Linking insurance with remittances
- Hanna Yim
- Feb 24, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 7, 2023

Linking insurance with remittances is a strategy that can be used to improve resilience among migrant-sending families. Remittances are an important source of income for many families in developing countries, but they are often subject to risks such as currency fluctuations, political instability, and natural disasters. These risks can affect the value and reliability of remittances, which can in turn affect the financial stability of migrant-sending families.
By linking insurance with remittances, migrant-sending families can protect themselves against these risks and improve their resilience. For example, a migrant worker in the United States can use a remittance service that offers insurance coverage for the transfer. This insurance can protect the value of the remittance against currency fluctuations and other risks. Similarly, a family in the Philippines can use a remittance service that offers insurance coverage for the receipt of the transfer. This insurance can protect the family against the loss of the remittance due to natural disasters or other events.
The use of insurance-linked remittances can also encourage migrant workers to send more money back home. Knowing that their remittances are protected against risks can give migrant workers peace of mind and encourage them to send more money to support their families. This can help to improve the financial stability and resilience of migrant-sending families, which can have a positive impact on their long-term development.
Overall, linking insurance with remittances is a promising strategy for improving resilience among migrant-sending families. By protecting the value and reliability of remittances, insurance can help to improve the financial stability of migrant-sending families and promote their long-term development.
Here are some references from United Nations, World Bank, and OECD on linking insurance with remittances to improve resilience among migrant-sending families:
United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). (2016). Sending Money Home: Contributing to the SDGs, One Family at a Time. Rome, Italy.
World Bank Group. (2015). Global Knowledge Partnership on Migration and Development (KNOMAD): Migration and Remittances. Washington, D.C.
World Bank Group. (2016). Maximizing the Development Impact of Remittances: Innovative Approaches to Mobilizing Domestic Financial Resources in Developing Countries. Washington, D.C.
OECD. (2018). Remittances and Access to Finance: A Review of the Literature. Paris, France.
The United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) report found that linking remittances with insurance can help reduce the financial risks faced by migrant-sending families, thereby increasing their resilience and promoting their economic development. The report recommends that governments and financial institutions support the development of affordable and accessible insurance products that are tailored to the needs of migrant-sending families.
The World Bank Group report highlights the potential benefits of insurance-linked remittances, including increased financial inclusion and improved resilience for migrant-sending families. The report emphasizes the importance of collaboration between remittance service providers, insurers, and regulators to develop innovative and effective insurance products that meet the needs of migrant-sending families.
The World Bank Group report also emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology to expand access to insurance and improve the efficiency of remittance transfers. The report highlights the potential of mobile technologies to facilitate the delivery of insurance products to migrant-sending families, especially those in remote areas with limited access to traditional banking services.
The OECD report reviews the existing literature on remittances and access to finance, and highlights the potential benefits of insurance-linked remittances for improving financial resilience among migrant-sending families. The report notes that insurance can help mitigate the risks faced by migrant-sending families, and can also encourage increased remittance flows by providing greater confidence and security for both senders and recipients.
These references provide evidence that linking insurance with remittances can have positive impacts on the financial resilience and economic development of migrant-sending families. They emphasize the importance of collaboration between stakeholders and the use of innovative technologies to develop effective and accessible insurance products that meet the needs of migrant-sending families.

There are several potential benefits of insurance-linked remittances for the families of migrant workers. The World Bank has identified several potential benefits of insurance-linked remittances for the families of migrant workers:
Increased financial security: Insurance can help mitigate the financial risks faced by migrant-sending families, such as illness, death, or natural disasters. By providing a safety net in times of need, insurance can help families manage risks and maintain their financial stability, even when faced with unexpected expenses or losses.
Improved access to financial services: By linking insurance with remittances, families may be able to access a wider range of financial services, including savings, credit, and insurance products. This can help families build assets and improve their financial well-being over time.
Enhanced confidence and security: Insurance can provide greater confidence and security for both senders and recipients of remittances. By knowing that their families are protected by insurance, migrant workers may feel more secure in their decision to work abroad, and may be more likely to continue sending remittances over the long term.
Increased remittance flows: Insurance-linked remittances can also help encourage increased remittance flows by providing greater confidence and security for senders and recipients. This can help families maintain their standard of living and invest in their future, even during periods of economic uncertainty or instability.
In this respect, insurance-linked remittances have the potential to provide important benefits for the families of migrant workers, including increased financial security, improved access to financial services, enhanced confidence and security, and increased remittance flows.
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