Jio Financial Services (JFS) is planning to expand into the insurance sector by launching life, general, and health insurance products, Reliance Industries chairman and managing director Mukesh Ambani announced at the company's 46th annual general meeting on August 28, Monday. He said this would provide customers with comprehensive financial solutions under one umbrella, incorporating features like blockchain-based platforms and CBDC.
"We envision JFS products to revolutionise the insurance sector by providing simple yet intelligent life, general, and health insurance solutions," Ambani stated during the meeting. Just like Reliance's other ventures, JFS is poised to become an invaluable addition to the conglomerate's ecosystem of customer-centric businesses.
This strategic expansion, while undoubtedly promising, comes with a recognition of the substantial capital requirements of the insurance business. To support JFS's entry into the sector, Reliance has capitalised the company with a net worth of Rs 1.2 lakh crore.
The market capitalisation currently stands at Rs 1.40 lakh crore, indicating positive market sentiment.
Tapping benefits of the insurance sector
JFS's foray into insurance comes at a time when the sector in India is showing promise due to regulatory changes, technological advancements, government support, and increased awareness. The Swiss Re report suggests that India's insurance market could become the sixth largest globally by 2032. Despite technological advances, the human interface remains vital for insurance penetration.
The sector not only offers growth opportunities but also contributes significantly to the nation's economic development.
To understand, JFS's entrance into the insurance sector aligns with India's growing insurance industry and offers the potential for comprehensive financial solutions.
An overview
The Indian insurance sector has witnessed substantial growth, playing a crucial role in the country's economy. With both life and non-life insurance segments, the sector contributes to capital markets and funds large-scale infrastructure development. India's insurance sector comprises 57 companies, with 24 life insurers and 33 non-life insurers, governed by the IRDAI, according to Acko Insurance.
In recent years, the sector's penetration and density have improved, with notable growth in premium income and positive contributions to GDP. This diverse landscape is characterised by the vital role the insurance sector plays in bolstering the country's economy. Insurance serves as a robust avenue for savings, safeguards individual and business futures, and contributes significantly to capital markets.
A look at some of the health insurance players in India
| Health Insurance Companies | Network Hospitals | Incurred claim ratio (2020-2021) |
| Aditya Birla Health Insurance | 8700+ | 49.90% |
| Bajaj Allianz Health Insurance | 6500+ | 77.31% |
| Bharti AXA Health Insurance | 4500+ | 65.37% |
| Care Health Insurance | 16500+ | 55.15% |
| Cholamandalam MS Health Insurance | 6500+ | 77.35% |
| Go Digit Health Insurance | 6400+ | 63.80% |
| Zuno (Formerly Edelweiss) Health Insurance | 3200+ | 111.50% |
| Future Generali Health Insurance | 6000+ | 90.40% |
| IFFCO Tokio Health Insurance | 64000+ | 99.49% |
| Kotak Mahindra Health Insurance | 5000+ | 55.17% |
| Liberty Health Insurance | 5000+ | 76.98% |
| Niva Bupa Health Insurance | 7400+ | 56.09% |
| ManipalCigna Health Insurance | 6500+ | 61.13% |
| National Health Insurance | 6000+ | 101.09% |
| New India Assurance Health Insurance | 3000+ | 92.79% |
| Oriental Health Insurance | 4300+ | 112.51% |
| Raheja QBE Health Insurance | 5000+ | 97.22% |
| Royal Sundaram Health Insurance | 5000+ | 66.88% |
| Reliance Health Insurance | 7300+ | 93.96% |
| Star Health Insurance | 11000+ | 94.44% |
| SBI Health Insurance | 6000+ | 60.72% |
| Tata AIG Health Insurance | 7200+ | 67.27% |
| United India Health Insurance | 7000+ | 106.04% |
| Universal Sompo Health Insurance | 4000+ | 111.93% |
(Source: Policybazaar)
First Published: Aug 28, 2023 3:35 PM IST
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