Zhongtuobao is a Shanghai based community insurance App that provides a mutual life insurance product backed by a traditional insurer. Although the Chinese insurance regulator has warned against startups attempting to enter the value chain without a license, Zhongtuobao is a rare example of a Chinese startup combining the community insurance model (P2P) with a blockchain base.
Zhongtuobao is currently offering personal accident insurance, critical illness cover (cancer insurance) and employment disability cover.
How it Works?
- Each member joins Zhongtuobao through WeChat and downloads the Zhongtuobao App.
- Members then make a contribution to their selected risk category (critical illness, employment disability etc…) which is then underwritten by a traditional insurer.
- Part of the deductible is used to pay minor claims in whilst a licensed underwriter ensures regulatory approval of the Zhongtuobao business model.
Zhongtuobao is a rare example of a Chinese startup combining a community insurance model (P2P) with a blockchain based claims validation ledger.
Zhongtuobao is also trialling the use of blockchain to validate and settle claims however its blockchain initiative is still in beta phase. Zhongtuobao is co-operating with Chinese Bitcoin vendor bumeng.cn to explore the possibility of validating claims through a distributed ledger.
Ultimately, Zhongtuobao is attempting to forge a delicate link between a traditional underwriter, a community platform and the blockchain. Although this is a tall order which is further heightened by the regulatory scrutiny on all three fields, Zhongtuobao’s current progress is promising.
Participate in our next webinar on the theme of “Peer-to-Peer Insurance & Community” on Wednesday, 8th February 2017, 9am-10.15am (UK time). To hear more about P2P product/model register below
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