Thailand in focus: What’s new in Non-Life, February 2021

Overall, Non-Life industry direct premiums grew by nearly 4% in the 2020. Motor premiums declined in H1 but recovered strongly in H2, resulting in full year growth of 1.4%. Health continued to show promising growth in 2020, mainly from COVID-19 related products. Direct premium recorded by Health in 2020 is THB 17.0 million, of which THB 3.7 million is attributable to COVID-19 products. Excluding COVID-19 products, Health premiums grew by c.14%. The strong growth was due to increased awareness of the need for health insurance due to COVID-19, eligibility for income tax relief and a rapidly aging population. Also attributable to COVID-19, commercial debt is on the rise. Market sources indicate that the demand for Trade Credit (and related) insurance is gaining momentum as businesses are seeking to transfer the credit risks to the insurance market.