Your Essential Guide to the Bolivian Insurance Market
Welcome to your guide to understanding the insurance landscape in Bolivia. Whether you are an expatriate needing health coverage, a driver looking to comply with the law, or a homeowner protecting your assets, this guide will provide the essential information to navigate your options with confidence.
The entire Bolivian insurance sector is supervised by the APS (Autoridad de Fiscalización y Control de Pensiones y Seguros), the official government entity that ensures all companies operate legally and maintain financial solvency, protecting you as a policyholder
Assess your needs: Clearly define what you need to protect in order to make an effective comparison of policies.
Check with the APS: Before considering any insurer, confirm that it is authorised by the APS. This is the most important step in ensuring that you are dealing with a legitimate, regulated company.
Compare quotes and coverage: Obtain quotes from several providers. Read the policy details carefully, paying particular attention to the coverage limits, deductibles and, above all, the list of exclusions.
Understanding Key Insurance Types in Bolivia
1. Auto Insurance & SOAT
Auto insurance in Bolivia has two distinct parts:
SOAT (Seguro Obligatorio de Accidentes de Tránsito): This is the mandatory insurance required for all vehicles. It is a basic personal accident policy that covers medical expenses, disability, and death for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians involved in a traffic accident. Crucially, SOAT does not cover damage to your vehicle or to third-party property (like another car). The state-owned company Univida S.A. is responsible for administering SOAT.
Voluntary Auto Insurance: To cover theft, damage to your own car, and damages to other people’s property, you must purchase a separate, voluntary policy from general insurers like La Boliviana Ciacruz, Alianza Seguros, or Nacional Seguros.
2. Health Insurance
Bolivia has a dual healthcare system:
Public System (SUS): The Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) aims to provide free, universal healthcare to all residents. While access is universal, the system can face resource shortages and long wait times.
Private Health Insurance: To gain faster access to private clinics, a wider choice of doctors, and more comprehensive care, many residents and expatriates opt for private health insurance. These plans are offered by major insurers and specialized providers like Bupa for international coverage.
3. Life & Property Insurance
Life Insurance (Seguro de Vida): Provides financial protection for your family. Policies range from term life insurance (coverage for a specific period) to whole life plans that may include a savings component.
Property Insurance (Seguro de Hogar/Multiriesgo): Protects your home and belongings from risks like fire, theft, and water damage. Given local conditions, this is a highly recommended policy for homeowners and renters.
Leading Insurance Providers in Bolivia
Explore our directory of leading insurance providers in Bolivia. To help you compare options, we have organized each company by its primary focus. Click on any logo to access their official website and learn more about their services
Insurance lines
General & life providers
Health Insurance Providers
Global Specialty Risks
Insurance Brokers & Risk Advisors
Other Financial Institutions (Banks)
Government Schemes & Entities
Retirement Savings
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Allianza Seguros
Offers a complete portfolio including vehicles, home, SMEs, corporate, health, life, personal accidents, civil liability, transport, and technical lines such as engineering and construction.
General & life providers
BISA Seguros
Part of the BISA Financial Group, it provides comprehensive solutions in health, life, auto, home, corporate, accident, disability, and surety bonds.
General & life providers
Nacional Seguros
One of the leading insurers in the Bolivian market, with a strong presence in personal insurance (life and health) and general insurance (property and vehicles).
General & life providers
La Boliviana Ciacruz Seguros
With a long history, it is one of the largest and most recognized companies in the country. It offers complete coverage for auto, home, life, health, and business insurance.
General & life providers
Crediseguro
Linked to Banco de Crédito BCP, it is a key insurer in the sector, offering a variety of personal insurance products, including credit life, auto, and card protection.
General & life providers, Other Financial Institutions (Banks)
Univida S.A.
The state-owned company responsible for administering and selling the Mandatory Traffic Accident Insurance (SOAT) in Bolivia. It is a key player in the country's auto insurance sector.
Government Schemes & Entities
Bupa
A leading health and care company providing private health insurance for millions of Australians with extensive network access.
Health Insurance Providers
Cardinal Assistance
Offers travel, medical, legal, and other assistance services.
Global Specialty Risks
APS
This is the government's regulatory entity that supervises all insurance and pension companies in Bolivia, guaranteeing their solvency and compliance with the law.
Government Schemes & Entities
La Vitalicia
Offers life, health, retirement, disability, accident, savings, education, funeral, and group insurance, as well as annuities and pension fund management.
