Global cross-border Life market reaches record £68.4bn in 2025

AILO’s latest market reports show 21.3% global growth, an 18% increase across Europe excluding the UK and exceptional growth in the UK market.

Global cross-border Life new business reached an estimated £68.4bn in 2025 – the highest annual total recorded since AILO began its global analysis in 2018.

AILO’s newly published Global Cross-border Life Market in 2025 and European Cross-border Life Market in 2025 reports show that global new business increased by 21.3% from £56.3bn in 2024. The growth outpaced the wider global Life market, which increased by 6.9%.

An upward trajectory

Europe excluding the UK remained the largest region, recording 18% growth and accounting for 60.1% of global cross-border new premiums. Measured in euros, European new premiums rose from €41.2bn to €48.4bn – the region’s second-highest total in six years and above its pre-pandemic level.

The UK delivered the largest percentage increase of any global region for the second consecutive year. New business rose 68.6%, taking the UK’s global market share from 12.1% to 16.8% and moving it ahead of North America into second place.

Changes within Europe

France became Europe’s largest host market in 2025, with new premiums increasing by 34% to €16.75bn. France, Italy and Germany collectively represented 78% of European cross-border premiums. Together with Sweden and Belgium, the top five markets accounted for 87% of regional business.

Luxembourg and Ireland remained the leading home jurisdictions, accounting for 54.4% and 42.9% respectively. AILO Members increased their estimated share of European cross-border Life business from 43% in 2024 to 48% in 2025.

What shaped the market

More stable investment conditions and easing inflation supported renewed demand for investment-linked solutions. Personal and family tax planning also became an increasingly important driver, particularly in the UK. The reports highlight continuing sensitivities, including market and provider concentration, regulatory and political uncertainty, and changing investment sentiment.

Together, the two reports give AILO Members evidence-led insight into market scale, regional performance, leading jurisdictions, provider dynamics and the forces shaping future demand.

AILO Members can download both reports or watch the launch webinar recording in the Member’s area of this website.