Insurance

Insurance penetration is comparatively limited and is estimated to range between 0.7% and 1.2%. The sector has a combined total of 29 firms in life and non-life, with an asset base of roughly $6.71bn. Non-life policies have shown steady growth in recent years, rising from $870m in the 2009/10 fiscal year to $954m in the 2010/11 fiscal year. Motor insurance is compulsory and represents the greatest share of non-life policies, accounting for roughly $234m, followed by fire insurance at $128m. Significant reforms are planned for the pensions system, with plans to shift from defined-contribution to defined-benefit system, with the minimum payout equivalent to 15% of the national average wage. An overhaul of health care coverage is also under consideration, with proposals currently targeting universal care. This chapter features an interview with Abdel Raouf Kotb, Chairman, Insurance Federation of Egypt.