IRDAI insurance regulatory reforms in India

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has introduced several regulatory initiatives aimed at reforming the health and general insurance sectors to increase transparency and efficiency.

Initial proposals focused on enhancing the digital infrastructure and simplifying policy processes. Key measures included the creation of a Public Insurance Registry (PIR) to reduce information gaps and the promotion of the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX) to facilitate faster claim settlements. The regulator also emphasized standardizing industry data and encouraging the use of Standard Treatment Guidelines.

Subsequent regulatory efforts shifted toward controlling distribution costs and protecting consumers from deceptive digital practices. The IRDAI moved to ban ‘dark patterns’ on insurance websites to ensure customers can access pricing and product information without being forced to provide personal details first.

In a major overhaul detailed in a consultation paper titled ‘Recalibrating Economics of Insurance Distribution’, the IRDAI proposed specific commission ceilings for various intermediaries. For instance, commissions for banks and non-bank lenders distributing insurance alongside loans could be capped between 2% and 5%, alongside a prohibition on making insurance compulsory for obtaining credit. Health insurance commissions for new policies are proposed at 15% to 20%, while third-party motor insurance payouts could be reduced to nearly zero. Furthermore, life insurers would be required to reduce their Expenses of Management (EoM) to 15% of gross direct premium income within two years, with a long-term target of 10%.

These proposals triggered significant market volatility. Shares of PB Fintech fell by as much as 34%, while Turtlemint dropped 20%. Other affected stocks included Max Financial Services, L&T Finance, and HDFC Life Insurance.