The operations sub-group co-ordinates four main activities:
- Protecting the Poor: A Microinsurance Compendium
- Two-pagers (briefs based on the Good and Bad Practices research) entitled Microinsurance in Focus
- “Emerging Practices Note” (formerly the revised Donor Guidelines)
- Microinsurance Innovation Facility (proposal to the Gates Foundation)
Protecting the Poor: A Microinsurance Compendium
Published in 2006 by the ILO and Munich Re Foundation, the book has been well received. For the conference in India, it had a second printing as a paperback version. From the first print run of 2700, roughly 800 have been distributed for free at various conferences and events, and the ILO has sold 500. From the second print run of 850, 400 have been distributed for free. The Indian publisher responsible for the second printing will also sell the book in India.
The book might also be published in Spanish, hopefully in time for the Colombia conference in November 2008 based on the outcome of discussions with the Puerto Rico Insurance Supervisor.
The book is one of the outcomes from the Good and Bad Practices project, funded by DFID, GTZ, the ILO and SIDA, which included 24 case studies. These case studies cover a wide range of institutional models, product types and regions, with a focus on challenges and lessons learnt.
Microinsurance in Focus
Based on the case studies and the synthesis lessons, the operations sub-group is in the process of preparing 12 two-page notes that will be disseminated by the dissemination sub-group, including translation into French and Spanish by ADA and into Portuguese by Fenaseg. Besides the members of the sub-group, some other people have volunteered to review and comment on the draft two-pagers. It is expected that the two-pager process should be completed by the end of the first quarter 2008.
Emerging Practices for Donors
At the 2006 Working Group meeting in Cape Town, it was agreed that an update of the Preliminary Donor Guidelines was necessary to reflect the evolution of the microinsurance sector and the growing body of knowledge on this area through WG activities and publications. At the request of CGAP, USAID agreed to take the lead in coordinating this activity.
Microinsurance Innovation Facility
This initiative, headed by ILO, will have four sets of activities: i) provide innovation grants, ii) finance technical assistance and strengthen the capacity of TA providers, iii) conduct research particularly focused on the impact of microinsurance, and iv) disseminate tools and lessons learned.
Although this initiative has emerged out of the work of the operations sub-group, as a follow up to the Good and Bad Practices project and the publication of “Protecting the Poor: A Microinsurance Compendium”, the proposed Facility would be managed by the ILO since the Working Group does not have a legal identity.
With the set up of the Microinsurance Innovation Facility and the start of activities of more specialised sub-groups, e.g. the Technology sub-group, the Operations sub-group decided to retire in March 2008.
Related Documents and Information
- Microinsurance Innovation Facility
- Microinsurance in Focus Notes
- Good and Bad Practices Case Studies
- Protecting the Poor: A Microinsurance Compendium
- Preliminary Donor Guidelines for Supporting Microinsurance
Contact: Michael McCord