For immediate release
May 8, 2009

Portland, ME, May 8, 2009 … JHA has released the results of its 2008 U.S. Individual DI Market Survey. This industry survey captures 2008 Non-Cancelable, Guaranteed Renewable, and Buy-Sell sales and inforce premium results for 15 U.S. individual disability insurance carriers.

U.S. individual disability inforce premium (Non-Can, GR, and Buy-Sell) grew nearly 3% in 2008, reaching $4.2 billion. Participating companies reported an increase of nearly 3% for both Non-Can and GR inforce premium. The number of inforce policies was flat compared to 2007. Non-Can inforce benefit amounts increased just over 2%, while GR benefit amounts increased 1%.

2008 U.S. individual disability income sales (Non-Can, GR, and Buy-Sell) increased 1%, reaching over $344 million. Non-Can sales premium increased 1.4%, and GR sales premium was essentially flat.

“While total inforce and sales premium growth rates were positive in 2008, the rate of growth has slowed. As has been the case for the past few years, premium growth was achieved by increases in policy benefit amounts, and not driven by the number of policies written,” said Drew King, President of JHA.

The JHA 2008 U.S. Individual Disability Income Market Survey features both inforce and new sales data. Participating companies receive the comprehensive report. To obtain a summary of the survey results, visit JHA's website at www.jhaweb.com.

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JHA is the Disability and Group Life reinsurance, risk management and research division of General Re Life Corporation. Headquartered in Portland, Maine, JHA offers its clients reinsurance solutions and consultative support in the areas of underwriting, risk assessment, pricing, valuation, claim management, marketing, distribution and product development.

Through its research practice, publications, and industry events, JHA is the leading source for information and insight about the Disability and Group Life markets.

General Re Life Corporation conducts business as Gen Re LifeHealth, and is a Berkshire Hathaway Company.