Discover our summary of the major headlines in the insurance industry in Belgium with just a scroll!
Commuting accidents: Ethias warns of the rise in incidents related to soft mobility
24/04/2025 – Source
According to data published by Ethias, nearly one in four workplace accidents now occurs on the commute between home and work. The insurer highlights a significant shift in risks with the rise of soft mobility: 43% of commuting accidents involve two-wheeled vehicles (both traditional and electric), accounting for 26% of the overall absenteeism compensated by Ethias. Thanks to a unique coding system, an analysis of 7,500 claims in 2024 reveals a notable increase in lower limb injuries (often among cyclists and pedestrians) and a growing involvement of electric scooters and other alternative mobility modes. Flanders, with its more developed cycling infrastructure, accounts for more than half of these accidents. In light of these findings, Ethias urges employers to integrate commuting safety into their prevention policies, through training, awareness campaigns, and mobility diagnostics, stressing that prevention is a key human, social, and strategic issue for companies.
Preparing for retirement differently: Belfius' commitment
24/04/2025 – Source
In response to increasing life expectancy and growing socio-economic disparities, Belfius Insurance is strengthening its commitment to helping Belgians enjoy a comfortable retirement. An internal analysis reveals that 78% of retirees spend more than their legal pension income, particularly during the early years of retirement, where monthly expenses exceed pension benefits by an average of €800. To address these challenges, Belfius offers a structured support approach: a new pension expense simulation tool, in-depth studies conducted in collaboration with the academic community, and a comprehensive range of savings and investment solutions. Moreover, starting in 2025–2026, Belfius will support an academic chair at ULB (Université libre de Bruxelles) dedicated to researching optimal decumulation strategies. The goal is to help retirees maintain their standard of living without under-consuming.
Baloise and Helvetia merge to become the second largest insurer in Switzerland
22/04/2025 – Source
Swiss insurers Baloise and Helvetia have announced their merger, creating a new group named Helvetia Baloise. Based in Basel, the new entity will employ over 22,000 people and generate gross written premiums of 8.6 billion Swiss francs (€9.2 billion) in life insurance and 11.5 billion francs (€12.3 billion) in non-life insurance. With a market share of around 20%, Helvetia Baloise will become the second-largest insurer in Switzerland. Baloise shareholders will receive 1.0119 Helvetia shares for each Baloise share they hold.Already active in Belgium, Baloise will further strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive European market.
Cafeteria plans gain momentum: multimedia tops the list, followed by pension savings and hospitalization insurance
16/04/2025 – Source
Today, more than 100,000 Belgian workers benefit from a cafeteria plan via SD Worx, allowing them to select certain benefits in exchange for part of their salary. In 2024, multimedia (including tablets and smartphones) has become the most popular option, ahead of pension savings, while hospitalization insurance takes third place, surpassing additional vacation days. Flexible compensation is increasingly appealing, especially among blue-collar workers (+47%), although white-collar employees still make up the majority. Preferences vary according to gender and professional status, reflecting a growing demand for personalization. This evolving system enables employers to better tailor their benefits offering to employees’ expectations, with a particular focus on mobility, health, and work-life balance.
Ageas acquires esure for £1.3 Billion, targeting a top 3 position in UK personal insurance
14/04/2025 – Source
Ageas has reached an agreement with Bain Capital to acquire esure, a major digital player in motor and home insurance in the UK, for £1.295 billion (€1.51 billion). This merger will create one of the top three personal insurance platforms in the UK, with a multichannel presence (price comparison websites, brokers, and partnerships) and a revenue target of £3.25 billion by 2028.
By integrating esure’s technology and strong position on comparison websites, Ageas strengthens its profitable growth strategy and expects to generate over £100 million in annual synergies. This transaction is part of the Group’s Elevate27 strategic plan. In addition, Ageas has published its 2024 Annual Report, which includes the consolidated financial statements and the statutory accounts of ageas SA/NV. In 2024, Ageas recorded over €18.5 billion in inflows and employs nearly 50,000 people across 13 countries in Europe and Asia.
AXA and Santévet launch health insurance for indoor cats in Belgium
14/04/2025 – Source
AXA Belgium and Santévet have introduced a new health insurance product specifically designed for indoor cats in Belgium, meeting a growing demand from pet owners concerned about their cats’ well-being. Although indoor cats live in a safer environment, they are still exposed to risks such as parasites, infections, and health issues related to a sedentary lifestyle.In a rapidly expanding market—where only 100,000 pets are currently insured in Belgium—this new offering provides tailored and affordable coverage, helping owners manage veterinary costs that can sometimes reach several thousand euros.
Mobility in Belgium: cycling booms, but combustion cars remain firmly rooted
10/04/2025 – Source 1 – Source 2
More and more Belgians are commuting by bike, and 2025 could set a new record for bike allowances, according to figures from Partena Professional: in January, 12,561 employees received a bike allowance, a 31% increase compared to January 2024, with the majority based in Flanders. This trend is driven by the increase in the tax-exempt ceiling for bike allowances and the obligation to compensate bike commutes since May 2023. At the same time, the fourth Mobility Barometer by Europ Assistance Belgium shows that while the use of electric cars and soft mobility is rising, significant hurdles remain: 62% of Belgians say their next car will not be electric, 71% are unwilling to buy a second-hand model, and high prices and a lack of charging infrastructure are major barriers. Nevertheless, 50% of respondents say urban mobility is improving, thanks to better road infrastructure and greater driver awareness, although 63% still believe safety for cyclists and pedestrians is insufficient. Overall, despite growing support for more sustainable alternatives, a majority of Belgians remain attached to their combustion-engine vehicles and express caution toward the electric transition.
Mind Health Report 2025 by AXA: 3 in 10 Belgians affected by mental health issues
08/04/2025 – Source
AXA has released the fifth edition of its Mind Health Report, revealing that in 2024, 30% of Belgians—and up to 43% of young adults aged 18 to 24—report experiencing mental health issues. The study highlights improved public awareness, notably supported by digital tools such as AXA’s Mind Health Self-check, and emphasizes the growing role of employers in promoting employee mental well-being. Amid high work-related stress, 51% of Belgians expect concrete actions from their companies to support their mental health—a challenge AXA addresses through tailored solutions for employers and their teams.
The Climate Damage Monitor: tools and measures to prevent climate risks in Belgium
01/04/2025 – Source
The Climate Damage Monitor, an initiative by Belgian insurers, has been launched to allow citizens to access information on the costs of climate-related damages from storms and floods at the municipal level over the past ten years. Using an interactive barometer, users can view data concerning damaged homes, businesses, vehicles, and commercial properties. Additionally, prevention tips, developed in partnership with Embuild, provide guidance on making homes more resilient to water-related risks. Furthermore, a revision of the general terms and conditions for natural disaster insurance contracts was announced in the Belgian Official Gazette on March 19, 2025. These adjustments aim to align with the Law of April 4, 2014, and new legal requirements.
Increase in the number of belgians on insurers' blacklist
27/03/2025 – Source
As of December 31, 2024, over 331,000 Belgians were listed on the “blacklist” of insurers, known as the RSR (Special Risks Register), marking a 27% increase over two years, according to Assuralia. This rise is primarily attributed to the non-cancellation of many contracts for non-payers during the pandemic, followed by a return to cancellation procedures. Reasons for being added to this list include non-payment of premiums, excessive claims, or insurance fraud. In 99% of cases, it is due to non-payment, and the records of those listed can remain for three to five years, depending on the reason.
