The Estonian life insurance segment grew at a CAGR of 7.6% between 2008 and 2012, driven by an aging population and demand for investment linked products. The aging population drove consumer attention towards post retirement savings. This is expected to remain the growth driver for life insurance over the next 5 years, during which time the segment is expected to expand at a CAGR of 13.6%.
Life insurance in Estonia is predominantly distributed through the e-commerce and direct marketing channels. In terms of written premium for new business in 2012, e-commerce accounted for the largest market share of 65.8%, followed by direct marketing with 16.2%. The value of the Estonian life insurance segment has grown continuously over the last 5 years and is expected to reach a projected value of EUR313.2 million (US$436.2 million) in 2017, as a result of the growing economy, aging population and growing consumer awareness of the importance of life insurance.
The European debt crisis had an adverse effect on demand for investment linked life insurance products in Estonia. This, in turn, led to a decline in the country’s life insurance segment. However, following a recovery in the economy, demand for investment linked life insurance products improved in 2012, resulting in the overall life insurance segment registering a growth rate of 8.0%. The Estonian GDP at current prices is expected to increase at an average rate of 6% over the next 5 years. Such growth in the GDP is expected to drive Estonian consumers towards investment linked life insurance products.
The aging population of Estonia is a major driving force for life insurance products in the country. The increase in life expectancy from 75.4 years in 2010 to 76.5 years in 2011 encouraged more people to take out guaranteed return life insurance products such as pensions.
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