Will India's life insurance industry grow by 10-12% in the next 3-5 years?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Indian life insurance premiums reached Rs 41,117.1 crore in June.
- Growth expected between 10% to 12% in the next 3-5 years.
- Annual premium equivalent (APE) grew by 2.5%.
- Private insurers saw a 15.4% growth rate.
- Insurance Amendment Act aims to attract new players.
New Delhi, July 12 (NationPress) The Indian life insurance sector reported new business premiums amounting to Rs 41,117.1 crore in June, even as it navigates the effects of revised surrender value regulations, diminished credit life sales, and group single premiums, as highlighted in a recent report.
CareEdge Ratings anticipates that the life insurance sector will maintain a growth trajectory of 10% to 12% over the next three to five years, bolstered by product innovation, favorable regulations, accelerated digital transformation, efficient distribution channels, and enhanced customer service, as pointed out by Agarwal.
In June, the annual premium equivalent (APE) increased by 2.5%, which is notably slower than the 20.0% percent rise recorded in the same month last year.
From an APE perspective, the industry has experienced an 11.0% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) between June 2023 and June 2025, with private insurers witnessing a robust growth of 15.4%, according to the report.
“Typically, the first quarter is a quieter phase for the life insurance industry, following the fiscal year-end when most retail clients rush to purchase policies,” explained Saurabh Bhalerao, Associate Director at CareEdge Ratings.
In Q1 FY26, quarter-on-quarter growth showed an uptick of 4.3%, contrasting with a 22.9% percent growth in the same quarter last year, primarily due to subdued consumer demand and the new surrender value guidelines that came into effect on October 1, 2024.
Both LIC and private entities reported premium growth in both individual single and non-single premiums, reflecting their strong distribution channels and a shift toward higher value policies in response to changes in surrender value regulations, Bhalerao noted.
Growth for the month was primarily driven by individual and yearly group business, with an anticipated rise in the agency channel, fueled by banks' focus on deposit collection.
“Additionally, the upcoming Insurance Amendment Act aims to boost market penetration by attracting new players into the sector,” remarked Sanjay Agarwal, Senior Director at CareEdge Ratings.
A gradual recovery is projected for FY26, partly driven by private insurers expanding their outreach through deeper geographical penetration while introducing the Bima Trinity.