India bars Niva Bupa from opening branches for six months due to expense breach

India’s insurance regulator has barred Niva Bupa Health Insurance from opening new places of business for six months because of the breach of business expense limits, the health insurer said on Thursday.

The insurer failed to comply with limits on expenses of management, which comprises operating costs and commissions paid to agents and distributors, during fiscal year 2024-25, as per the statement.

Niva Bupa, backed by UK-based international healthcare group Bupa, said it complied with the expense rules for fiscal 2025-26 and was on track to remain compliant in the current fiscal.

India plans insurance reforms to rein in healthcare costs, sources say

Intensifying competition in India’s insurance sector has pushed up distribution costs, with commissions rising across the industry. IRDAI is seeking to reform how distributors are paid in an effort to curb mis-selling of policies and reduce high distribution costs in one of the world’s fastest-growing insurance markets, Reuters reported last month.

Expenses for health insurers should not exceed 35% of gross written premiums in a financial year.

Shares of Niva Bupa extended losses to close 1.3% lower after the announcement.