Global insurance companies, net premiums written, top insurance firms, international insurers, leading insurers 2025, insurance industry rankings, global insurance market, largest health insurers, top life insurance companies, premium volume insurance.
What Are Net Premiums Written?
Before diving into the rankings, it’s important to understand what “net premiums written” means. Net premiums written refer to the total value of premiums that an insurance company writes in a given period, minus the premiums ceded to reinsurers. This metric reflects the actual risk exposure retained by the insurer and is a strong indicator of the company’s business size and underwriting activity.
1. UnitedHealth Group (USA)
Net Premiums Written: $226 billion+
UnitedHealth Group tops the list as the world’s largest insurer by net premiums written. Headquartered in Minnesota, UnitedHealth operates through two primary business platforms: UnitedHealthcare and Optum. UnitedHealthcare offers a wide range of health benefit plans, while Optum provides healthcare services through technology and data analytics.
As healthcare costs continue to rise globally, UnitedHealth has maintained a leading position by focusing on innovation, customer service, and expanding its digital health capabilities.
2. Allianz SE (Germany)
Net Premiums Written: $130 billion+
Allianz SE, headquartered in Munich, Germany, is one of Europe’s most prominent insurance and asset management groups. The company operates across more than 70 countries and offers life, health, property, and casualty insurance.
Allianz has built its reputation on financial strength, innovation in digital insurance, and a commitment to sustainability. The group also owns a significant asset management division, including PIMCO and Allianz Global Investors, making it a giant in both insurance and financial services.
3. AXA Group (France)
Net Premiums Written: $120 billion+
AXA is a multinational insurance firm with a strong presence in Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. Based in Paris, AXA offers a comprehensive range of insurance products including life, health, savings, and property & casualty insurance.
AXA has strategically expanded into emerging markets while investing heavily in digital transformation and insurtech partnerships. Its strong brand equity and customer-centric approach continue to fuel growth worldwide.
4. China Life Insurance (China)
Net Premiums Written: $110 billion+
China Life Insurance is the largest life insurer in China and one of the biggest globally by premiums. As a state-owned enterprise, it enjoys a strong market presence in China’s rapidly growing insurance sector.
With a focus on life, annuity, and health insurance, China Life benefits from China’s massive population and increasing demand for personal financial planning and retirement solutions.
5. Kaiser Permanente (USA)
Net Premiums Written: $95 billion+
While often recognized for its healthcare delivery system, Kaiser Permanente is also a major health insurance provider. Its integrated model of combining insurance with hospital services sets it apart from traditional health insurers.
Operating primarily in the U.S., Kaiser is known for its patient-focused care, health IT infrastructure, and high member satisfaction ratings.
6. Ping An Insurance (China)
Net Premiums Written: $90 billion+
Ping An Insurance Group is one of China’s largest financial services firms, offering not only insurance but also banking, asset management, and fintech solutions. The company has rapidly expanded its reach by integrating technology into its core services, making it a standout in digital insurance innovation.
Its use of AI, cloud computing, and blockchain has positioned Ping An as a global leader in tech-driven insurance.
7. Anthem Inc. (Elevance Health) (USA)
Net Premiums Written: $85 billion+
Formerly known as Anthem, Elevance Health is one of the largest health insurers in the United States. With a strong presence in commercial and government health insurance programs, it serves millions of members nationwide.
Elevance Health focuses on improving outcomes through coordinated care models and digital innovation, making it a trusted name in American healthcare.
8. MetLife Inc. (USA)
Net Premiums Written: $70 billion+
MetLife is one of the oldest and most recognized insurance companies in the United States, with operations spanning over 60 countries. The company offers life, dental, disability, and accident insurance, along with annuity and employee benefit programs.
MetLife’s global reach and consistent financial performance have helped maintain its status as a top-tier global insurer.
9. Zurich Insurance Group (Switzerland)
Net Premiums Written: $65 billion+
Zurich Insurance, headquartered in Switzerland, is a leading multi-line insurer that serves customers in more than 200 countries. Its core offerings include property & casualty and life insurance for individuals and businesses.
Zurich’s emphasis on sustainability, climate risk management, and digital services makes it a preferred insurer for corporations and global enterprises.
10. Prudential plc (UK)
Net Premiums Written: $60 billion+
Not to be confused with the U.S.-based Prudential Financial, Prudential plc is a British multinational with a strong footprint in Asia and Africa. The company focuses on life insurance, health, and asset management, with rapidly growing markets like Indonesia, India, and Malaysia fueling its expansion.
Its strategy includes leveraging digital channels to improve access to financial products in emerging markets.