The Zambia guide in full
Who regulates what
| Area | Body | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Insurers, brokers, agents | Pensions and Insurance Authority (PIA) | Insurance Act No. 38 of 2021 |
| National health insurance | National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA) | National Health Insurance Act No. 2 of 2018 |
| Compulsory third-party motor cover | Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), police; insurers licensed by the PIA | Road Traffic Act No. 11 of 2002 |
| Work accidents and diseases | Workers' Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB) | Workers' Compensation Act No. 10 of 1999 |
No one may carry on insurance business or act as an intermediary in Zambia without a PIA licence (Insurance Act, section 6), and assets, liabilities and interests in Zambia must be insured with a licensed insurer (section 166) (Insurance Act 2021). More: the PIA and the Insurance Act.
The Zambian insurance market in figures
From the PIA's Insurance Industry Report, Q4 2025 (January to December 2025):
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Gross written premium, all insurers | K10,456 million (+8.7%) |
| General insurance | K6,839 million (65%); motor is 66% of it |
| Long-term insurance | K3,618 million (35%); health is 54% of it |
| Policyholder benefits and claims | K3,268.5 million |
| Total assets | K12,624.8 million (+13.2%) |
Amounts in Zambian kwacha (K, ZMW).
Where to start
| You want to… | Read |
|---|---|
| Register with NHIMA, pay or check your status | NHIMA registration · eNHIMA portal · NHIMA calculator |
| Know what NHIMA pays | NHIMA benefits · Health insurance |
| Insure a car or check a cover | Motor insurance · Third-party vs comprehensive · Check a cover |
| Claim after a road accident | Claim from the driver's insurer |
| Protect a family | Life insurance · Funeral cover |
| Run a business or claim for a work injury | Business insurance · Workers' compensation |
| Check an insurer or complain | Licensed insurers · Check an insurer, broker or agent · Complaints to the PIA · Your rights |
Frequently asked questions
Is NHIMA compulsory in Zambia?
Yes for citizens and established residents above 18 (National Health Insurance Act 2018, section 13). Employers register their employees within 30 days. See NHIMA registration.
Is car insurance compulsory in Zambia?
Third-party insurance is compulsory under section 86 of the Road Traffic Act 2002. See motor insurance.
Who regulates insurance companies in Zambia?
The Pensions and Insurance Authority (PIA), under the Insurance Act No. 38 of 2021.
How many insurance companies are there in Zambia?
The PIA's list for 2026 names 24 general insurers, 9 long-term insurers and 5 reinsurers. See the full list.
Where do I complain about an insurer in Zambia?
To the insurer first, then to the PIA's Registrar: pia@pia.org.zm, +260 211 251401. See how to complain.
Sources
- Insurance Act No. 38 of 2021 — Pensions and Insurance Authority copy
- Pensions and Insurance Authority — Licensed Insurance Entities 2026 (public notice, published 2 October 2026)
- Pensions and Insurance Authority — Insurance Industry Report, Quarter 4 2025 (published 7 April 2026)
- National Health Insurance Act No. 2 of 2018 — gazetted text (Laws.Africa)
- National Health Insurance (General) Regulations, 2019 — Statutory Instrument No. 63 of 2019 (Laws.Africa)
- Road Traffic Act No. 11 of 2002, Part VII (compulsory third party insurance) — gazetted text (Laws.Africa)
- Workers' Compensation Act No. 10 of 1999 — gazetted text (Laws.Africa)
- Pensions and Insurance Authority — Insurance Complaints Handling Procedure (18 December 2025)