A Review of Catastrophic Risks for Life Insurers. Issue 2 (21st October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huynh, Alex; Bruhn, Aaron; Browne, Bridget
• Is Part Of: Risk management and insurance review. Volume 16:Issue 2(2013)
• Page Start: 233
• Page End: 266
• Publication Date: 2013-10-21
• Subjects: Risk (Insurance) -- Periodicals; Risk management -- Periodicals; Risk (Insurance) -- United States -- Periodicals; Risk management -- United States -- Periodicals; 368
• DOI: 10.1111/rmir.12011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1098-1616

Abstract

Abstract: Catastrophic mortality events are characterized by a sudden and concentrated increase in mortality and as such present a major risk to life insurers. Such events include pandemics, war, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and industrial, transport, and other accidents. Of these, pandemics arising from influenza are considered the most significant threat to the life insurance industry due to their capacity to cause a major increase in claims. We review the features and mortality implications of an influenza pandemic for life insurers, and describe a range of other risks that are likely to emerge as well.