Premiums for personal policies led growth in 2014 compared to the previous year, followed by general and mandatory policies.
From a statement issued by the Superintendent of Insurance in Costa Rica (SUG):
Voluntary insurance represent 69% of total premium revenue, showing an increasing trend across the board. Total premium income, including compulsory policies, was $1.1674 billion.
The Superintendency of Insurance in Costa Rica is planning to start the process of opening up the market for compulsory automobile insurance in the first quarter.
In order to liberalize the market for compulsory automobile insurance, there first needs to be a review and approval of a decree which will focus on the regulation of the sale of insurance from the National Insurance Institute (INS) to private companies.
Fitch Ratings expects moderate growth in premiums in Costa Rica, increased interest in personal insurance in Guatemala, and stable performance in Nicaragua and Honduras.
From the report "Outlook 2015: Central American Insurance Sector":
Costa Rica:
Moderate growth in premiums
Since the Costa Rican insurance industry opened up to private competition in 2008, the market has experienced rapid and consistent growth in premiums.
Between January and September revenue from sales of these policies increased by 74% compared to the same period in 2013, with the sale of group insurance policies to companies being the factor driving the growth.
According to data from the Superintendent of Insurance, in January-September, the sector as a whole has accumulated $116 million in premiums for such policies.
A report by SUGESE contains information on Basic Indicators, Market Structure and Participants and Products.
December 2012 Bulletin from the Superintendent of Insurance (SUGESE):
Basic Indicators
The total amount of direct premiums was ¢466.2 billion in 2012, with 69% of that amount corresponding to voluntary insurance. The retention of these total direct premiums compared to 2011 remained at 81% and the total retained earned premiums (allocated ) increased from 96% in 2011 to 91% in 2012.
The Central Bank of Costa Rica is putting to public consultation the Regulation for Defence and Consumer Protection Insurance.
The regulation will be under consultation until 27 December.
Nacion.com reports that "According to this regulation, all natural or legal persons who are properly identified can make complaints or appeals with insurance firms provided these requests relate to their interests or legally recognized rights."
Despite the de-monopolization of the market four years ago, state institutions continue to obtain their insurance with the National Insurance Institute (INS).
An article in Nacion.com reports that "Although the Law Regulating the Insurance Market (LRMS) leaves open the possibility for public sector entities to buy private insurance policies, few enterprises have contracted their services."
The Decline of the State Social Security Fund is forcing Costa Ricans to seek private health insurance.
Buying private health insurance could be an option for Costa Ricans in the face of deficiencies in the Social Security Fund (CCSS), a state health system that is ailing.
However, despite a growing demand for good quality health services, there are still few options for private health insurance, reports Insidecostarica.com.