Bureau rates vs. proprietary data: Finding the right pricing balance
Release Date: 02/13/2026
Innovation, analytics & the future of health insurance customers
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In this episode of Rethinking Insurance, host James Haybyrne is joined by WTW experts Jessica Plewes and Lisa Balboa to explore how innovation, analytics, and digital transformation are reshaping the future of health insurance. The discussion examines shifting customer expectations, the rise of personalised digital health solutions, and how insurers are moving beyond one size fits all propositions to deliver greater value and engagement. The episode also dives into the role of AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics in customer retention, pricing, product design, and profitability. With...
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Unlike traditional chatbots, AI agents can plan multi-step tasks, use tools, and collaborate like employees. In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Rick Hayes is joined by Amanda Hug, Salma Galván, and Eddy Trivedi to explore how these intelligent systems are enhancing actuarial modeling, automating documentation and streamlining claims processing. The discussion covers Retrieval Augmented Generation, prompt engineering and real-world applications. From code writing to fraud detection, AI agents are creating specialized teams that work alongside humans to transform insurance operations.
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The Role of AI in Financial Reporting: Hype or Reality?
(Re)thinking insurance
In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence within the actuarial and financial reporting landscape. While the buzz around AI is everywhere, we move beyond the hype to explore how these technologies are becoming practical partners in enhancing speed, consistency, and insight for insurers.
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Bureau rates vs. proprietary data: Finding the right pricing balance
(Re)thinking insurance
In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Rafael Costa is joined by Farah Ismail and Ben Williams to explore the strategic role of bureau rates as a foundational tool for the commercial insurance sector. They discuss how these standardized data sets provide a reliable starting point for carriers — especially startups — to avoid data gaps and stay aligned with industry trends. The podcast addresses the critical balance between using advisory loss costs and developing proprietary pricing models, highlighting both the advantages of aggregated industry data and the potential pitfalls that...
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The hidden costs: Unpacking legal system abuse in the U.S. insurance market
(Re)thinking insurance
In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Rafael Costa is joined by Dale Porfilio and Joey Daryanani to explore legal system abuse within the U.S. insurance landscape. The experts explain it as practices that unnecessarily inflate costs and prolong claim settlements, ultimately impacting policyholders. The discussion highlights how trends like "nuclear verdicts" and aggressive litigation are driving up premiums across various insurance lines and make it challenging for actuaries to predict future losses. Looking ahead, the conversation explores proactive mitigation strategies, including the...
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Bermuda's insurance and reinsurance market insights
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In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Rick Hayes is joined by Nick Komissarov, Martin Laframboise and Cédric Thibault to discuss Bermuda's significant role in the global reinsurance sector. They explore the jurisdiction's robust regulatory framework, political stability, and financial expertise. Key topics include the Bermuda Economic Balance Sheet (EBS), recent updates to the Bermuda Solvency Capital Requirement (BSCR) and new public disclosure requirements. The experts advise insurers to prepare for these changes by enhancing their modeling and governance frameworks and reviewing asset...
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The role of leadership and culture in commercial insurance transformation
(Re)thinking insurance
Louise Smith OBE is joined by Kate Markham, CEO of Hiscox London Market, to explore how leadership and culture are driving meaningful transformation in commercial insurance.
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Recent developments in Florida residential property insurance, part 2
(Re)thinking insurance
In part one (episode 31) of our two-part series, Klayton Southwood and Travis Miller covered the condition of Florida's property insurance market before major legislative changes were introduced in 2022. In part two, they discuss the post-reform environment, the effects of the changes and potential actions for the future.
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Recent developments in Florida residential property insurance, part 1
(Re)thinking insurance
In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Chris Zanoni is joined by Klayton Southwood and Travis Miller to explore the Florida property insurance market. The state faces significant challenges due to hurricanes, litigation and assignment of benefits. Historically, the market was disrupted by major hurricanes like Andrew in 1992 and Irma in 2017. As a result, Florida saw increasing losses, litigation and insolvencies among carriers. In response, the Florida legislature implemented reforms in 2022 to stabilize the market and improve the availability and affordability of property insurance.
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The nearshoring advantage: A life insurance case study from WTW
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In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Inna Kogan is joined by Marcela Abraham, Duncan Briggs and Shankar Raman to discuss nearshoring for life insurance companies. Competition for talent and technological advances are leading companies to explore different ways for getting work done. One viable solution that has surfaced is nearshoring. The benefits of nearshoring range from streamlined time zones to cultural alignment. Challenges also arise, such as teams exhibiting resistance to change. This conversation draws from WTW’s own journey with their actuarial team in Mexico City.
info_outlineIn this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Rafael Costa is joined by Farah Ismail and Ben Williams to explore the strategic role of bureau rates as a foundational tool for the commercial insurance sector. They discuss how these standardized data sets provide a reliable starting point for carriers — especially startups — to avoid data gaps and stay aligned with industry trends. The podcast addresses the critical balance between using advisory loss costs and developing proprietary pricing models, highlighting both the advantages of aggregated industry data and the potential pitfalls that require a more tailored, data-driven approach.