PhilHealth Partnership: The Philippines’ PhilHealth has signed an MOU with 13 private health insurers and HMOs to coordinate benefits under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), aiming to reduce overlap and make care more affordable under Universal Health Care. Regulatory Scrutiny: In the Sara Duterte impeachment trial, the Senate impeachment court approved subpoenas for bank and insurance company representatives and the BIR, as prosecutors adjust their witness list. Insurance Market Pressure: Nigeria’s NGX fell 0.28% on Oct. 1, with insurance stocks down 1.01%, reflecting broad weakness in financials. Consumer Protection Push: Nigeria’s NDIC urged the public to keep savings in licensed, regulated institutions and avoid unlicensed schemes promising unrealistic returns. Distribution Reform Debate (India): Indian insurers broadly backed IRDAI’s proposed insurance distribution overhaul but asked for phased implementation to limit disruption, as commission caps and tighter expense limits are debated. Home Insurance Retention: JD Power found homeowners still find shopping for new coverage too difficult, though AI could reduce the effort and improve switching. Claims Cost Spotlight: A study says average dog-bite injury claims in New York hit about $110,000, far above the national average. Leadership Move: Sompo appointed Scott Toland as Head of Commercial Lines for Continental Europe, based in Zurich.