Introduction
Insurance is one of the world’s largest financial industries, helping individuals, businesses and governments manage risks ranging from health and life to property, vehicles, liability and natural disasters.
With thousands of insurance companies operating globally, choosing the best insurance company can be challenging. The right insurer depends on factors such as financial strength, coverage options, geographic reach, customer service, claims handling and the type of insurance required.
There is also no single definition of “best.” A company that is a strong choice for life insurance may not be the best option for auto insurance or commercial insurance.
This guide looks at some of the leading insurance companies in the world in 2026, using factors such as global scale, assets, revenue, market presence and range of insurance services.
Top 10 Best Insurance Companies in the World
Some of the world’s most prominent insurers include:
- Berkshire Hathaway
- Allianz
- China Life Insurance
- Ping An Insurance
- Prudential Financial
- AXA
- MetLife
- Zurich Insurance Group
- Chubb
- Generali
The exact order changes depending on whether companies are ranked by assets, revenue, premiums, market capitalization or another measure.
AM Best’s 2026 ranking of the world’s largest insurers by 2024 net nonbanking assets placed Berkshire Hathaway first, followed by Allianz, China Life Insurance, Ping An Insurance and Prudential Financial.
1. Berkshire Hathaway
Berkshire Hathaway is one of the world’s largest insurance-related groups and is headquartered in the United States.
The company has major insurance operations through businesses including GEICO, Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group and other insurance subsidiaries.
AM Best’s 2026 ranking placed Berkshire Hathaway first among the world’s largest insurers by 2024 net nonbanking assets, at approximately $1.154 trillion.
Its insurance operations cover areas including:
- Auto insurance
- Property insurance
- Casualty insurance
- Reinsurance
- Commercial insurance
Berkshire Hathaway is particularly notable because of the scale and diversity of its insurance operations.
2. Allianz
Allianz is one of Europe’s largest insurance and financial services groups and is headquartered in Germany.
The company provides insurance and asset-management services across numerous markets.
AM Best ranked Allianz second globally by 2024 net nonbanking assets, with approximately $1.088 trillion.
Allianz offers insurance products covering areas such as:
- Life insurance
- Health insurance
- Auto insurance
- Property insurance
- Commercial insurance
- Travel insurance
Its extensive international presence makes Allianz one of the most recognizable insurance brands worldwide.
3. China Life Insurance
China Life Insurance is one of China’s largest insurance groups.
The company provides life insurance, health-related protection, annuity products and other financial services.
In Fortune’s 2026 industry ranking, China Life Insurance ranked 42nd in the overall Fortune Global 500, with reported revenue of approximately $178.2 billion.
AM Best’s 2026 ranking placed China Life third globally by 2024 net nonbanking assets, at approximately $1.025 trillion.
4. Ping An Insurance
Ping An Insurance is a major Chinese financial services and insurance group with operations spanning insurance, banking, investment and technology.
Fortune’s 2026 industry data placed Ping An among the world’s largest life and health insurance companies, with reported revenue of approximately $158.6 billion.
Ping An also reported strong first-half 2026 results. Reuters reported that its net profit increased 36% year over year to 92.585 billion yuan in the first half of 2026.
Its insurance operations include:
- Life insurance
- Health insurance
- Property and casualty insurance
- Auto insurance
- Commercial insurance
5. Prudential Financial
Prudential Financial is a major U.S.-based financial services and insurance company.
It provides products and services related to:
- Life insurance
- Retirement
- Group insurance
- Investment management
- Financial planning
AM Best ranked Prudential Financial fifth globally by 2024 net nonbanking assets, with approximately $735.6 billion.
6. AXA
AXA is a major French insurance group with an extensive international presence.
The company provides insurance and financial protection for individuals, families and businesses.
Its areas of business include:
- Property and casualty insurance
- Life insurance
- Health insurance
- Commercial insurance
- Risk management
AM Best ranked AXA seventh by 2024 net nonbanking assets, at approximately $681.0 billion.
AXA is also among the largest insurance companies by revenue. Fortune’s 2026 industry ranking reported AXA revenue of approximately $107.7 billion.
7. MetLife
MetLife is a major U.S.-based insurance and financial services company.
It is particularly well known for life insurance, employee benefits and retirement-related products.
Its services include:
- Life insurance
- Dental insurance
- Group benefits
- Retirement products
- Disability insurance
AM Best’s 2026 ranking placed MetLife ninth globally by 2024 net nonbanking assets, at approximately $677.5 billion.
8. Zurich Insurance Group
Zurich Insurance Group is a major Swiss-based insurer operating in numerous international markets.
Zurich focuses heavily on property and casualty insurance and commercial risk solutions, while also providing life insurance in selected markets.
Its services include:
- Auto insurance
- Property insurance
- Commercial insurance
- Liability insurance
- Life insurance
- Travel insurance
Zurich was ranked among the world’s largest corporations in Fortune’s Global 500, with 2024 revenue of approximately $65.8 billion.
9. Chubb
Chubb is a global insurance company headquartered in Switzerland.
It provides insurance products for individuals, businesses and multinational organizations.
Its insurance operations include:
- Property insurance
- Casualty insurance
- Accident and health insurance
- Cyber insurance
- Marine insurance
- Professional liability insurance
- Commercial insurance
Chubb is particularly significant in commercial and specialty insurance markets.
10. Assicurazioni Generali
Assicurazioni Generali, commonly known as Generali, is one of Europe’s major insurance groups and is headquartered in Italy.
The company offers insurance and asset-management services across multiple international markets.