General & life providers, Retirement Savings
Zurich Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
A global provider offering a broad range of life insurance, investment, and retirement solutions for Australians.
General & life providers
Illimani
Offers auto, construction, liability, personal accidents, customs bonds, contract compliance, international transport, property, equipment, and theft insurance.
General & life providers
AON
A global leader providing risk management, insurance brokerage, and advisory services.
Insurance Brokers & Risk Advisors
Pacific Prime
A broker specializing in international health plans.
Insurance Brokers & Risk Advisors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is SOAT in Bolivia and is it mandatory? SOAT stands for Seguro Obligatorio de Accidentes de Tránsito and it is mandatory for all vehicles. It is a basic policy that only covers medical expenses for people injured in a traffic accident. It does not cover vehicle damage.
2. Who regulates insurance companies in Bolivia? All insurance companies are regulated and supervised by the APS (Autoridad de Fiscalización y Control de Pensiones y Seguros). Always check their official website to verify an insurer is legitimate.
3. What is the difference between the public health system (SUS) and private insurance? The SUS is the government’s universal free healthcare system. Private health insurance is a paid plan that gives you access to a network of private doctors and hospitals, which typically offer faster service and more amenities.
Welcome to your definitive guide to the Brazilian insurance market (Bem-vindo ao seu guia definitivo sobre o mercado brasileiro de seguros). As South America’s largest economy, Brazil boasts a dynamic insurance sector. With its large population and growing middle class, understanding your insurance options is essential for financial security.
Whether you’re an expatriate seeking health coverage, a resident looking for car insurance, or a business assessing risk, this guide provides the crucial information to navigate your options, compare policies, and make a secure choice.
Before exploring the providers, follow these crucial steps to ensure you select a trustworthy and suitable insurer.
1. Verify the Insurer with the Official Regulators
This is the most important step for your protection. Insurance in Brazil is overseen by two main government agencies:
SUSEP (Superintendência de Seguros Privados): Regulates all life, auto, property, and general insurance companies.
ANS (Agência Nacional de Saúde Suplementar): Specifically regulates all private health insurance plans (planos de saúde).
Before committing to a policy, always confirm the company is licensed by checking the official public registries on the SUSEP and ANS websites. This guarantees the insurer is solvent and operating legally.
2. Compare Quotes and Understand Policy Terms
Obtain quotes from several different insurers. Price is important, but you must read the policy details (apólice) to understand coverage limits, deductibles (franquias), and exclusions. In Brazil, it’s also important to understand how policies are adjusted for inflation.
3. Evaluate Customer Service and Claims Reputation
Research the company’s reputation for handling claims. Check online consumer protection portals like: Clame Aqui to see feedback from current policyholders. Quick and fair claim resolution is a key indicator of a quality insurer.
Directory of Leading Insurance Providers in Brazil
Find the right insurance coverage for your needs with our comprehensive directory of providers in Brazil. We’ve categorized each insurer to simplify your search. Click on a company’s logo to explore their specific products and access their official website directly
All
General & life providers
Health Insurance Providers
Global Specialty Risks
Insurance Brokers & Risk Advisors
Other Financial Institutions (Banks)
Retirement Savings
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Shuffle
Porto Seguro
Leading Brazilian insurer, diverse products, strong customer service.
General & life providers
Brasilseg Companhia de Seguros
Major player, broad coverage, strong market presence.
General & life providers
Tokio Marine Seguradora S.A.
Global expertise, wide range of insurance solutions.
General & life providers
Bradesco Vida e Previdência S.A
Top life and pension provider, banking group backing.
General & life providers, Health Insurance Providers, Other Financial Institutions (Banks), Retirement Savings
Mapfre
A global insurer providing a wide variety of solutions for auto, health, life, and home.
General & life providers
Bradesco Seguros
A leading provider in the Brazilian market, offering a wide range of life, property, and health insurance products.
General & life providers, Other Financial Institutions (Banks)
HDI Seguros
A provider of property, casualty, and financial lines insurance.
General & life providers
Allianz
Allianz New Zealand: Part of the global Allianz Group, Allianz New Zealand offers a variety of insurance products, including commercial, corporate, and personal lines. Their services encompass property, casualty, motor, and marine insurance.
General & life providers
Zurich Santander Brasil Seguros e Previdência S.A
Joint venture, multi-line insurance, life and pension.
General & life providers, Other Financial Institutions (Banks)
Itau
Provides a diverse range of insurance products including life, property, and casualty, leveraging its strong banking presence.
