6th International microinsurance conference
Structure and goal of the conference
The conference will have four plenary panel discussions on key topics addressing an interdisciplinary audience. 16 parallel working group sessions will deal in depth with different subtopics. Interactive sessions are a key part of the conference, facilitating dialogue in small groups on emerging issues.
Themes
1) Case studies on innovative and sustainable microinsurance programmes and/or products
2) Thematic issues:
a) New distribution channels
Microfinance institutions are perhaps the most common form of distribution for microinsurance, but through what other channels does insurance reach low-income households? Submissions that compare the relative effectiveness of different distribution channels are particularly relevant.
b) Claims handling
The real meaning of microinsurance occurs when a claim is paid, but how can microinsurers ensure that happens quickly? How can they ensure that the claim is not rejected? Submissions should outline the terms and conditions that work best for insurer and client, what redress is available and effective, and how the community contributes to claims processing.
c) Strategies to develop microinsurance
An enabling environment is key for the development of microinsurance. The sessions will discuss include the role of policymakers and regulators to include a more inclusive insurance market.
d) Microinsurance solutions for natural disasters
The devastation of Haiti in January has raised awareness about the importance of microinsurance and disasters, but can microinsurance really make a difference in the event of earthquakes, droughts, floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters? Submissions should focus on experience linked to implementation and learning relevant to coverage for co-variant risks.
e) Insurance literacy
The low-income market often does not understand insurance, so how do microinsurance providers overcome this problem? Preferred submissions would include cost-benefit analysis to assess the effectiveness of consumer education methods.
3) Scientific track – Economic analysis of microinsurance markets
The 6th International Microinsurance Conference will have a scientific track to encourage rigorous economic analysis of microinsurance markets. Empirical, theoretical and policy-oriented papers will be presented.