Insurance premiums in Cambodia Edge up to $103 million in Q1 2026

PHNOM PENH, June 15, 2026 (KPT) — The insurance industry in Cambodia generated $103 million in gross premiums in the first quarter of 2026, a modest one percent increase from $102.3 million a year earlier, official data showed Monday.

Figures from the Insurance Regulator of Cambodia (IRC) indicated life insurance premiums were largely unchanged at $53.4 million, slipping 0.05 percent year‑on‑year. General insurance, including microinsurance, rose two percent to $49.6 million, reflecting steady demand for non‑life products.

Despite the rise in gross premiums, net earned premiums fell one percent to $67.6 million. Life insurance net earned premiums dropped three percent to $50 million, while general insurance rose five percent to $17.6 million.

The market’s claims experience improved, with total gross claims down 12 percent to $19.6 million. Life insurance claims edged up three percent to $8.8 million, but general insurance claims fell sharply by 20 percent to $10.8 million.

Industry profitability strengthened, with underwriting gains jumping 30 percent to $12.6 million, compared with $9.7 million in Q1 2025. The improvement was driven by an eight percent reduction in net operating expenses to $45.3 million and a six percent increase in financial income to $12.5 million.

IRC director general Bou Chanphirou said the sector continues to expand but remains a small contributor to the economy, with penetration at 1.11 percent of GDP in 2025. Cambodia’s insurance market generated $367 million in premiums last year, with assets exceeding $1.2 billion and 39 licensed operators.