Snapshot: A Quick Look at the Insurance Industry in Belgium

4 minutes, 33 seconds read

Published on Nov 12, 2019

Updated on May 18, 2020

The market for insurance in Belgium has been stable for over a decade. Unless Insurers adopt new strategies and embrace external partnerships, organic growth seems next to impossible.

While insurers in other parts of the world are leveraging technology for better customer acquisition, Belgian Insurers struggle with stringent customer data protection laws.

This is the time for major business alignments to keep up with the changing customer expectations. For instance, the brokerage system dominates nearly 60% of non-life insurance distribution in Belgium. Unfortunately, 31% of the brokers have a negative attitude towards digitization and InsurTech, mainly because of the lack of awareness about the subject.

With current business models, there’s negligible hope that Belgian Insurers will remain competitive. Let’s look at the key drivers of ‘change’.

Challenges-and-opportunities-of-insurance-in-Belgium

The ‘Change’ Drivers for Insurance in Belgium

The threat to lose customers for being slow in a fast-moving age is imposing some serious pressure on Insurers in Belgium. The change in customer expectations and lifestyle will drive the transformation of the Belgium Insurance Industry. The other factors that will impact the insurance include- economy, technology, life expectancy, climate change, and competition.

Digital and Mobile Adoption

The Deloitte Global Mobile Consumer Survey 2018 reveals— 84% of Belgians own at least one mobile device. This indicates a growing preference for digital, self-service platforms, and ease of access irrespective of location. Insurers are, thus, compelled to look beyond agent-driven pitches.

For example, Trov— an American technology company provides ‘on-demand’ insurance for individuals’ properties for short durations. Customers only need to register their properties, activate insurance for a desired duration, and pay a daily premium.

Now that over 60% of non-life insurance products are distributed by brokers, this is also the time to train and equip brokers with handy apps.

Economical Changes

The world is rapidly moving towards a sharing economy, which involves short-term P2P (Peer-to-peer) transactions for shared use of products and services. The societal shift towards the open data economy fueled the open banking trend. Recently, insurers are following the trend as open insurance.

“..The economy has been moving beyond narrowly defined industries built around large, vertically integrated, and mainly “self-contained” corporations. New means of creating value have been developing everywhere in the form of ever-denser and richer networks of connection, collaboration, and interdependence…” (Business ecosystems come of age. Kelly, E., 1 April 2015, p. 4.)

Belgium is set to witness the following major economic shifts-

Mobility – Belgians demonstrate an inclination toward multimodal mobility solutions. For example, Antwerp-based Olympus Mobility- an app for cars & bike pooling and parking services is set to expand its services in more Belgian cities.

IoT – Lifestyle and product preferences are changing with connected devices. With new customer expectations, insurance needs and opportunities are also growing. For example, Phil at Home by AG Insurance is a compound product with services in the field of prevention, protection, and assistance for elderlies.

Adoption of Technologies across Industries

Digital has put customers in the center. While other industries stay ahead with technological adoption, Insurers need to invest in innovative products that cover emerging risks. For example, Spotify’s personalized recommendations and Apple’s assistant – Siri are setting a benchmark for customizing the products at an individual level. “Yet what has become the new normal for those companies, remains a challenge for insurers,” says Dirk Vanderschrick, CEO, Belfius.

The Insurance industry in Belgium is yet to adopt biometrics, recommender systems, sentiment detection, and natural language generation. Currently, 60% of Belgian Insurers use text analysis; 40% use chatbots and object detection; 20% exercise automated decision making and pattern detection; according to Monitor Deloitte’s One Minute Survey, Artificial Intelligence (May 2018).

Apart from AI-enabled tools, the Belgium Insurance sector will soon adopt blockchain, Automation, Analytics, XaaS, and IoT.

Competition

Today, business models have a shorter life cycle because of digital disruption. The competition for incumbents is fierce- with 4 bEUR potential investment in InsurTech in Belgium.

Many have thought of phygital experience as progressive- where paper and paperless processes coexist. However, in the long term, their existence is questionable. For example, Lemonade is racing the core insurance with paperless and personalized insurance packages delivered to the customer in just 90 seconds!

In line with the fact that customers want a solution to their problems – the one who provides the most appropriate solution in the easiest way possible, wins.

Regulatory Changes

Compulsory health and car insurance policies had a great impact on sales volume. Apart from being an entry barrier for small players, the existing regulations no more align with climate changes, longevity, and technological disruptions.

The Belgian Government is set to launch Payment Service Directive 2 (PSD2) by 2024 and IFRS 17 (International Financial Reporting Standard) by 2021. Nearly 70% of Insurers believe PSD2 will have a positive impact in the insurance value chain.

‘Beyond’ Insurance is the Future

According to Insurance Experts from Deloitte, non-core insurance products and services drive 10-30% of the revenue. Therefore, complementary services or value-added services can bring a greater competitive advantage to the insurers.

