Glossary

Sovereign insurance

Sovereign insurance is insurance coverage purchased by a national government to protect its budget against the financial impacts of disasters. Under these arrangements, the government pays a premium and receives a payout when a predefined disaster trigger is met

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This working paper presents a framework that compares contingent loans, grants from multilateral development banks, catastrophe bonds, and insurance provided through regional risk pools.

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other key terms

Risk transfer

When disaster risk is shifted to insurers or capital markets.

Contingent liabilities

Possible financial obligations that only become real if specific future events occur.

Attachment point

The loss level above which a reinsurer begins paying under a reinsurance agreement.

Crisis

A situation where severe needs overwhelm local and national capacity to respond effectively.

Catastrophe bond

A catastrophe bond (cat bond) is a risk-transfer financial instrument that allows governments or insurers to transfer disaster risk to capital market investors.

Ex ante

Actions, decisions or financial arrangements made before a disaster or crisis occurs.