The Central and Eastern European (CEE) insurance market recorded a mostly positive start to 2026, with gross written premiums (GWP) reaching EUR 14.74 billion in Q1 – 6.47% increase y-o-y. Claims payments also rose, though at a slightly slower pace, climbing 5.35% to EUR 7.5 billion, according to aggregated market data.

Czechia posted one of the strongest surges in absolute terms, with GWP up 9.6% or EUR 241 million, while claims only increased by 6.4% y-o-y. The second-best performance belonged to Poland, for which GWP increased by EUR 208 million or 3.9%, while claims paid grew by 2.3%.

In relative terms, Romania, Slovenia and Serbia saw the highest growth rates in the region, of 12.1%, 12% and 11.4% respectively.

No other markets recorded double-digit growth rates, which indicated a somehow decelerating growth trend across the region.

Not the same can be said about the claims expenses dynamic. Several markets faced elevated claims pressures, with claims expenditure increasing faster than GWP..

Poland remains the largest single market, accounting for 35.4% of regional GWP, followed by Czechia (17.5%). Hungary, Romania and Slovenia complete Top 5, each of them with market shares in the range of 5.5% - 10%.

Life insurance GWP went up by 8.77%, to EUR 4.12 billion, with several markets recording double-digit premiums growth rates. Non-life business increased at a lower pace, of 5.68%, to EUR 11.61 billion.

Access the regional statistical page to get the latest statistical data for the CEE and SEE, for the main business lines.