Home -BITE-SIZED INSURANCE
Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market teems with the products that are sold quickly and at comparatively low costs to attract more consumers. Due to high demand and shorter shelf-lives, they are sold more frequently and have a high turnover. It appears insurance companies have decided to employ this technique to bolster their muted sales and low penetration in India.
A number of insurers and intermediaries have helped in acquainting the people of the country with life and non-life insurance covers with bite-sized premiums. Not to be confused with micro insurance, the process for these are largely digital and do not require medical tests or proposal forms, and the overall documentation required for underwriting is minimal, making them ideal to target first-time buyers on digital platforms.
The products not only address the need-gaps among under-insured consumers but also those of insurance companies, catering to the needs that remained unmet by traditional insurance covers that are high-cost. Bite-sized insurance products have been able to bring personalization to an otherwise low-interaction industry. Round-the-clock access, competitive prices, and good quality have made these products all the more attractive to customers.
With bite-sized, underwriting does not involve an assessment of risk and exposure of the policy holder to arrive at a premium; all customers are offered the same premium amount. These plans, therefore, offer one-click solutions to young people who are often hesitant to avail insurance due to extensive paperwork or costs. Such plans also allow them to address seasonal or specific needs, without having to pay large premiums over longer durations. Furthermore, a collection of bite-sized products have allowed insurers to provide an ecosystem of products customizable to individual needs.
Demand for personalized insurance is only set to grow. However, while bite-sized insurance is convenient and economic, it is not a long-term substitute for comprehensive insurance. Most bite-sized insurance covers are very specific and will not be of use for ailments or needs outside of their limited scope. People with pre-existing conditions or higher risks will find such insurance unsuited to their needs.