1. World problems
  2. Unavailability of insurance for vulnerable groups

Unavailability of insurance for vulnerable groups

  • Insurance discrimination against high risk cases
  • Uninsurable underclass
  • Active prejudice towards the needy by insurance companies
  • Prejudicial treatment of the poor by insurers

Nature

As a result of an increasing number of claims, especially those associated with disasters, insurance companies are increasingly selective in the groups to which they are prepared to offer coverage. Individuals with recent claims may find it difficult to obtain new coverage, including those who have been the victims of crimes such as burglaries. Corporations manufacturing toxic chemicals may also be refused coverage or required to negotiate separate contracts.

Incidence

In Malawi, a leading insurance company withdrew from the market for life insurance when the government banned AIDS test on applicants seeking cover. Here, as across Africa, AIDS-related claims have multiplied five to twenty-five fold between the mid 1980s and early 1990s, and look rise uncontrollably through the 1990s. Adult life expectancy in sub-Saharan Africa is predicted to fall to 47 years by 2000, compared with 62 without the AIDS factor.

Counter-claim

There is no point in insurance companies taking on losses that mean premiums have to go up for everyone.

Broader

Narrower

Aggravates

Aggravated by

Social outcasts
Presentable

Related

Denial of danger
Yet to rate

Strategy

Insuring health
Presentable

SDG

Sustainable Development Goal #1: No PovertySustainable Development Goal #10: Reduced InequalitySustainable Development Goal #16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions

Metadata

Database
World problems
Type
(E) Emanations of other problems
Subject
  • Commerce » Insurance
  • Societal problems » Deprivation
  • Societal problems » Hazards
  • Societal problems » Vulnerability
  • Society » Class, caste, elites
  • Society » Disadvantaged
  • Transportation, telecommunications » Packaging
  • Content quality
    Presentable
     Presentable
    Language
    English
    Last update
    Oct 4, 2020