Insurance sector urges fresh talks on equality bill

Malta's Insurance Association (IAM) called on the government on Wednesday to pause the parliamentary passage of the Bill establishing the National Commission for Human Rights and Equality and hold further discussions with the insurance sector before the process concludes. The IAM issued a formal statement on 22 July 2026 expressing concern that the Bill is being fast-tracked without renewed consultation with insurers.

"The current Bill differs in several important aspects from the earlier draft legislation discussed in 2017 and 2018, and it is regrettable that it has progressed without consulting the insurance sector again," the association said. The Bill, alongside a wider Equality Act, aims to consolidate Malta's fragmented equality legislation and establish a National Human Rights Institution capable of investigating discrimination cases.

The IAM stressed that the industry fully supports equality, inclusion and the protection of fundamental rights. Its concern centres on risk-based underwriting. "Insurance is founded on the assessment of risk. Risk-based underwriting, when supported by objective actuarial, statistical and medical evidence, is a legitimate and internationally recognised practice designed to ensure fairness across all policyholders. It should not be confused with unlawful discrimination," the association stated.

The IAM argued that the gap between the 2017 and 2018 draft and the current text is significant enough to require a fresh round of industry engagement. It pointed to potential implications for policyholders, insurers and Malta's wider financial services sector as grounds for further dialogue before the Bill becomes law. Pressure on the government to slow the reform package has come from several directions.

The Opposition announced it would reserve its vote during the committee stage, citing insufficient time for adequate parliamentary scrutiny. A range of NGOs, civil society groups and Church schools have also publicly urged the government to allow a more comprehensive consultation period before the reforms are enacted. No confirmed vote date for the Bill has been reported.