Great Eastern Group Reports Record Profit for 2025

25 February 2026

Great Eastern Holdings achieved a record profit of S$1,207.1 million (US$953 million) for 2025, a 21% increase over 2024, despite a 15% decline in total weighted new sales. The company’s new business embedded value grew 19% for the year, driven by strong sales in Singapore, supported by 18 new products and expanded customer engagement initiatives. In Malaysia, Great Eastern delivered resilient results amid rising medical costs and launched “The Great Journey,” a nationwide integrated healthcare program linking hospitals and clinics. The group’s strategy focused on shifting to higher-value, longer-term products, enhancing operational efficiency, and leveraging financial advisors and bancassurance channels. CEO Greg Hingston highlighted that disciplined capital management, favorable investment returns, and market execution positioned the company for sustainable growth across the region.

Missouri and Kansas Families Pay Nearly 10% of Income on Work-Provided Health Insurance

22 February 2026

Families in Missouri and Kansas are spending almost 10% of their household income on employer-provided health insurance premiums and deductibles, placing them at risk of being underinsured, according to a Commonwealth Fund report. In 2024, Missouri families paid 9.6% and Kansas families 9.9% of their income toward these costs, with single-person deductibles alone consuming over 5% of income in both states. Rising health care costs, including higher pharmaceutical spending, chronic disease prevalence, and limited competition among insurers and providers, are driving premiums upward nationwide. Experts warn that high out-of-pocket costs may discourage people from seeking care and create financial strain for households. Employers are increasingly sharing these costs with employees, and analysts expect the percentage of income spent on health insurance to continue rising as health care expenses outpace wage growth.

Claim Denial Case Reignites Trust Concerns in India’s Health Insurance Market

19 February 2026

A claim denial involving a Lucknow policyholder at Star Health & Allied Insurance has sparked renewed debate over transparency and trust in India’s health insurance sector. The claim, related to the policyholder’s mother, was rejected after the insurer cited potential pre-existing conditions and missing supporting documentation, which Star Health said followed policy terms and regulatory norms. The case gained attention after Neelesh Misra shared it on social media platform X, prompting discussions about claim delays and rejections among other policyholders. While Star Health reports a 99.81% claim paid ratio within three months and an incurred claims ratio of 70.3%, recurring disputes highlight gaps in clarity around disclosures, underwriting, and grievance handling. The incident underscores ongoing tension between consumer expectations and the strict application of policy terms in India’s health insurance market.