Vietnam's total life insurance premiums from new contracts rose slightly in Q3, marking the first increase despite ongoing global and domestic economic challenges, according to the Insurance Association of Vietnam (IAV). Premiums reached VND5.934tr (USD256m) in Q3, up from VND5.874tr in the same period last year. The modest growth suggests a gradual return of confidence in the life insurance market, though difficulties remain in regaining momentum. However, overall life insurance premiums for the first nine months of the year totaled VND106.504tr, a decline of 6.7% compared to the previous year. The number of active policies stood at nearly 11.7 million by the end of September, down 11% year-on-year. Insurance companies disbursed more than VND40tr to customers from January to September.