Assessing Demand for Microinsurance in Tanzania
Millinga, A.
Publication Date: Jun 2002
Published by: MicroSave
Document Type: Paper
Do the poor need micro insurance?
This study investigates the demand for microinsurance by urban and rural poor households in Tanzania. It does this through literature review, focus group discussions, participatory rapid assessment, and in-depth interviews.
The study examines:
- Formal/ informal insurance services available to poor households,
- The financial profile of households for gauging the insurance payments capacity,
- Factors that enable poor households to join insurance schemes,
- Details on how informal insurance groups provide protection against risks,
- The level of satisfaction with formal and informal services currently being offered.
The key issues that the study explores are:
- Key risks faced by poor urban and rural households in Tanzania,
- Impact of risks on families,
- Response of households to risks and effectiveness of these responses,
- Methods to improve the effectiveness of responses ,
- Levels of acceptance of formal insurance by poor households.
Finally, the study finds that:
- Poor households are exposed to a wide variety of risks,
- These risks may drive households to absolute poverty and permanent disability,
- Individuals and households adopt various mechanisms for protection against risks,
- Vulnerability to risk does not necessarily translate into a demand for insurance coverage,
- People desire flexibility in premiums and premium collection,
- The quality of health care and choice of providers are the key issues in the establishment of health insurance programs.
| 
View this Document
Email this Document