Its insurance business includes:
- Life insurance
- Health insurance
- Property and casualty insurance
- Business insurance
- Personal insurance
Fortune’s 2026 data reported Generali revenue of approximately $67.3 billion in the life and health insurance industry ranking.
Largest Insurance Companies by Assets
Assets are one way of measuring the scale of an insurance company.
According to AM Best’s 2026 ranking based on 2024 net nonbanking assets, the leading companies included:
| Rank | Insurance Company | Country | Approx. 2024 Net Nonbanking Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkshire Hathaway | United States | $1.154 trillion |
| 2 | Allianz | Germany | $1.088 trillion |
| 3 | China Life Insurance | China | $1.025 trillion |
| 4 | Ping An Insurance | China | $985 billion |
| 5 | Prudential Financial | United States | $736 billion |
| 6 | Legal & General | United Kingdom | $684 billion |
| 7 | AXA | France | $681 billion |
| 8 | Manulife Financial | Canada | $681 billion |
| 9 | MetLife | United States | $677 billion |
| 10 | Life Insurance Corporation of India | India | $658 billion |
Figures are based on AM Best’s 2026 ranking using 2024 data.
Largest Insurance Companies by Revenue
Revenue provides another way to compare global insurance companies.
Fortune’s 2026 industry ranking showed China Life Insurance, Ping An Insurance, Allianz, Life Insurance Corporation of India and AXA among the world’s largest life and health insurance companies by revenue.
Meanwhile, Fortune’s Global 500 includes several major insurance groups among the world’s largest corporations overall. The 2025 Global 500, for example, included China Life, Ping An, Allianz, State Farm, Zurich, New York Life and Generali.
Best Insurance Companies by Type
The “best” insurer can change depending on the type of insurance you need.
Best Companies for Auto Insurance
Major global and national auto insurance providers include:
- Berkshire Hathaway/GEICO
- Allianz
- Progressive
- State Farm
- AXA
- Zurich
- Chubb
Availability varies by country.
Best Companies for Life Insurance
Major life insurance groups include:
- China Life Insurance
- Allianz
- AXA
- Prudential Financial
- MetLife
- Generali
- Life Insurance Corporation of India
Best Companies for Business Insurance
For commercial insurance, major international providers include:
- Chubb
- Allianz
- AXA
- Zurich
- Berkshire Hathaway
- Generali
Best Companies for Health Insurance
Health insurance markets are highly country-specific. Major companies and groups involved in health-related insurance include:
- UnitedHealth Group
- Allianz
- AXA
- Cigna
- Ping An
- MetLife
The availability and type of health coverage differ significantly by country.
How to Choose the Best Insurance Company
Choosing an insurance company should involve more than looking at its size.
1. Financial Strength
A financially strong insurer is generally better positioned to meet its obligations, although financial strength does not guarantee that every claim will be covered.
2. Coverage
Check whether the insurer offers the specific coverage you need.
3. Premium
Compare prices from several insurers offering similar coverage.
4. Deductibles
Understand how much you may have to pay before insurance benefits apply.
5. Claims Service
Look at how claims are reported, investigated and settled.
6. Customer Service
Consider the company’s communication channels and support services.
7. Local Availability
A global insurance company may not offer the same products in every country.
8. Policy Exclusions
Always read the exclusions and limitations before purchasing a policy.
What Makes an Insurance Company One of the Best?
Several factors can be used when evaluating insurers:
- Financial strength
- Global presence
- Product range
- Claims handling
- Customer service
- Market reputation
- Regulatory compliance
- Innovation
- Affordability
- Experience in the relevant insurance market
A large company is not automatically the best choice for every customer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best insurance company in the world?
There is no universally accepted single “best” insurance company. Rankings depend on the measurement used. By 2024 net nonbanking assets, AM Best’s 2026 ranking placed Berkshire Hathaway first, followed by Allianz and China Life Insurance.
What is the largest insurance company in the world?
The answer depends on the definition of “largest.” By 2024 net nonbanking assets, Berkshire Hathaway ranked first in AM Best’s 2026 ranking.
Is Allianz one of the largest insurance companies?
Yes. Allianz is one of the world’s largest insurance groups. AM Best ranked it second globally by 2024 net nonbanking assets.
Is Ping An Insurance a large global insurer?
Yes. Ping An is one of the world’s largest insurance groups by assets and revenue. It ranked fourth by 2024 net nonbanking assets in AM Best’s 2026 ranking.
Which insurance company is best for car insurance?
There is no universal answer. The best auto insurer depends on your country, vehicle, driving history, required coverage, price and claims service.
How should I compare insurance companies?
Compare insurers using coverage, premiums, deductibles, exclusions, financial strength, claims service, customer support and availability in your country.
Conclusion
The world’s insurance industry includes some of the largest and most financially significant companies in the global economy. Berkshire Hathaway, Allianz, China Life Insurance, Ping An Insurance, Prudential Financial, AXA, MetLife, Zurich, Chubb and Generali are among the major insurers that stand out for their scale and international or regional presence.
However, the largest insurance company is not necessarily the best insurer for every customer. The right choice depends on the type of insurance required, location, coverage, price, financial strength, claims service and individual circumstances.
When comparing insurance companies, consumers and businesses should look beyond the premium and carefully review the coverage, exclusions, deductibles and policy conditions.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal or insurance advice. Insurance products, prices, regulations and availability vary by country and insurer. Rankings can also change depending on the measurement and reporting period used. Always verify current information with the insurer or relevant regulatory authority before purchasing insurance.