Photo: Nikiwatanze, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0Life insurance in Rwanda
Your rights under the insurance law
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Get the free PDFWhat life insurers sell
The BNR lists under life (long-term) insurance: life insurance, often with savings or investment; funeral insurance, designed to cover funeral expenses; and life micro-insurance for low-income earners, often bundled with mobile services or SACCOs (BNR FAQ).
Companies with "Life" in their name on the BNR list: Prime Life Insurance Ltd (licensed 2012), Sanlam Allianz Life Insurance Plc (2010) and SONARWA Life Assurance Company Ltd (2012). Full list: insurance companies in Rwanda.
Your rights under the law
| Rule | Law n° 030/2021 |
|---|---|
| You may nominate one or more beneficiaries when subscribing or at any time before maturity | Article 141 |
| After 3 years in force: you may surrender for the surrender value, and the policy cannot lapse for non-payment of premiums | Article 143 |
| The insurer may lend to the policyholder on the policy | Article 144 |
| The policy loses validity if the insured commits suicide within 3 years of signing (burden of proof on the insurer; not if caused by mental illness), or if the beneficiary is convicted of the insured's murder | Article 146 |
| To end a long-term contract, written notice; it takes effect on the 21st working day after the notice, unless the contract or notice says otherwise | Articles 110–111 |
| Money due under a policy and unclaimed for 10 years: the insurer notifies the last known address and publishes a notice; without answer within 3 months, it is deemed unclaimed | Article 185 |
Text: Law n° 030/2021.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I cash in my life insurance policy in Rwanda?
Yes, once a long-term policy has been in force for at least three years: by written notice you surrender it and receive its surrender value (Law n° 030/2021, article 143).
Can I change the beneficiary of my life insurance?
Yes. A long-term policyholder may nominate beneficiaries when subscribing or at any time before the policy matures (article 141).
Is funeral insurance available in Rwanda?
Yes. The BNR lists funeral insurance among long-term products, designed to cover funeral expenses. Buy it from a licensed life insurer.
Sources
- Law n° 030/2021 of 30/06/2021 governing the organisation of insurance business — Official Gazette n° 29 of 02/08/2021 (Gazettes.Africa archive)
- National Bank of Rwanda — Frequently asked questions: understanding insurance in Rwanda (June 2025)
- National Bank of Rwanda — List of licensed insurers (updated January 2025, the latest list published, checked 31 October 2026)