UPU: Scaling-up Postal Inclusive Insurance: Zooming in on innovative postal inclusive insurance models and best practices

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Institutions: Ministry of Finance; Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India

This report explores how postal networks - trusted, last-mile institutions with extensive reach - can help close global insurance gaps affecting over four billion low- and middle-income individuals. Drawing on 26 postal initiatives and eight in-depth case studies, it analyses operating models where Posts act either as insurance distributors or direct insurers.

The study demonstrates that strategic partnerships, digital technologies, and capacity building can enable Posts to integrate inclusive insurance into their public service mission. These models enhance financial resilience among underserved populations while creating new revenue streams for postal operators.

A companion "Key Messages" document distils global best practices, operating models, and actionable recommendations. The report underscores the potential for governments, insurers, regulators, and funders to collaborate and unlock the full capabilities of postal networks in advancing equitable insurance access. Its insights are particularly relevant in suggesting that postal infrastructure can be leveraged to extend affordable protection to remote and underserved communities, aligning with broader goals of financial inclusion and social security.

Follow the full report here:

https://www.upu.int/UPU/media/upu/publications/Main-Research-Study.pdf