This is an indicator of cultural norms. In households where financial planning has traditionally been led by men, even well-informed women may hesitate to initiate insurance conversations. That may shift over time, especially as younger women take on more visible financial responsibilities. But for now, the difference in engagement levels remains noticeable.

The role of the advisor is under scrutiny

Globally, reports suggest that anywhere from 40% to 60% of women prefer consulting a financial advisor or seek trusted advice, though this varies by region and market maturity. Nearly half prefer to buy policies through a human professional rather than digital platforms. Yet in many markets, women continue to feel underserved. Some report receiving higher-cost or less tailored products than men with similar profiles. Others cite a lack of trust or transparency in the process.

In this region, similar themes emerge. Many women want a clearer understanding of how insurance fits into their broader financial picture. They’re looking for a plan more than a product, and that requires the advisor to slow down, listen more, and avoid assumptions about priorities. They want advisors to strip away jargon and engage with detail, helping them see how protection aligns with their wider goals.

One area that still needs attention is the treatment of non-earning women, particularly homemakers. Their contributions are rarely factored into insurance calculations, even though their absence can lead to major disruptions in household finances. Valuing unpaid labour is uncomfortable territory for some advisors but avoiding it could leave families exposed down the line.

Beyond a niche: Women as wealth architects

Over the next few years, the number of women seeking sophisticated insurance solutions is likely to grow. Younger clients are more digitally fluent, more aware of financial tools, and more inclined to act early. Some are using policies to complement trust structures, others are building cross-border cover for global families. Many are pushing for insurance that reflects real-world risks including critical illness, long-term care, and income disruption.

There’s also more pressure on employers and institutions to adapt. Women in leadership roles are now influencing corporate insurance benefits, asking questions about maternity coverage, mental health, and long-term savings plans. These patterns are central to how the next generation will think about risk.

It’s easy to treat women in insurance as a niche demographic. The numbers suggest otherwise. Globally, women already control a growing share of wealth, and by 2030, that number is expected to rise significantly through both earnings and inheritance. Yet gaps in coverage persist, often due to lack of tailored advice or lingering stereotypes about what women value.

For high net worth women in the Gulf, insurance is no longer about passive protection. It is about authorship - structuring a family’s financial story with precision, priorities, and permanence. Advisors who understand this will not only earn trust but also long-term partnerships. Those who don’t may discover that the most powerful client segment of the next decade has quietly written them out of the script.

Shilpa Shetty

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