vistas emerging from demographic shifts. With the rise of the single-person household and the booming global middle class, insurance companies will need to adapt to cater to a changing clientele destined to live longer and inherit greater wealth. It seems the insurance industry's crystal ball is showing a future that is both lucrative and full of unprecedented challenges.

Financial Impact

  • In 2020, the life insurance industry paid $90 billion in annuity benefit payments
  • Life insurers hold approximately 18% of all corporate bonds in the U.S.
  • The life insurance industry contributes approximately 2.5% to the U.S. GDP
  • Life insurance companies paid $29 billion in state premium taxes in 2020
  • The life insurance industry provides 2.6 million jobs in the U.S., including direct and indirect employment
  • Life insurers' mortgage loans on real estate totaled $570 billion in 2020
  • The life insurance industry's total tax contributions to state and local governments were $22.2 billion in 2020

Interpretation

In a world where the only certain things seem to be death and taxes, the life insurance industry stands out as both a safeguard and a powerhouse of the economy. With a hand in annuity benefits, corporate bonds, GDP contributions, premium taxes, job creation, mortgage lending, and tax revenues, it's safe to say that life insurers are the unsung heroes of financial stability. As they say, life may be unpredictable, but the life insurance industry is here to provide a reassuring safety net and keep the economic gears turning.

Industry Performance

  • In 2020, life insurers paid out $87.3 billion in death benefits
  • The life insurance industry's total assets reached $8.2 trillion in 2020
  • The life insurance industry employed 283,000 people in the U.S. in 2020
  • The top 10 life insurance companies account for 56% of the total market share
  • The life insurance industry's net income was $22.2 billion in 2020
  • Life insurers invested $7.2 trillion in the U.S. economy in 2020
  • The life insurance industry's return on equity was 10.5% in 2020

Interpretation

In a world where the only certainty is uncertainty, life insurance emerges as the unsung hero of financial security, shelling out a whopping $87.3 billion in death benefits in 2020 alone. With total assets soaring to $8.2 trillion and a workforce of 283,000 insurance aficionados, it's clear that the industry is not here to play. The top 10 life insurance companies have their hands on 56% of the market share, proving that in the race to safeguard tomorrows, they are the frontrunners. With a net income of $22.2 billion and investments pumping $7.2 trillion into the U.S. economy, the life insurance industry is not just a safety net; it's a financial powerhouse. Earning a respectable 10.5% return on equity in 2020, spreading security and stability seems to be paying off quite handsomely.

Market Penetration

  • The life insurance penetration rate in the U.S. was 3.0% in 2020
  • Hong Kong has the highest life insurance penetration rate globally at 19.3%
  • India's life insurance penetration rate was 3.2% in 2021
  • The UK's life insurance penetration rate was 8.0% in 2020
  • Japan's life insurance penetration rate was 6.3% in 2020
  • The global average life insurance penetration rate was 3.3% in 2020
  • South Africa has the highest life insurance penetration rate in Africa at 12.1%
  • 43% of U.S. households have an individual life insurance policy

Interpretation

In a world where uncertainty is the only constant, these life insurance industry statistics serve as a testament to the diverse landscape of financial preparedness across the globe. From the lofty heights of Hong Kong's 19.3% penetration rate to the modest figures in India and the US, each country paints a vivid picture of its priorities and values when it comes to safeguarding the future. While some may view insurance as a safety net, others see it as a luxury or necessity. As we navigate the twists and turns of life, perhaps the real currency lies not in the numbers, but in the peace of mind that comes from knowing we are protected, come what may.

Market Size and Growth

  • The global life insurance market size was valued at $2,860.44 billion in 2022
  • The life insurance market is projected to reach $3,936.35 billion by 2032
  • The life insurance market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.3% from 2023 to 2032
  • In 2021, the U.S. life insurance market size was $151.7 billion
  • China's life insurance market is expected to grow to $484.37 billion by 2027
  • The global term life insurance market is projected to reach $2.4 trillion by 2030

Interpretation

The life insurance industry is booming like never before, with numbers that could make even the most risk-averse individual consider joining the party. From the U.S. to China and beyond, these staggering statistics paint a picture of a world that is increasingly recognizing the importance of financial security and peace of mind. With a projected growth rate that would make even the most ambitious investor envious, it seems like everyone is jumping on the life insurance bandwagon. So, if you haven't already insured your future, maybe it's time to join the trend - after all, it's the one investment you'll never regret making.

Policy Details

  • The average face amount of individual life insurance policies purchased in 2020 was $178,150
  • Term life insurance accounts for 71% of new individual life insurance policies sold
  • The average annual life insurance premium in the U.S. is $640
  • Whole life insurance policies make up about 36% of all individual life insurance policies in force
  • The average face amount for group life insurance certificates is $46,800
  • Universal life insurance accounts for about 37% of all individual life insurance premiums

Interpretation

In a world where the value of an avocado toast is often debated more fervently than the importance of life insurance, these statistics serve as a stark reminder of our mortality. With the average individual policy face amount at $178,150, it seems that while we may not be able to put a price on life, we can certainly calculate its worth. Term life insurance, the millennial of policies with its trendy 71% market share, champions flexibility and affordability in the face of uncertainty. With an average annual premium of $640, it proves that protecting your loved ones doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. It's a whole life out there though, with 36% of policies in force taking the long-term commitment route, while universal life insurance straddles the middle ground, commanding 37% of premiums with its chameleon-like adaptability. The group life insurance certificates at $46,800 remind us that strength lies in numbers, but ultimately, these numbers all point towards one undeniable truth: while life may be unpredictable, preparing for the unexpected is one trend that will never go out of style.

Technology and Innovation

  • The global insurtech market size was valued at $3.85 billion in 2021
  • The insurtech market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 51.7% from 2022 to 2030
  • 55% of life insurers are using or exploring artificial intelligence and machine learning
  • 41% of life insurance executives believe that blockchain will revolutionize the industry
  • 70% of insurers are using or planning to use robotic process automation
  • The global digital insurance platform market size is expected to reach $169.2 billion by 2028
  • 85% of life insurers are investing in digital technologies to improve customer experience

Interpretation

The numbers paint a futuristic picture for the life insurance industry - with insurtech zooming ahead at a rate that would make even Elon Musk envious, artificial intelligence and blockchain poised to sprinkle their transformative magic, and robotic process automation marching in like an efficient army. It seems the once-stodgy realm of life insurance is now a playground for digital disruptors, with digital platforms set to become the new battleground for supremacy. As life insurers pivot towards cutting-edge technologies to enhance customer experiences, one thing is clear – the future of life insurance isn't just about protecting lives, it's about embracing the digital revolution with open arms and slick algorithms.

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