Global trend towards privatisation

A further influential factor is the trend towards privatisation. Under the generic term "health reform", many governments are withdrawing at least in part from the healthcare system and are increasingly restricting themselves to the task of laying down the necessary legal parameters.

For example, the authorities in emerging markets in particular (such as India) provide only very basic healthcare. Healthcare is being cut back in many industrialised countries (Germany), or patients have to go on a waiting list for operations (Sweden and England).

In other words, the state defines what the individual's existential need is in terms of a guaranteed level of basic healthcare. Whether such a system needs to be organised and run by the state is a different matter (see link "Abu Dhabi"). These trends are evident in all countries, although the speed and scope of change may vary given the different legal requirements involved.

As growth opportunities for the private insurance industry depend greatly on the legal framework and structure of a healthcare market, concepts based solely on risk assumption are nowhere near enough. Munich Re commitment therefore goes far beyond classic reinsurance solutions.