The non-life insurance sector in India has reported a modest 1.94% year-on-year growth in gross direct premium to Rs 23,430 crore in September. This growth was driven primarily by an increase in standalone health insurance premiums. The largest general insurer, New India Assurance, saw a 3.5% rise in premiums, while ICICI Lombard General Insurance reported a 6.2% increase. Other state-owned insurers, such as United India Insurance and Oriental Insurance, also reported significant growth, with increases of 23.36% and 4.45%, respectively.
Private general insurers, including Bajaj Allianz General and HDFC Ergo, also reported varying degrees of growth, with Bajaj Allianz General seeing a 31.35% increase and HDFC Ergo experiencing a decline of 3.78%. Standalone health insurers, such as Niva Bupa Health Insurance and Star Health and Allied Insurance, reported growth of 1.45% and 3.36%, respectively.
The government’s recent clarification on Goods and Services Tax (GST) has also had an impact on the industry. Premiums for individual life and health insurance policies are now exempt from GST, making them more affordable for individuals and families. However, this exemption does not apply to group insurance policies, which are typically offered by employers to their employees. Reinsurance services, which insurers purchase to protect themselves, are also exempt from GST.
However, insurers will face a significant adjustment regarding Input Tax Credit (ITC). They will no longer be able to claim ITC for essential input services such as agent commissions, brokerage, and administrative services. This change may have a significant impact on the industry, as insurers will need to adjust their business models to account for the loss of ITC. Overall, the non-life insurance sector is experiencing moderate growth, driven primarily by increases in standalone health insurance premiums, and is adapting to changes in the tax landscape.