Japan’s insurance industry takes steps to stop genetic discrimination

Genetic discrimination - DNA

The Japanese industry is preparing guidelines to make sure insurers can’t collect customer DNA. The insurance industry in Japan is getting ready to create guidelines that would stop genetic discrimination by insurers in the country. They are seeking to ban health and life insurance companies from the collection or use of genetic information for purposes related to coverage eligibility or premiums calculations. Associations across the industry say they haven’t started using genetic info but the goal is to stop it. According to the Life Insurance Association of Japan, its members…

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Bitcoin insurance arrives at Mitsui Sumitomo

bitcoin insurance cryptocurrency

The Japanese insurer has announced a new product line providing coverage for domestic cryptocurrency. Mitsui Sumitomo, an insurer from Japan, has announced the launch of a line of Bitcoin insurance products. The goal is to provide coverage for the domestic cryptocurrency market. These types of digital currency are providing new opportunities for markets and conventional businesses in the country. The insurance industry has been seeing a considerable boost in demand as a result of Bitcoin-like currencies. Mitsui Sumitomo clearly intends to ensure it will not miss opportunities in these areas.…

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The insurance industry in Japan offers unique Valentine’s Day coverage

Insurance agents industry valentine's day

This product is available for consumers in the country who want to make certain that they’re covered on the day. In Japan, the insurance industry is helping people to lower their risk of coming up empty handed on Valentine’s Day, with a new policy that is designed to ensure that policyholders always have something to receive on the most romantic day of the year. Consumers who purchase this policy will never find themselves without a box of chocolates. This unique addition to the insurance industry in Japan is designed to…

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Japan at risk of more strong quakes in the next four years, say seismologists

Japan is still working to recover from a massive magnitude-9.0 earthquake that rocked the nation last year. The quake generated a tsunami that claimed 20,000 lives and spurred a nuclear crisis that continues to this day. While it will certainly not be the last quake Japan experiences in its lifetime, seismologists from the University of Tokyo say that the next quake will come sooner than expected. According to researchers, there is a 70% chance that the nation will be hit by a powerful quake of magnitude-7.0 or higher within four…

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Thailand floods could cost the global insurance industry $10 billion

Devastating floods in Thailand may have a global impact, according to insurers. Thailand is a critical point in the global supply chain, says Gary Lynch, head of supply chain risk at Marsh Risk Consulting. Widespread flooding has closed more than 14,000 businesses, including distribution centers for Sony, Canon and Nissan. The disruption in the supply chain could have far reaching consequences in the U.S., the UK and throughout Europe. Lloyd’s of London is now petitioning Thailand insurance and risk firms to assess the risk exposure they see in the nation.…

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