Igloo on Driving Insurance Growth in the Philippines

 End-to-end digitalization of insurance is becoming a crucial strategy to boost insurance penetration in the Philippines, especially as recent data indicates a decline in coverage across the country. In 2023, insurance penetration in the Philippines sank to 1.6%, lower than the 1.73% recorded in 2022.  This decline highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions to make insurance more accessible and appealing to a broader population.

Igloo, a regional insurtech, addresses low insurance penetration by leveraging technology and partnerships to streamline operations across the entire insurance value chain–from insurance and intermediaries to consumers. By digitalizing processes throughout the ecosystem, Igloo enables faster, more efficient services, seamlessly integrating insurance into everyday digital interactions such as e-commerce and travel bookings. 

 

driveEmpowering Intermediaries with a Digital Platform

One key aspect of this digital transformation is the creation of digital platforms for intermediaries. Traditionally, insurance intermediaries rely on manual processes from onboard customers to settling claims, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Digital tools allow intermediaries to streamline the entire process from customer onboarding to claim settlement. These tools help manage customer information, assess needs, and complete transactions faster and more accurately. As a result, intermediaries can focus more on building relationships with current and potential clients, rather than being burdened by administrative tasks.

Ignite introduced Igloo, a digital platform that helps insurance intermediaries sell more efficiently. Key features include a user-friendly interface for faster browsing, a quick quote system for instant premium calculations, secure payment processing, and tools for team and data management to simplify reporting. It also tracks referral fees in real time, depositing them directly into bank accounts. Launched in Vietnam in 2022, Indonesia in 2023, and now in the Philippines, Igloo offers 42 products across 9 categories, including Travel, Pet, and Motor protection. It was awarded Mobile App of the Year - Vietnam at the Insurance Asia Awards 2024.

 

Facilitating a Seamless Digital Experience through Embedded Insurance

Igloo is transforming the insurance landscape by providing a seamless, end-to-end digital experience through embedded insurance. As an insurtech platform, it enables businesses to integrate insurance products into their platforms, facilitating seamless policy applications, purchase, and claims management. This reduces friction for both insurance providers and distributors, streamlining complex tasks such as underwriting, policy issuance, and claims processing, making the entire system more efficient and user-friendly.

 

Igloo partners with online platforms like Lazada and Shopee, as well as payment services like DANA in Indonesia and GCash in the Philippines, and retail chains like Circle K in Vietnam, to develop customized and embedded insurance products that integrate smoothly into digital experiences. In addition, telecom companies like Smart, consumer finance platforms such as Skyro and Salmon, and B2B MSME enabler Growsari also collaborate with Igloo in the Philippines to expand access to insurance across different sectors. This enables customers to purchase insurance directly through these platforms with minimal hassle. As a result, consumers can easily discover, evaluate, and buy insurance products in just a few clicks, making insurance a natural part of their everyday transactions. Consequently, securing coverage for travel, electronics, or e-commerce purchases becomes nearly invisible yet highly convenient.

 

This frictionless approach allows customers to opt-in with just a few clicks, which improves conversion rates. It also appeals to those who might not have initially considered insurance but recognize its value when offered conveniently.

 

Bringing Insurance Closer to Consumers, Digitally

Building on its success in embedded insurance and business-to-agent models, Igloo has soft-launched a direct-to-consumer platform in Indonesia, igloo.co.id, where users can explore insurance products like motorcycle, car, pet, and travel coverage from top insurers. 

 

Introducing these platforms is essential for improving insurance accessibility and expanding market penetration. Igloo’s direct-to-consumer platform streamlines the insurance process, enabling users to easily compare products, understand coverage, and manage policies in one place. This approach not only resolves common transparency issues but also empowers consumers to make informed decisions. Digitalization, in this case, increases accessibility, boosts efficiency, and builds trust, ultimately driving higher adoption rates and fostering a more inclusive insurance ecosystem.

 

As the Philippines experiences a decline in insurance penetration, digitalization offers a clear solution to reverse this trend. By simplifying processes for intermediaries and customers alike, insurers can eliminate barriers to entry. The growing prevalence of embedded insurance and direct-to-consumer platforms also exposes consumers to more coverage options, increasing the likelihood of purchasing insurance and improving overall financial security.

Igloo strengthens MSME support with Growsari partnership

From small mom-and-pop shops around the corner, sari-sari stores, and small businesses started by young entrepreneurs, the importance and impact of these micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) cannot be overstated. These businesses account for 99.5% of the total number of companies in the country and employ 62.8% of the workforce. 

