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The company said the achievement underscores the scalability of its digital microinsurance model, which has grown its reach to more than six million Filipinos since its establishment in 2018.
RuralNet operates through partnerships with insurers, rural banks, cooperatives, and microfinance institutions, helping extend insurance access to underserved communities nationwide.
Why it matters
The expansion comes as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has warned of El Niño conditions that could heighten climate-related risks through early 2027.
RuralNet said in a statement it will launch natural calamity protection by the third quarter of 2026 to help shield vulnerable households from the financial impact of typhoons, floods, and droughts.
The move also reflects a broader opportunity in the local insurance market. While insurance penetration in the Philippines has risen to 1.78 percent, RuralNet noted that only 28 percent of Filipinos have life insurance coverage, leaving a significant protection gap, particularly in rural and low-income areas.
By the numbers
A major contributor to RuralNet’s growth has been its proprietary digital infrastructure, which the company said enables claims payouts 75 percent faster than the industry average while maintaining a 97-percent claims approval rate.
Its API-driven platform allows financial institutions to distribute insurance products digitally, reducing operational costs and expanding reach.
“As a social impact company, RuralNet was founded to provide a safety net to low-income Filipino families who are the most vulnerable to financial shocks. This latest milestone proves that our affordable microinsurance plans can make a real difference for thousands of families when they need it most, while also being a scalable and profitable business model,” RuralNet Inc. CEO Justin Arcenas said in a press statement.
“By leveraging technology, we’ve been able to deliver higher quality service to our customers, at a fraction of the cost. This year, we’re excited to scale our natural calamity protection plans to help alleviate the financial pressure from climate change on rural households, with the goal of rapidly providing immediate and necessary aid on the ground after disasters,” Arcenas said.
Supporting the expansion is CashKO Insurance Brokerage, RuralNet’s wholly owned subsidiary, which has generated P400 million in premiums and expanded distribution through more than 5,000 branches nationwide. —Vanessa Hidalgo| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
