The Evolution of the Insurance Sector in Central and Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union

Abstract

This paper provides a detailed profile of the development of the insurance industry between 1989-98 in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the New Independent States (NIS) of the former Soviet Union. In doing so, the author utilizes various sources of data to describe the nature of the insurance market in the region. On an individual host country basis, attention is given to data on premium income with respect to both life and non-life coverage, an analysis of average annual growth rates, as well as insurance density and penetration rates by type of coverage. The paper also addresses a number of issues pertaining to the competitive environment, including the legal conditions for insurance operators, a profile of the key players, and the role of foreign insurers operating within the region. The paper concludes by identifying the three main trends of the insurance industry in the region, the associated policy implications of each, as well as the need for future research.