However, the same segment is often exposed to a wide range of risks, from theft, illnesses, or natural disasters. Compared to larger businesses, they struggle to manage these risks more due to limited resources.

Understanding how these businesses are major drivers for economic growth, regional insurtech Igloo together with Growsari, a leading B2B MSME enabler that powers Philippines sari-sari stores, introduced the Personal + Business Protection Plan that provides financial assistance to these neighborhood convenience stores in case of unwanted incidents arising from natural calamities such as floods due to heavy rain.

“Igloo and Growsari share the same goal of protecting MSMEs like sari-sari stores by offering innovative insurance solutions that will help them mitigate risks while ensuring they can continue to thrive and contribute to the growth of their communities,” said Roberto Vea, Commercial Lead at Igloo Philippines. “As we celebrate International MSME Day on June 27, we not only reaffirm our commitment to continue providing them with the tools and protection they need but champion how these businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering community resilience.”

The Personal + Business Protection Plan provides up to P150,000 in financial coverage for accidents and up to P35,000 of cash assistance to help them protect their property or inventory in cases of flood and fire in more than 200,000 sari-sari stores in the country.

Beyond this, Igloo and Growsari are empowering these sari-sari stores to eventually extend the same protection plan to their customers and community–giving them ease of access to insurance products that can protect them and their loved ones. This is part of Igloo’s mission to provide affordable and accessible insurance for all.

“We’re not stopping there as we plan to expand the partnership to help cover their customers or sukis against unforeseen events. The goal is to provide the most comprehensive protection product for these businesses, covering not just their assets but also their human capital,” Vea added.

The Personal + Business Protection Plan is one of the latest MSME products Igloo has created with its partners. Last year it introduced NegosyoCare with GCash and Malayan–an insurance product specifically designed to protect MSMEs that provides coverage for accidents and other unwanted situations through the GInsure Marketplace.

These products further Igloo’s mission to provide underserved segments with comprehensive and affordable protection products across the region.

Learn more about Igloo’s products and services by visiting iglooinsure.com

Igloo and Smart Partner to Democratize Access to Device Protection: Highlighting Importance of Accessibility

 

As part of its ongoing efforts to provide accessible and affordable insurance for all, regional insurtech Igloo, together with the Philippines’ largest mobile network Smart, has announced phone protection plans for its growing 55 million subscriber base.

 

This partnership not only furthers Smart’s commitment to enhancing customer experience but also highlights Igloo’s mission to provide as many avenues to device protection as possible for Filipinos, especially with the country being one of the social media capitals in the world.

 

"In the Philippines, 84.4% of the population own smartphones, and individuals spend nearly four hours daily on social media, well above the global average of two and a half hours. As a highly connected and social nation, the importance of these devices for communication, productivity, and entertainment is undeniable," remarked Roberto Vea, Commercial Lead at Igloo Philippines. "Recognizing the essential role of these devices and the need to safeguard them, Igloo has partnered with Smart to introduce phone protection plans, providing our customers with peace of mind."

 

Smart subscribers gain exclusive access to Phone Protect where they can purchase a phone protection plan with their preferred coverage and duration. It offers subscribers protection against accidental and liquid damage and includes professional repair and service at authorized centers for the Basic tier and additional protection against losses due to theft and robbery for the Plus tier.

 

Plans start as low P125 for one year coverage and is one of the most affordable and comprehensive gadget care products available in the market.

 

The insurance plan seamlessly integrates into the checkout process, allowing customers to review the plan details, associated premium, and terms and conditions before finalizing payment. This transparency ensures customers have a clear understanding of the additional cost and the benefits it adds to their transaction, enhancing their overall experience.

 

"We’re excited to expand access to device protection products with Smart, as it aligns with our goal to democratize and enhance the experience of protecting your devices. We've worked to make every aspect—from customer experience to pricing, coverage, purchase, and claims—easy and convenient. Partnering with Smart allows us to reach the widest possible audience." Vea explained.

 

The value of partnerships in providing insurance for all

Igloo and its partners' gadget protection and cracked screen protection products have become some of the most popular segments in the country, with over 15.8 million policies sold through various distribution platforms since January 2023.

 

From consumer finance to e-commerce, Igloo has been working to provide insurance to various sectors in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia. One of its most recent partnerships with Skyro and Salmon provided protection access to the underbanked segment, many of whom rely on digital lending companies for installment purchases.

