One possible life insurance market response to ageing

Abstract

This paper deals with the reaction of the life insurance industry to ageing and the next massive decumulation phase of pension funds worldwide. The industry has a well-established product, which is the annuity, a unique instrument to cope with longevity risk. But annuity markets remain thin. Demand- and supply-side elements of the market are explored and also regulatory issues. Some proposals are made for a more proactive involvement of the industry in the pension business by addressing demand side, supply side and regulatory concerns. The proposal is a Multi-tier Insurance Package, which combines different insurance products in order to cover longevity risk as well as bequest or long-term care motives. © 2009 The International Association for the Study of Insurance Economics.