Survey of 300 Insurance Policyholders: 86.3% Feel Burdened by Premiums, 82.3% Consider Reviewing Due to Rising Costs

The Reality of Insurance Premium Burdens in an Era of Rising Prices

In recent years, rising prices—especially in food and utilities—have increased financial pressure on household budgets.

As families review their spending, insurance premiums, like communication fees and subscription services, are increasingly being considered for cost-cutting.

However, insurance cannot simply be reduced without considering critical protections for emergencies and future security.

While many wish to lower premiums, a significant number also worry they might 'reduce necessary coverage too much.'

Smartphone de Hoken conducted a survey of 300 men and women across Japan who hold private life, medical, or cancer insurance, to assess their feelings about premium burdens and willingness to review policies.

Survey Overview Survey Name: Survey on Inflation and Insurance Premium Burdens Conducted by: Smartphone de Hoken Method: Online survey Period: June 13–14, 2026 Target: Men and women aged 20–60 holding private life, medical, or cancer insurance Valid Responses: 300

86.3% of Policyholders Feel Burdened by Premiums

When asked, 'Do you feel burdened by your current monthly insurance premiums?' the most common response was 'somewhat burdened' (181 people, 60.3%).

'Feel heavily burdened' accounted for 78 people (26.0%), meaning a total of 259 respondents (86.3%) feel some level of financial strain from monthly premiums.

In contrast, 'not very burdened' was reported by 34 people (11.3%), and 'not at all burdened' by only 4 people (1.3%).

82.3% Consider Policy Review Due to Rising Prices

Asked, 'Have you ever considered reviewing your insurance premiums due to inflation or increased household expenses?' the most common answer was 'have thought about it somewhat' (167 people, 55.7%).

'Have strongly considered it' was selected by 80 people (26.7%), meaning 247 respondents (82.3%) have considered reviewing their insurance due to rising living costs.

This indicates that insurance premiums are increasingly being viewed as a key area for household budget optimization.

'Insurance Premiums' Top Expense People Want to Review

When asked which fixed household expenses they would like to review, 'insurance premiums' was the most common answer, selected by 174 people (58.0%).

This was followed by 'utilities' (169 people, 56.3%), 'communication fees' (150 people, 50.0%), and 'subscription services' (102 people, 34.0%).

Insurance premiums rank alongside utilities and communication costs as top expenses consumers want to reassess.

92.3% Are Open to Review if Premiums Can Be Reduced

When asked, 'If you could lower your premiums, would you consider reviewing your current insurance?' the most common response was 'would consider depending on conditions' (204 people, 68.0%).

'Would review' was selected by 73 people (24.3%), meaning 277 respondents (92.3%) are open to reviewing their policies if savings are possible.

In contrast, 'would rather not review' was selected by 17 people (5.7%), and 'do not want to review' by 6 people (2.0%).

Top Concern in Review: 'Might Reduce Necessary Coverage'

When asked about concerns when reviewing insurance, the most common response was 'worry I might reduce necessary coverage' (105 people, 35.0%).

This was followed by 'don’t know which insurance suits me' (84 people, 28.0%) and 'the process seems troublesome' (60 people, 20.0%).

Despite high interest in reducing premiums, many remain uncertain about coverage details and which policies best fit their needs.

20.7% Do Not Fully Understand Their Coverage

When asked about their understanding of current insurance coverage, 'roughly understand' was the most common response (213 people, 71.0%).

However, 'know the premium but not the coverage details' was reported by 59 people (19.7%), and 'understand almost nothing' by 3 people (1.0%), totaling 62 respondents (20.7%) who lack full understanding of their coverage.

As interest in reviewing insurance grows, understanding current coverage becomes a crucial factor in making informed decisions.

Rising Costs Drive Review Intentions, But Fear of Losing Coverage Remains

This survey found that 86.3% of the 300 policyholders feel burdened by monthly premiums, and 82.3% have considered reviewing their insurance due to inflation or increased household expenses.

'Insurance premiums' ranked highest (58.0%) among expenses people want to review, showing that premiums are now clearly seen as a target for household cost optimization, alongside utilities and communication fees.

However, the top concern in reviewing insurance was 'might reduce necessary coverage,' indicating that consumers are not simply seeking lower premiums, but want to maintain essential protections while optimizing costs—a cautious and balanced approach.

Smartphone de Hoken will continue to research consumer awareness and needs regarding insurance, and provide useful information for those considering insurance selection or review.

About Smartphone de Hoken

Smartphone de Hoken is an insurance service that enables users to research, compare, and consult about insurance via smartphone. It supports individuals in choosing life, medical, and cancer insurance that fit their lifestyle and financial situation.