 

Additionally, in collaboration with Growsari, an MSME enabler, Igloo piloted the Personal + Business Protection plan. This initiative aims to cover over 200,000 sari-sari stores across the country with financial assistance in case of unwanted incidents arising from natural calamities, such as floods from torrential rains.

 

“At Igloo, we believe that to provide insurance tailored to the needs of its market, partnerships are crucial in enabling broader audience reach while offering diverse coverage options. With our partners, we can continuously improve and innovate our offerings to serve as many people as possible,” Vea said.

 

Igloo’s collaboration with Smart and other partners is part of its mission to expand its reach across Southeast Asia and provide innovative insurance solutions to nearly 700 million people in the region.

Igloo’s Weather Index Insurance helps protect coffee farmers and their crops against extreme weather conditions

Regional insurtech Igloo expands its blockchain-based parametric index insurance to coffee farmers in Southeast Asia, showing commitment to covering more underinsured communities and industries after successful product implementation with rice farmers.

 

Southeast Asia - a part of what is called the coffee belt - is one of the biggest coffee producers in the world. While Vietnam and Indonesia are responsible for the majority of global coffee output, the Philippines is also an important global producer with industry revenue expected to reach US$6.7 billion in 2023, according to statistics portal Statista. The local market is also expected to grow annually by 5.69% until 2025.

 

Coffee production is not only a long-term and labor-intensive investment, but it is also one that is constantly under threat of climate hazards which provide difficult growing conditions due to extreme climate–affecting farmers and disrupting supply chains.

“Weather Index Insurance is a product that we introduced in order to protect farmers and communities across Southeast Asia from unforeseen climate hazards. While initially introduced for rice farmers, we’ve seen from its success the product’s scalability to cover other sectors like coffee farms, which is one of the robustly growing segments in the region,” said Mario Berta, Igloo’s Country Manager for the Philippines.

 

Protecting the coffee industry and its farmers

There are currently several insurance products on the market for coffee farmers. However, they share a common problem of incompatibility with the real, frequent risks faced by coffee farming families. The damage assessment process is also complex and time-consuming, which creates the risk of additional financial hardship for farmers. 

 

The Weather Index Insurance eliminates the need to individually verify claims thereby reducing transaction costs and enabling faster payouts to farmers. This is done by collecting and monitoring rainfall data to calculate claims using pre-assigned values for losses due to natural causes. The business rules governing claims payout being hosted on a public blockchain help leverage the attributes of transparency, consistency, and unbiasedness, thereby making the setup credible.

 

While Weather Index Insurance is currently available in Vietnam for rice and coffee farmers, Igloo expects to roll out Weather Index Insurance to more countries in Southeast Asia including the Philippines soon.

 

“The Philippines being an agricultural powerhouse and one that is at a higher risk of suffering from the impacts of climate change, is a country we believe will benefit from having Weather Index Insurance. We are currently working with our partners to make this product available in the country and other markets in the near future. In addition, we are also exploring expanding the product’s coverage to include other indices such as earthquakes,” Mario added.

 

Igloo eyes more opportunities to drive financial inclusion in the Philippines with US$ 27-M in fresh funding

 

Following a successful $27-M Series B+ funding, regional insurtech Igloo is gearing up to further accelerate financial inclusion in Southeast Asia. Seeing tremendous growth in the Philippines, Igloo will be allocating a portion of the funding to deploy more insurance solutions and increase coverage across the country. 

 

The first investment in Southeast Asia, the recent funding round was led by a group of global institutional investors, highlighting their shared mission of protecting the communities they serve. The investors have expressed interest in Igloo’s initiatives in the Philippines which include providing credit line insurance to entrepreneurs, half of which are women, through its partnership with Philinsure. The firm also pioneered Foodpanda’s PandaCare initiative, a comprehensive insurance package for platform workers that includes accidental death, accidental dismemberment, medical reimbursement, hospital assistance, and burial expense.

“With an insurance penetration rate of less than 2%, we entered the Philippines by listening to the unmet needs of Filipinos to ensure we are filling the gaps that other players have yet to address,” said Mario Berta, Philippine Country Manager for Igloo “With the success of the B+ funding, this ensures that we can strengthen our current tech capabilities and allow us to introduce new solutions that would reach more underserved sectors in the Philippines.” 

