Universal Life Insurance Market Expected to Reach $280.4 Billion by 2032—Allied Market Research

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Universal Life Insurance Market, by Type (Indexed Universal Life Insurance, Variable Universal Life Insurance, and Guaranteed Universal Life Insurance) and Distribution Channel (Direct Sales, Brokers/Agents, Banks, and Others)." The universal life insurance market was valued at $117.5 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach $280.4 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.3% from 2023 to 2032.

Universal life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that combines a death benefit with a savings or investment component. It provides policyholders with flexibility in managing their insurance coverage, premiums, and cash value accumulation. Moreover, universal life insurance includes a cash value component that grows over time. A portion of the premium payments goes into the cash value, which earns interest or returns on the basis of the performance of underlying investment options chosen by the policyholder. The surge in adoption of low-cost entry users and the ability to accumulate cash value over time boosts the growth of the global universal life insurance market. In addition, factors such as the higher possibility of estate planning and wealth transfer of universal life insurance have positively impacted the growth of the market.

However, interest rate sensitivity and complexity and understanding of universal life insurance policies are expected to hamper market growth. On the contrary, rising demand for financial planning solutions is expected to offer remunerative opportunities for the expansion of the market during the forecast period. Each of these factors is projected to have a definite impact on the growth of the global universal life insurance market trends.  

The Brokers/Agents segment is expected to garner a significant share during the forecast period. This is attributed to the personalized and consultative approach these professionals bring to the insurance purchasing process. However, the banks segment is expected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period, due to the increasing convergence of financial services and the rising demand for comprehensive financial solutions.  

Region-wise, the universal life insurance market size was dominated by North America in 2022 and is expected to retain its position during the forecast period. The major factors that drive the growth of the market in this region are increasing awareness of the importance of life insurance, and a growing emphasis on financial planning. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness a significant growth rate during the forecast period, owing to a surge in the adoption of digital platforms and technology to enhance distribution channels, making universal life insurance more accessible to a broader audience among developing nations such as China and India. 

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the universal life insurance industry. On one hand, the heightened awareness of health risks has increased the demand for life insurance products, including universal life insurance, as individuals seek to secure their financial futures. On the other hand, economic uncertainties, job losses, and financial strain experienced by some consumers have influenced purchasing decisions, impacting market dynamics. The pandemic has influenced consumer trends in the universal life insurance market growth. The increased focus on health and financial security has prompted individuals to reassess their insurance needs. There could be a growing interest in policies that offer comprehensive coverage, flexibility, and investment components. In addition, the shift toward digital channels for insurance transactions and consultations has accelerated during the pandemic. Post-pandemic, there may be opportunities for universal life insurance providers to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of consumers. Emphasizing the value of financial security, introducing flexible policy options, and leveraging digital platforms for customer outreach could be potential strategies. In addition, providers explore new avenues for collaboration, such as partnerships with health and wellness platforms or technology firms. 

Key Findings of The Study 

• By type, the indexed universal life insurance segment accounted for the largest universal life insurance market share in 2022. 

• Region wise, North America generated the highest revenue in 2022. 

• Depending on distribution channel, the guaranteed universal life insurance segment generated the highest revenue in 2022. 

The key players profiled in the universal life insurance market analysis are American International Group, Inc., AXA, John Hancock, MetLife Services and Solutions, LLC., Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company, Penn Mutual, Progressive Casualty Insurance Company, Protective Life Corporation, Prudential Financial, Inc., and Symetra Life Insurance Company. These players have adopted various strategies to increase their market penetration and strengthen their position in the universal life insurance industry.