Other Financial Institutions (Banks)
Azul Seguros
Known for vehicle insurance, competitive offerings.
General & life providers
Prudential
Life, Health & Retirement Insurance
General & life providers, Retirement Savings
Icatu Seguros S.A
Expertise in life insurance and private pension plans.
General & life providers, Retirement Savings
Chubb
Provides specialized commercial property and casualty insurance, as well as coverage for high-net-worth individuals.
General & life providers
Sompo S.A.
Global insurer, strong in various property and casualty lines.
General & life providers
BRASILPREVISORA
Offers a variety of insurance products including life, health, auto, home, and business coverage.
General & life providers, Retirement Savings
Yelum Seguradora
Offers a diverse portfolio including property, casualty, life, and health insurance.
General & life providers
BNP Paribas Cardif
Specializes in credit insurance, life insurance, and savings products.
Global Specialty Risks, Other Financial Institutions (Banks)
MetLife
A leading provider of life insurance, specializing in group policies through superannuation funds.
General & life providers, Health Insurance Providers
Berkley
A commercial lines property and casualty insurer.
General & life providers
Munich Re
One of the world's leading reinsurers, providing a wide array of reinsurance and primary insurance solutions.
Global Specialty Risks
AIG
A global insurer providing diverse commercial, financial lines, and personal accident coverage.
Global Specialty Risks
SulAmérica
A top-tier leader in the health and dental insurance market, also offering life and pension products.
Health Insurance Providers, Retirement Savings
Caixa Seguridade
The insurance division of Caixa Econômica Federal, one of the largest retail insurers in the country.
Other Financial Institutions (Banks)
amil
One of the largest and most well-known health insurance providers in Brazil.
Health Insurance Providers
AXA
AXA offers life, health, auto, home, business, and agricultural insurance, providing comprehensive coverage for individuals and companies
General & life providers
Bupa
A leading health and care company providing private health insurance for millions of Australians with extensive network access.
Health Insurance Providers
Mapfre Re
Global Specialty Risks
MAPFRE ASISTENCIA
A global insurer, offering solutions for auto, home, life, health, and business needs.
General & life providers
Generali
One of the largest global insurance and asset management providers, with a comprehensive product suite.
General & life providers
Swiss Re
Leading global reinsurers that provide capacity and innovative risk transfer solutions to other insurance companies.
Global Specialty Risks
SURA
A leading insurer offering comprehensive solutions for individuals and families including health life and occupational risk insurance
General & life providers
Hannover Re
A top-tier global reinsurer providing property, casualty, life, and health risk solutions to insurers.
Global Specialty Risks
AON
A global leader providing risk management, insurance brokerage, and advisory services.
Insurance Brokers & Risk Advisors
AXA XL
pecializes in property, casualty, and specialty insurance for large corporations.
Global Specialty Risks
Allianz Trade
A global leader in assistance services and travel insurance, covering trip cancellations and medical emergencies.
Global Specialty Risks
STARR
Offers specialty insurance for aviation, marine, energy, construction, and other commercial liability risks.
Global Specialty Risks
Gen RE
A global reinsurer providing risk solutions and capacity to other insurance companies i
Global Specialty Risks
LLOYD’S
A world-leading specialist insurance and reinsurance market, not a single insurance company.
Global Specialty Risks
Everest
Offers a wide range of specialty insurance, reinsurance, and property/casualty products globally.
Global Specialty Risks
Gard
A leading provider of marine insurance (Protection & Indemnity) for the global shipping industry.
Global Specialty Risks
HSBC
Global bank providing life and investment insurance products closely tied to its wealth services.
Other Financial Institutions (Banks)
Howden
An international insurance broker with a focus on corporate risk, specialty, and reinsurance solutions.
Insurance Brokers & Risk Advisors
Atradius
Specializes in trade credit insurance.
Global Specialty Risks
Coface
Specializes in business trade credit insurance, protecting companies against non-payment of commercial debts
Global Specialty Risks
Marsh
A global leader in insurance broking and risk management, serving businesses of all sizes.
Insurance Brokers & Risk Advisors
Cardinal Assistance
Offers travel, medical, legal, and other assistance services.
Global Specialty Risks
Pacific Prime
An international insurance broker offering tailored health and medical plans from various global insurers.