 

Igloo is currently in talks with insurance and government partners to bring the first blockchain-based Weather Index Insurance, a new technology that would provide immediate financial assistance to farmers in times of adverse weather conditions. With an average of 20 typhoons traversing the Philippines every year, Weather Index Insurance will not only fast-track farming communities’ recovery but also guarantee the sustainability of their livelihood.

 

While Igloo helps insurance partners onboard their products into digital platforms, the firm is also finding more solutions to support direct sales intermediaries. As the industry transforms itself, there is also a need to help agents and brokers prepare for the increasing demand for insurance. The firm intends to introduce Ignite by Igloo, an intuitive AI-powered digital solution, that enhances the productivity of agents by automating manual paperwork and inefficient procedures. 

 

With the increased ease of purchase of low-cost protection, latest data from the Insurance Commission (IC) showed microinsurance premiums jumped by 15% in the first quarter alone. Riding off the growth of the segment, Igloo has facilitated over 100 million through local insurance partners in the past four years it has been in the market.

 

“The Philippines being one of the most digitally connected places in the Southeast Asia region is an advantage for insurtech companies because technology is heavily involved in the lifestyle of Filipinos.“ said Berta “We will leverage technology to reach out to sectors within the Philippines since every Filipino deserves to have access to insurance, no matter where they live.”

 

Igloo recently launched Travel Master with COVID-19

In the forum titled ‘The Philippines and Revenge Tourism – Are We Ready?’ Tourism Secretary, Bernadette Romulo Puyat shared that ‘Revenge Travel’ or leisure travel that follows a period of being unable to travel is driving the tourism boom in the country. Since easing restrictions in February 2022, the country has seen a gradual rise in travel - particularly to local destinations - among Filipinos. In fact, 85% of tourism contribution to the gross domestic product can be attributed to domestic travel, which is expected to grow further with the opening of more local destinations. Travel Master with COVID-19 will help Filipinos be prepared for health and travel risks for their trips.

Regional insurtech firm Igloo, in partnership with GCash and leading local underwriter Malayan Insurance, recently launched Travel Master with COVID-19, a comprehensive travel insurance product to be offered and purchased on the e-wallet. The brand-new product offers coverage for personal accident, emergency medical treatment, hospital cash allowance, travel inconvenience benefits, and COVID-19 protection. With tourism on the upswing due to the easing of restrictions, Travel Master with COVID-19 will enable Filipinos to undertake trips with assured protection in the event of a medical emergency due to the pandemic. 

“As more Filipinos become more comfortable with traveling, our new travel insurance product in collaboration with our long-term partner GCash, will work as a key enabler to facilitate safe travel for Filipinos. Being an affordable, yet comprehensive product, that addresses common travel risks including contracting COVID-19 it will offer travelers the coverage they need so they can enjoy their trip and have peace of mind,” shared Mario Berta, Country Manager for the Philippines at Igloo. “GCash Travel Master with COVID-19 once again highlights Igloo’s commitment to co-creation of insurance products that are relevant and accessible to all Filipinos.”

 

Underwritten by Malayan Insurance, the benefits of Travel Insurance include Personal Accident with Emergency Medical Treatment for COVID-19 for up to Php 2,500,000, Hospital Cash Allowance due to COVID-19 of up to Php 4,000, and Travel Inconvenience of up to Php 50,000. It also has value-added features such as Car Rental Protection of up to Php 500,000 and Sports Activities Extension of up to Php 100,000. The insurance product is also supported by 24-hour worldwide travel assistance in partnership with Assist America for the medical needs of the insured. 

 

 

GCash Travel Master with COVID-19 powered by Igloo
Topline benefits
Personal Accident with Emergency Medical Treatment for COVID-19	Up to Php 2,500,000
Hospital Cash Allowance due to COVID-19	Up to o Php 4,000
Travel Inconvenience	Up to Php 50,000
Value-added benefits
Car Rental Protection	Up to Php 500,000
Sports Activities Extension	Up to Php 100,000

 

 

Available through GCash’s GInsure marketplace, premiums start at Php 950 for local or inbound, Php 970 for Asia, and Php 1,190 for worldwide travel with up to a 90-day maximum coverage period. 

 

GCash Travel Master with COVID-19 is the fourth product launched under Igloo and GCash’s partnership. In September 2021, the partners launched the first Online Shopping insurance in the market, followed by Mobile Insurance products and Pet Insurance in 2022.

