This paper is particularly important in the context of a post-COVID world. The global
health crisis has highlighted the importance of population access to healthcare and the
need for individuals to take proactive measures to maintain their health and well-being.
At the same time, however, it has contributed to widening the protection gap, especially
for vulnerable groups, due to the exacerbated cost of living crisis, job losses, reduced
incomes, and rising healthcare costs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
This paper is particularly important in the context of a post-COVID world. The global
health crisis has highlighted the importance of population access to healthcare and the
need for individuals to take proactive measures to maintain their health and well-being.
At the same time, however, it has contributed to widening the protection gap, especially
for vulnerable groups, due to the exacerbated cost of living crisis, job losses, reduced
incomes, and rising healthcare costs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Additionally, preventative healthcare spending generally remains very low compared to
overall public health spending—below 4% across OECD countries.
This paper’s two pillars—i.e., addressing the health insurance protection gap and promoting
preventative healthcare—are closely intertwined. By adopting a comprehensive
approach that combines financial protection and preventative measures, life & health
insurers can improve the overall health outcomes of their policyholders as well as
contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and efficient healthcare system and society.