Insurance Brokers & Risk Advisors
Understanding Key Insurance Types in Brazil
Health Insurance (Plano de Saúde): While Brazil has a universal public healthcare system (the SUS), the private system offers faster access and more choice. Private plans are essential for many residents and expats. They can be individual plans, but are most commonly offered through employers or associations (planos coletivos).
Auto Insurance (Seguro de Auto): Mandatory third-party liability coverage is included in an annual vehicle tax (DPVAT), but it is minimal. Brazilians opt for comprehensive policies that cover theft and robbery (roubo e furto), collision, and robust third-party damages. Vehicle values are typically based on the Tabela FIPE, a national standard reference.
Property Insurance (Seguro Residencial): Protects your home or apartment against fire, electrical damage, and theft. It is highly affordable and recommended for property owners. Many policies include a valuable package of home assistance services (assistência 24 horas).
Life Insurance (Seguro de Vida): Provides a financial safety net for your family. Policies range from simple term life plans to those with savings components.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who are the main insurance regulators in Brazil? The two primary regulators are SUSEP for general, life, and auto insurance, and the ANS for all private health insurance plans. Always verify your chosen company with the appropriate agency.
Q2: What is the difference between the SUS and a private health plan? The SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde) is Brazil’s public, universal healthcare system, free at the point of use. A private health plan (plano de saúde) is paid for by an individual or employer and provides access to a private network of doctors and hospitals, often with shorter wait times and more amenities.
Q3: Who are the largest insurers in Brazil? The market is led by large banking conglomerates and major independent players. Some of the biggest names by market share include Bradesco Seguros, Porto Seguro, SulAmérica, and Itaú Seguros, alongside strong international brands like Allianz and Zurich.
Welcome to your definitive guide to the insurance landscape across 12 South American nations. The region’s dynamic and growing economies have created a diverse insurance market, featuring a mix of powerful local insurers and major global players.
Whether you are an individual seeking coverage in Brazil, a business assessing risk in Chile, or simply researching the market, this platform provides the tools you need. Here, you can quickly identify insurers, access their official websites, and navigate insurance options country by country.
Overview of the South American Insurance Market
The insurance sector in South America is characterized by significant growth potential, driven by an expanding middle class and increasing risk awareness. Brazil stands as the region’s largest market, followed by key players like Argentina, Colombia, and Chile.
Key trends shaping the industry include:
Regulatory Evolution: National regulators are continuously updating frameworks to protect consumers and ensure market stability.
Digital Transformation: Insurtech is booming, with companies increasingly offering digital policies and app-based claim processing.
Demand for Health and Life Products: A growing demand for private health and life insurance is a major growth driver.
Browse Insurance Providers by South American Country
Our core feature is the country-by-country directory. Simply click on a nation below to view a detailed list of its insurance providers, complete with their official logos and direct links to their websites.
While each country has strong local champions, several international insurers have established a significant footprint across South America. These companies bring global expertise tailored to local needs. Examples include:
Allianz: A global leader with strong operations in key markets like Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia.
Mapfre: A Spanish insurer with one of the most extensive networks throughout Latin America.
Zurich: A Swiss giant providing a wide range of life, health, and property insurance solutions.
Chubb: A leading American provider of property, casualty, and specialty insurance for commercial and personal clients.
Liberty Seguros: A multinational insurer with a solid presence, particularly in the auto and home insurance sectors.
Key Considerations for Choosing Insurance in South America
Navigating the insurance options in this region requires a few specific considerations:
National Regulations: Insurance is regulated at the national level. A policy from an insurer in Brazil is not valid in Argentina. Always work with a company licensed to operate in the specific country you need coverage for.
Currency and Inflation: In countries with high inflation, be sure to understand how your policy’s coverage limits and premiums are adjusted over time.
Local Expertise: While international brands are strong, local insurers often have a deeper understanding of specific regional risks. Don’t overlook them.
Financial Stability: Use our directory to access insurers’ official sites, where you can often find information on their financial strength ratings from agencies like A.M. Best or Fitch Ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Which country has the largest insurance market in South America? Brazil is by far the largest and most developed insurance market in South America, accounting for a significant portion of the region’s total premiums.
Q2: Are my insurance policies from the US or Europe valid in South America? Generally, no. Standard auto, home, and local health insurance policies are territory-specific. For travel, you would need a dedicated travel insurance policy. For residency, you must purchase a policy from a locally licensed insurer.
Q3: What are the main types of insurance sought after in the region? Auto insurance is often mandatory and widely purchased. There is also a strong and growing market for private health insurance, life insurance, and commercial policies to protect businesses against various risks.