PHNOM PENH: Gross insurance premiums in Cambodia in the fourth quarter of 2025 amounted to nearly US$86 million, an increase of more than 15% over Q4 2024. Gross claims paid to customers totalled nearly $23 million, according to the Insurance Regulator of Cambodia (IRC).
Bou Chanphirou, IRC director general, warned late last year that public awareness among Cambodians of the benefits of insurance remains limited.
Insurance density stood at just $22 per capita in September, which is low compared to other countries in the region. The insurance sector contributes just over 1% to Cambodia’s national economy. These indicators suggested that the insurance market still has significant room for expansion.
Yok Chamroeunrith, CEO of Forte Insurance (Forte Insurance (Cambodia) Plc.), noted that although Cambodia’s insurance sector is still relatively young compared to other countries in the region, it plays an important role in channelling capital into the national economy.
According to him, globally, the insurance sector is considered an important source of investment capital, particularly life insurance, as premiums collected from customers function similarly to savings. Insurance companies are obligated to invest these funds in various sectors to generate returns.
The IRC reported that in the last quarter of 2025, total insurance premiums in Cambodia reached $85.8 million, up 15.36% compared to $73.38 million in Q4 2024.
Of this amount, life insurance premiums totalled $50.55 million, up 2% from $49.52 million, and general insurance (covering property, health, life, fire, vehicles, engineering, transportation and other risks) totalled $35.25 million, up 41.8% from $24.85 million.
Insurance companies fulfilled their obligations by paying claims to customers, contributing to financial stability for individuals facing risks or unexpected accidents. Total gross claims incurred amounted to $22.96 million, up 7.85% compared to $21.28 million in the same period in 2024. Of this, life insurance claims totalled $9.66 million, down 3% from $9.91 million, and general insurance claims reached $13.29 million, up 17% from $11.37 million.
According to the IRC, in Q4 2025, insurance companies in Cambodia recorded underwriting gains of $12.93 million, an increase of 7% compared to Q4 2024.
The IRC reported that Cambodia currently has 24 general insurance companies, 14 life insurance companies, 6 microinsurance companies, 1 reinsurance company, and 21 insurance brokers.
In 2025, total premiums in Cambodia reached $357 million, up just 3.44% over 2023. In 2024, premiums came from life insurance: $200.2 million, general insurance: $148 million and microinsurance: $8.8 million.
In 2024, a total of $90.9 million in claims were paid, up from the $63.3 million recorded in 2023. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