For example, the US-based Oscar Health Insurance encourages a healthy lifestyle by financially rewarding its customers. It tracks footsteps, eating habits, workouts, etc. on its app through wearables. It further supports customers with doctoral advice and scheduling appointments. These value-added services, along with traditional health insurance is a win for customer loyalty.

We’re an InsurTech100 company championing back and front-office automation solutions along with interactive applications for the new-age digital insurer. Drop us a line at hello@mantralabsglobal.com to know more.

What’s your first thought when you see a puppy strutting around in a tiny sweater or hear about luxury pet spas? Maybe, “That’s adorable!” or “Why don’t I have that life?” And let’s be honest—some pets have social media accounts with better engagement than most of us. Beyond the cuteness, these trends signal a deeper shift. The global pet care market is booming, with India’s pet Industry alone hitting $3.20 billion. It’s the age of pet tech, Today, pets are family—sharing our homes, routines, and emotional lives.

It’s not just technology for convenience’s sake, these innovations address real pain points. By solving pet-owner concerns, pet tech transforms pet care into a proactive, data-driven, and deeply connected experience.

Innovations Driving the Pet Tech Revolution

Here’s how technology is reshaping the industry:

AI-Powered Insights
AI doesn’t just automate, it learns. Devices now recognize pet behavioral patterns of the pets to make personalized recommendations, whether it’s switching a pet’s diet or alerting owners to early signs of illness.
Wearable Tech
These aren’t just GPS trackers; they’re fitness and health monitors for pets. From tracking activity levels to monitoring heart rates, wearable technology for pets is becoming an essential tool for modern pet parents. For instance, a dog recovering from surgery can wear a tracker to alert you if they’re too active, preventing injury.
Smart Devices
Automating routine tasks like feeding, watering, and waste management frees up time while ensuring your pet’s basic needs are met. Think smart pet feeders that portion meals based on your pet’s diet plan or self-cleaning litter boxes that operate automatically after every use.
Telemedicine Platforms
Virtual vet consultations are game-changers, especially in urban areas where time and traffic are challenges. Imagine spotting unusual behavior in your cat and connecting with a veterinarian online instantly through video for advice.
Interactive Gadgets
Smart pet toys and cameras aren’t just fun—they address pet anxiety, loneliness, and boredom. Treat-dispensing cameras let you check in on your dog and reward them with a snack while you’re away.

Startups: The Powerhouses of Pet Tech Innovation

Pet tech’s meteoric rise is fueled by ingenious startups redefining what’s possible:

Pet Wireless: Tailio, their health monitoring platform, combines non-wearable sensing devices, cloud-based analytics, and a mobile app. It empowers pet owners with insights and helps vets deliver superior care.
Dinbeat: This startup specializes in wearable tech for pets, offering devices that remotely monitor vital signs. Alerts via a mobile app ensure timely intervention.
Obe: By harnessing real-time consumption data, Obe’s digital wellness platform allows pet owners to make informed health and nutrition decisions. Early diagnosis capabilities are a game-changer.
Scollar: Their full-stack platform integrates a modular smart collar, mobile app, and cloud data service. Scollar offers comprehensive solutions for managing pet and livestock health.
Mella Pet Care: Known for its AI-assisted, non-rectal thermometer, Mella provides fast and non-invasive temperature readings. Its seamless integration with apps and patient management systems enhances diagnostics.

A Booming Market: Trends and Insights

Globally, the pet tech industry is riding a wave of growth, driven by innovation and shifting consumer behaviors: Market reports predict continued expansion, highlighting the rise in demand for smart pet care solutions and personalized offerings.

Conclusion: A Revolution in the Making

Pet care technology is transforming, blending tradition with technology to create a seamless and smarter experience. As brick-and-mortar pet stores evolve with online conveniences like home delivery and smart pet toys become everyday essentials, the possibilities of pet tech are redefining what it means to care for our furry companions. Advanced analytics now tailor diets, grooming, and preventive care, ensuring our pets get the attention they deserve.

Yet, amidst all the innovation, the essence of pet care remains rooted in love, connection, and trust. While gadgets can simplify tasks, they can never replace the joy of a wagging tail, the warmth of a purr, or the bond that comes from shared moments. As we embrace this technological revolution in pet care, we must also prioritize ethical innovation—where privacy, security, and empathy lead the way.

At Mantra Labs, we are committed to building solutions that empower pet parents without compromising the human-animal bond.

The pet tech revolution isn’t just about innovation—it’s about elevating how we care for our pets, ensuring they live happier, healthier, and more connected lives. Whether you’re a pet parent, an industry leader, or simply curious about the future, one thing is clear: our pets aren’t just part of our lives; they’re part of our hearts. And with technology, we can give them the care they truly deserve.

Snapshot: A Quick Look at the Insurance Industry in Belgium