A Guide To The Biggest Insurance Companies In The UK

Insurance has long played a prominent role in the UK's financial sector and with London and Edinburgh some of the world's biggest epicentres for finance it's not surprising that many blue-chip companies have set down roots. Currently three of the world's biggest providers of health and life insurance are based in the UK which brings with it countless jobs, investment opportunities as well as credibility to the UK's financial sector.

BUPA is one of the world's longest running health care providers and specialises in nothing but top quality private care to millions of people around the globe. Established in 1947, BUPA stands for British United Provident Association and is currently the largest independent healthcare provider in the UK. With headquarters in London, BUPA is strategically placed to be at the heart of the country's financial hubs and with a net income of £340 million in 2007 it's no wonder why.

Despite BUPA being the largest independent healthcare company in the UK, Aviva takes the title as largest overall insurance company on UK soil. Stemming from the original formation of Norwich Union in 1797, Aviva is currently the world's fifth largest insurance services provider and operates in 28 countries around the globe. Boasting a mere 53 million customers, Aviva's stance as a 'green' company has also earned it respect when it became the first carbon neutral insurance provider the world over.

Finally, Prudntial plc might not be the UK's biggest insurer but it certainly is hot on the hees of likes of Aviva. Founded in London in 1848, Prudential is a hot topic on the insurance circuit as it plans to buy over substantial amounts of other insurance firms in Asia. Pru has also been credited with the creation of Egg online banking, providing a range of jobs across the UK as well as keeping prices competitive with market competitors such as Fortis, Patient Choice and Liverpool Victoria.