Core Insights - The Chinese life and health insurance market is expected to experience significant growth opportunities driven by demographic changes, healthcare payment reforms, and the introduction of innovative commercial health insurance products [1][6]. Group 1: Market Outlook - Despite current pressures such as low consumer demand and declining interest rates, the outlook for China's life and health insurance market remains optimistic, with premium growth expected to outpace GDP growth over the next decade [2][6]. - By 2024, China's life and health insurance premiums are projected to reach USD 584 billion, accounting for 15% of the global market, with expectations to increase to 17% in the next ten years [2][6]. Group 2: Key Growth Opportunities - The demographic shift in China, with the proportion of individuals aged 60 and above expected to rise from 22% in 2024 to 30% by 2035, will significantly increase the demand for retirement financial products, including life insurance, commercial pension insurance, and long-term care insurance [6]. - Reforms in healthcare payment methods (DRG/DIP) and the establishment of innovative commercial health insurance drug directories will clarify the roles of basic medical insurance and commercial insurance, facilitating the introduction of innovative products to cover specialized treatments [6]. - The further opening of the medical market, including the encouragement of foreign-owned hospitals, is anticipated to attract advanced medical services and global best practices, stimulating innovation in the health insurance sector, particularly in high-end products [6]. Group 3: Trends in Health Insurance - The health insurance market in China has seen a compound annual growth rate of over 30% in recent years, with premium income exceeding CNY 800 billion by 2020, although growth rates may stabilize moving forward [7]. - Three key areas are identified for future growth in health insurance: medical insurance, critical illness insurance, and nursing insurance, with medical insurance expected to maintain high growth rates due to ongoing reforms and product innovations [7][8]. - The introduction of mid-range medical insurance products is seen as a positive development, enhancing consumer access to new medical services and drugs, while also presenting challenges for insurance companies to develop suitable products that meet consumer needs [8].

Core Viewpoint - Swiss Re expresses optimism about the future of China's life and health insurance market despite current challenges such as declining interest rates and weak demand [1][3] Group 1: Current Challenges - The life and health insurance industry in China faces two main challenges: declining consumer confidence leading to reduced purchases, and lower interest rates impacting insurance companies' profitability [2][4] - Global life insurance premium growth is expected to slow down to approximately 1% in 2025, with China's life insurance market growth also slowing to 2.8% [2][3] Group 2: Future Growth Projections - Swiss Re predicts that over the next decade, the growth of life and health insurance premiums in China will exceed GDP growth, with China's share in the global life and health insurance market expected to rise to 17% [1][3] - The expansion of the middle-income group, increasing risk awareness, and the growing role of insurance in social security systems are key factors driving this growth [3][4] Group 3: Opportunities in the Market - Three major opportunities are identified for the life and health insurance market in China: 1. Demographic changes, with the proportion of the population aged 60 and above expected to rise from 22% in 2024 to 30% by 2035, increasing demand for retirement financial products [4][5] 2. Targeted policy reforms that clarify the roles of basic medical insurance and commercial insurance, facilitating the introduction of innovative products [4][6] 3. Further opening of the medical industry to foreign investment, encouraging the establishment of foreign-owned hospitals and enhancing innovation in health insurance products [4][6] Group 4: Product Development - The insurance industry needs to develop "convertible products" that evolve from initial death coverage to later-stage income protection and nursing care, aligning with customers' changing needs throughout different life stages [6]