Uniqa: Health Insurance Drives Growth & Record Profits in Austria & CEE

Health as the New Pension: Uniqa CEO Highlights Shifting Priorities in Insurance

Vienna, Austria – As economic pressures mount and traditional retirement models face increasing scrutiny, a leading Austrian insurer is positioning health as the new cornerstone of financial security. Andreas Brandstetter, CEO of UNIQA Insurance Group, has publicly stated that “health is the new retirement provision,” reflecting a growing trend of individuals prioritizing healthcare spending and seeking robust insurance coverage. This shift comes as UNIQA reports strong financial results, driven in part by increased demand for health-related products and services. The company’s performance underscores a broader industry recognition that preventative care and access to quality medical treatment are becoming increasingly vital components of long-term financial well-being.

UNIQA’s recent financial performance demonstrates this trend. The company reported a profit before taxes of €516.4 million in 2025, a rise of approximately 16.9 percent. According to reports, the group’s total result reached €424.8 million, a gain of over 22 percent. This success has enabled UNIQA to propose an increased dividend of €0.72 per share for 2025, a 20 percent increase from the previous year, fulfilling a promise of a 50 to 60 percent payout ratio. The company’s premium income as well saw growth, increasing by 6.3 percent to €1.6 billion, with 95 percent of this revenue originating from Austria. This growth in premiums outpaced the life insurance sector, which saw a 5.1 percent increase.

The Rise of Private Health Insurance in Austria

UNIQA currently holds a leading position in the Austrian health insurance market, where approximately 40 percent of the population has private health insurance. This growing demand is fueled by concerns over access to timely medical care and a desire for enhanced services beyond those offered by the public system. Brandstetter acknowledges a “huge need” for additional medical services, suggesting that the state budget is increasingly strained and that private spending can play a crucial role in alleviating pressure on the healthcare system. He also anticipates the expansion of telemedicine as a means of improving access and efficiency.

The company’s commitment to health extends beyond traditional insurance products. In 2020, UNIQA launched Mavie, a subsidiary focused on providing corporate health solutions. Mavie has since expanded its operations to six additional Central and Eastern European (CEE) markets, alongside Austria and Germany, and secured 1,000 new corporate clients in the past year. Mavie’s revenue currently stands at €250 million, demonstrating the growing market for preventative and occupational health services.

Strategic Expansion and Capital Strength

While UNIQA is experiencing growth in its health and corporate sectors, the company is also strategically navigating the broader insurance landscape. The life insurance segment is showing growth in CEE markets, though Austrian growth remains modest at 1.8 percent. Brandstetter expressed confidence in the life insurance sector, noting that despite past predictions of its decline, it continues to be a relevant product. He acknowledged that a significant outflow of funds – 30 percent more leaving than entering – is a result of the peak period for life insurance policies ten to fifteen years ago, an effect expected to continue for several years. UNIQA is attempting to mitigate this outflow through attractive savings products.

Brandstetter also addressed the company’s capital position, stating that UNIQA is well-capitalized, similar to its competitor, Vienna Insurance Group (VIG). However, unlike VIG, which is actively pursuing acquisitions in the CEE region, UNIQA does not currently have any concrete acquisition targets. “We are open to everything that is happening in the region,” Brandstetter stated, while also reaffirming the company’s commitment to Eastern Europe and its willingness to explore acquisition opportunities beyond that region, following its exit from smaller markets like Albania, North Macedonia, and Kosovo.

Financial Outlook and Dividend Policy

Looking ahead, UNIQA anticipates a profit before taxes of between €540 and €570 million for the current year, contingent on the absence of significant negative impacts from natural disasters or capital market disruptions. The company’s robust financial performance supports its commitment to shareholder returns, with the proposed dividend increase signaling a dedication to providing an “attractive share in success.” UNIQA aims to maintain a dividend payout ratio of 50 to 60 percent, based on a steadily increasing dividend payout.

Andreas Brandstetter, born in 1969, has served as Chairman of the Management Board (CEO) of both UNIQA Insurance Group AG and UNIQA Österreich Versicherungen AG since 2020. His career with UNIQA spans over two decades, encompassing roles in strategy, transformation, innovation, and investor relations. He previously held positions in the Austrian government and the Austrian People’s Party.

Key Takeaways

• Health as a Priority: UNIQA’s CEO emphasizes the growing importance of health as a key component of financial planning, mirroring a shift in consumer priorities.
• Strong Financial Performance: The company’s robust 2025 results, with a 16.9 percent increase in profit before taxes, demonstrate the success of its strategic focus.
• Expansion in CEE: UNIQA is actively expanding its presence in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly through its Mavie subsidiary, which provides corporate health solutions.
• Dividend Increase: Shareholders are set to benefit from a 20 percent increase in the dividend payout, reflecting the company’s commitment to shareholder value.

UNIQA’s strategic focus on health, coupled with its strong financial performance and expansion plans, positions the company for continued growth in a rapidly evolving insurance market. The company will next report its financial results for the first half of 2026 in August, providing further insight into its performance and strategic direction. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on the changing landscape of insurance and the growing importance of health as a financial priority in the comments below.