Igloo is a regional insurtech firm with a mission to make insurance accessible and affordable for all

The Philippines is one of the most typhoon-prone countries in the world, dealing with an average of 20 occurrences per year. According to the Philippine Climate Change and Food Security Analysis (CCFSA) study commissioned by the World Food Programme, typhoons and other extreme weather events have cost the country approximately Php 290 million in agricultural damages in the last decade. The recent typhoon Paeng alone caused Php 3.16 billion in damages to the sector. 

 

Agriculture is a major industry in the Philippine economy, representing about ten percent of its gross domestic product. At the groundwork of the industry are small-scale farmers, usually holding less than three hectares of farmland, leading agricultural production. Despite being the major contributors to the industry, most of these farmers live in poverty. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) states that most rice farmers got a net return per hectare of Php 16,832 in 2020, which is a little more than 20% of the average Php 70,000 per hectare capital required for rice farming. 

 

With limited financial means, farmers heavily rely on loans to raise capital for their work. This situation makes them vulnerable when they lose income when crops are destroyed by floods and droughts. With their initial mortgage unpaid, farmers often raise capital through fresh loans, exposing them to a high risk of debt accumulation.

 

“Farmer productivity has declined over the years due to insufficient support. Often, families of farmers decide to sell land for more immediate income amid pressing needs and what would have been the next generation of farmers are seen to pursue better-paying jobs,” shared Mario Berta, Country Manager for the Philippines at Igloo. “On top of these challenges, there are recurring natural disasters that significantly hurt the livelihoods of farmers. This calls for a strengthened initiative that will mitigate the impact of catastrophes.” 

 

While extreme weather conditions may not be prevented, preparations can be made to ensure the fastest recovery for the agriculture sector. The provision of crop insurance can help and will enable farmers to begin farming anew after a calamity. However, the current process of insurance claims settlement takes a lot of time and requires tedious backend processing. In addition to this, agents have to brave the difficult journey of visiting farms in the wake of typhoons and manually assess the damage to the insured’s assets. This extended processing time adds to further loss of income for the farmers. 

 

“Crop insurance needs to be automated so the farmers can receive their payouts sooner and get back on their feet quicker,” said Berta. 

 

Igloo is a regional insurtech firm with a mission to make insurance accessible and affordable for all through technology. It facilitates digital insurance underwritten by partner insurance companies and offered in partner distribution channels such as e-commerce platforms and mobile wallets. Recently, Igloo introduced Weather Index Insurance, its first blockchain-based parametric insurance that automates claims through a smart contract on the blockchain. 

 

Weather Index Insurance is an innovative approach to insurance provision that pays out benefits on the basis of a rainfall level, the predetermined index, for loss of assets and investments resulting from weather and catastrophic events. The claim is automatically paid when the rain index hits the flood or drought threshold. This eliminates the need to individually verify claims thereby reducing transaction costs, and allowing for a quicker claims settlement process. The business rules governing claims payout being hosted on a public blockchain help leverage the attributes of transparency, consistency, and unbiasedness thereby making the setup credible.

 

“We believe that Weather Index Insurance is a potential product that will reduce the vulnerability of farmers to adverse weather conditions. The expected increase in the speed of claims processing will enable farmers to have a better chance of recovery from catastrophes and increase productivity and competitiveness,” added Berta.

 

However, he also recognized that there are enormous challenges needed to be addressed to make blockchain-based insurance palatable to farmers. These hurdles include the country’s low insurance penetration rate, financial inclusion, and access to digital services in rural areas, among others. 

 

“When we bring Weather Index Insurance to the Philippines, Igloo will work with organizations such as rural banks, farmer’s cooperatives, and relevant government agencies to address these pain points and ensure that the insurance solution becomes a viable option that farmers can rely on for faster recovery,” said Berta.

 

“The unprecedented pace of climate change coupled with COVID-19 induced supply chain shocks have made it absolutely necessary to scale up agri-insurance solutions for the smallholder farming community. Igloo is trying to bring forth an integrated approach with the wider ecosystem to strengthen farm-level resilience by focusing on product and distribution innovation,” shared Raunak Mehta, Co-founder and CEO at Igloo.

 

The Weather Index Insurance is available in Vietnam but is set to roll out in more agriculture-driven SEA countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand. Igloo is currently speaking to potential partners that can underwrite and distribute the product to underserved farmers in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Committed to delivering Insurance for All, Igloo welcomes more collaboration with the public and private sector to guarantee the highest level of national protection.