Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 2nd February 2026, 6:47 AM
Cambodia’s insurance sector experienced a marginal decline in total premiums in November 2025, reflecting contrasting performances between life and non-life insurance segments, according to data released by the country’s insurance regulator.
Total written premiums for the month stood at $26.3 million, representing a slight 0.1% decrease compared with the same period last year.
The life insurance segment witnessed a notable downturn. Premiums in this category fell to $15.8 million, marking a 3% decline year-on-year. Analysts attribute this drop to a slowdown in new policy subscriptions and ongoing challenges in retaining existing clients. The contraction suggests a cautious consumer approach towards long-term coverage amidst evolving financial priorities.
In contrast, the non-life insurance segment showed resilience and growth. Premiums in this category rose to $10.5 million, a 4% increase from November 2024. The growth was largely driven by heightened demand for motor, property, and health insurance, reflecting rising awareness and regulatory emphasis on risk management among Cambodian households and businesses.
Despite the overall stability in premium value, the total number of policies declined sharply by 14%, falling to 485,575. Segment-wise, policy numbers diverged significantly:
Life insurance policies decreased by 22%, to 424,866, reflecting selective customer uptake of policies with higher coverage.
Non-life insurance policies, conversely, surged by 199%, reaching 60,709, underscoring growing interest in shorter-term, sector-specific coverage.
This shift is further reflected in the increase in total insured sums, which rose 15% to $6.1 billion, while total claims decreased 5% to $5.8 million, indicating either lower claim frequency or improved risk management practices.
| Indicator | Life Insurance | Non-Life Insurance | Total | Annual Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Premium ($ million) | 15.8 | 10.5 | 26.3 | -0.1% |
| Number of Policies | 424,866 | 60,709 | 485,575 | -14% |
| Policy Growth Rate | -22% | 199% | — | — |
| Total Insured Sum ($ billion) | — | — | 6.1 | +15% |
| Total Claims ($ million) | — | — | 5.8 | -5% |
Experts interpret these trends as a reflection of shifting customer preferences. In the short term, demand for non-life insurance continues to rise, while the life insurance market faces persistent hurdles in attracting new policyholders.
In response, the regulatory authority has advised insurance companies to introduce innovative life insurance products and diversify portfolios to ensure long-term market stability and sustainable growth. The mixed performance highlights both opportunities and challenges in Cambodia’s evolving insurance landscape.
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