This paper draws out three important findings in the
demand for life insurance in Malaysia. Firstly, given the
different effects of socio-demographic and economic factors
on the likelihood of purchasing life insurance and the quantity
of life insurance policies, the insurers will have to strategize
their market expansion and penetration plans differently.
Secondly, the findings indicate that affordability is an
important criterion in the demand for life insurance. The
results show that insurance appear to be affordable only for
those who are economically more capable as those in the high
income bracket, professional and white collar workers and
those in the 30s compared to those in the 20s are more likely
to demand life insurance. Those in the 20s are most likely to
find it hard to cope with their various financial commitments
and purchasing insurance may be the least of their priority. As
lack of financial preparedness in the event of loss can have
debilitating effects on the sustainability of an individual’s
International Journal of Social Science and Humanity, Vol. 2, No. 5, September 2012 419
personal finances and the economy, an alternative social
security scheme should be developed to provide a security
cushion for individuals who cannot afford insurance.
Thirdly, higher education is not a driver in the demand for
life insurance. Although the higher educated individuals may
understand and appreciate insurance more than the lower
educated individuals, they may be more interested in wealth
management and wealth creation products than life insurance.
The higher educated individuals may view the new wealth
management products as a more appealing way of managing
their finances and leaving bequests for their dependents than
life insurance.
R