COVID-19 has sparked a widespread debate on the role of insurers in shouldering losses related to pandemics. In addition to the sickness-related impacts of the virus, government-imposed lockdowns have been enormously detrimental to businesses. Insurers are promptly paying all legitimate claims, but COVID-19 has revealed gaps in coverage.
Our research series on pandemics and insurance investigates, in number terms, the capacities of insurers to absorb pandemic-related costs in health, life and business interruption. A second report later in 2020 will explore feasible protection solutions.