Relyens is strengthening itself: Klaus Drews brings a breath of fresh air to health insurance!

Relyens is strengthening itself: Klaus Drews brings a breath of fresh air to health insurance!

The European insurance group Relyens has strengthened its account management in Germany. Klaus Drews has been part of the team since May 2025 and has extensive experience in the healthcare industry. Drews brings broad expertise in marketing and product management, business development and sales of medical devices and pharmaceutical products.

His professional career includes significant positions in well-known healthcare companies, where he led projects for strategic partnerships in the German healthcare system. These initiatives aimed to improve patient care and safety. Relyens, founded by hospital directors, sees itself as the leading specialist in hospital liability insurance in Europe and follows the principle of reciprocity, in which the insured are members of society.

Challenges in the market for hospital liability insurance

The hospital situation is characterized by a variety of challenges, including a limited number of hospitals that are insured primarily on occurrence models. In Germany, around 80-85% are affected by this, which poses difficulties for international insurers. The current market situation is partly characterized by the so-called “pig cycle”, which describes periodic fluctuations in supply quantity and market price.

Relyens is an exception in this market, as the company has also been offering claims-made solutions in Germany since 2017. These models could be beneficial for hospitals by offering greater customization and greater price sensitivity. The first providers, including large private hospital groups, are already taking advantage of these options. However, not all intermediaries are willing to take on the effort of determining needs and educating customers.

Ways out of the current situation

Political solutions to reduce the burden on insurance premiums are also being discussed. Proposals include, for example, reducing or eliminating insurance tax. An insurance broker has suggested the creation of an “alternative self-help model for the healthcare industry” to improve the situation. The withdrawal of some insurers such as Basler, Amlin and CNA Hardy has not yet dramatized the situation.

By assuming risk in the form of high deductibles or SIR models, many hospitals have been able to achieve cash flow gains and savings. A switch from occurrence to claims-made models could also contribute to the stability of premiums in the long term. The broader market penetration of claims-made solutions could attract additional providers and increase choice for hospitals. It seems wise to prepare for possible future challenges in the insurance industry in order to operate successfully in a constantly changing environment.

You can find more information about Klaus Drews joining Relyens in the article by Insurance magazine. Further aspects of the current challenges in hospital liability insurance are described Management hospital.