Nikkei Trendy Announces "Insurance Awards 2026": Understanding Which Insurances to Review Amidst Changes to the High-Cost Medical Care Benefit System and Rising Long-Term Interest Rates

On April 3, 2026, Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Tetsuya Iguchi) announced the "Insurance Awards 2026" in the May 2026 issue of "Nikkei Trendy," a trend information magazine that stimulates personal life. The awards recognize outstanding insurance products across seven categories, including "Cancer Insurance" and "Medical Insurance," selecting a "Grand Prize," "Excellence Award," and "Unique Award" for each.

Evaluating Insurance Products Across Seven Categories as a Guide for "Reviewing" Policies The "Insurance Awards" is a popular feature project that compares and evaluates products from various insurance companies by category, based on interviews with experts. Against the backdrop of a declining birthrate, an aging population, and accompanying changes to the medical care system, the contents of insurance products are updated almost every year. This project thoroughly compares the coverage and premiums of each insurance product, serving as a reference for consumers when "reviewing" their policies.

The "Insurance Awards 2026" targets seven categories that attract high consumer attention and feature notable product "improvements": Cancer Insurance, Medical Insurance, Disability Insurance, Income Protection Insurance, Yen-Denominated Single-Premium Insurance, Fire Insurance, and Pet Insurance. The editorial department selected the product with the greatest merits in each category as the "Grand Prize," and the runner-up as the "Excellence Award." Additionally, insurance products with uniquely useful features were chosen for the "Unique Award."

Detailed information can be read in the May 2026 issue of "Nikkei Trendy" (https://info.nikkeibp.co.jp/media/TRE/).

2026 is the Perfect Time to Review Insurance In 2026, the circumstances surrounding insurance will completely change. It can be said that this is the perfect timing to review the insurance policies you are enrolled in.

POINT 1: Preparing for Gradual Changes to the High-Cost Medical Care Benefit System Although the review of the High-Cost Medical Care Benefit System was once withdrawn in March 2025, a basic policy to gradually raise the out-of-pocket maximum was decided in December of the same year. The increase in the upper limit will begin in August 2026, and further subdivision of income brackets and increases in the upper limit are scheduled for August 2027. It would be advisable to prepare by enrolling in medical insurance.

POINT 2: Adapting to a "World with Interest Rates" Since the negative interest rate policy was lifted in March 2024, long-term interest rates have continued to rise, reaching 2.26% in March 2026. As a result, the popularity of yen-denominated savings-type insurance has recovered. It can serve as a death benefit and be used like a bond for asset formation. There are even principal-guaranteed products with a return rate of 124% after 10 years.

POINT 3: A Rush of Revisions in Income Protection Insurance Following Mitsui Sumitomo Aioi Life Insurance, which quickly lowered premiums for income protection in its March 2025 revision, other companies have followed suit. Premiums have generally become cheaper, making it worth considering a switch even for those who already have death coverage. For those not enrolled in disability insurance, adding a disability-related rider to an income protection insurance policy is also a viable option.

Taking these points into account, the "Insurance Awards 2026" selected the "Grand Prize," "Excellence Award," and "Unique Award" for each category.

About "Nikkei Trendy" "Nikkei Trendy" (https://info.nikkeibp.co.jp/media/TRE/) is a trend information magazine that stimulates personal life. Since its launch in 1987, it has thoroughly analyzed and verified hit products and the latest trends in various fields from the consumer's perspective. The annual "Top 30 Hit Products" and "100 Hit Predictions for the Following Year," announced in the December issue every year, are staple, popular features.

Nikkei BP (https://www.nikkeibp.co.jp/) is a specialized publisher that provides cutting-edge information in a wide range of fields such as management (business), technology, marketing, medicine, and life (lifestyle). In addition to disseminating highly reliable content that delves deeply into the latest topics every day in the form of magazines, books, and digital media, it also actively develops exhibitions and seminars.

Contact Information for Inquiries Regarding This Release For inquiries regarding this release, please contact Nikkei Trendy (Inquiry Form: https://support.nikkeibp.co.jp/app/answers/list/p/399). For media coverage inquiries, please use the Nikkei BP corporate site inquiry page (https://www.nikkeibp.co.jp/faq/).