Case Study of Oman Insurance Company's Healthcare Strategies

This case study examines Oman Insurance Company's healthcare insurance strategies within a competitive market. It explores the utility and advantages of healthcare insurance, analyzing the company's pricing structure, opportunities, and threats. The research investigates the benefits of environmental health insurance and its role in reducing disease burdens. It identifies key competitive advantages, such as flexible premiums and extensive coverage, and assesses the impact of technology on mitigating obstacles. The study uses qualitative and quantitative methodologies including literature review, research design and data analysis. The case study also provides recommendations for enhancing performance in the competitive business environment, contributing valuable insights into the healthcare insurance industry's development and future prospects.

Running head: A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
A Case Study of Oman Insurance Company X
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author’s note

2A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Acknowledgement
I would like to thank my University and the professor for allowing me to contribute as well as
providing opportunity to complete my research despite of all challenges that I have faced. It
will not forget the efforts that are made by the professors and other for guiding me with
patience, guidance and understanding. I would not have completed this research without their
guidance and understanding and you are all special to me.

3A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Abstract
The research mainly focuses on the case study of The Oman Insurance Company X that has
focused on the targeted market as well as the general description of the insurance strategies
that are provided to the insurance holders. The research intends to discuss on the utility and
advantage of healthcare insurance in today’s competitive environment. The opportunities and
threats of the health insurance in the context of the organisation is also analysed and assessed.
The different environmental health insurance policies help in the promotion of safe
environment that would decrease the riskiness of life of the individuals of the population. The
competitive advantages of healthcare insurance services are found out in the light of Oman
Insurance Company X. There could be many aspects of human health and disease that are
governed by the different factors of environment. It has been observed that the people can go
cashless anytime and therefore might have difficulties in paying for the expensive bills of the
hospitals. It has been seen that these factors have an impact on the individual’s uptake of
different preventive services. The analysis of the responses have been provided in the below
part along with their results. Moreover, the importance of technology has been realised by the
company as they are prone to certain obstacles and these obstacles would be mitigated by the
hell of technology. The study found that the development of health insurance industry in
Oman is direct and the division features a shining future.

4A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction..............................................................................................................6
1.1Background of the study.......................................................................................................7
1.2 Problem statement..............................................................................................................10
1.3 Aims and objectives......................................................................................................11
1.3.1 Aim..............................................................................................................................11
1.3.2 Objectives....................................................................................................................12
1.4 Research Question..............................................................................................................12
1.5 Scope of the research.........................................................................................................13
Chapter 2: Literature Review...................................................................................................14
2.1 Environmental health insurance.........................................................................................14
2.2 Pricing and competition.....................................................................................................16
2.4 Opportunities and Threats..................................................................................................18
2.3 Evaluation of healthcare for competitive advantage – case of Oman Insurance Company
X X...........................................................................................................................................19
2.5 Competitive strategy for performance improvement.........................................................21
2.6 Summary of the Literature.................................................................................................22
Chapter 3: Research Methodology...........................................................................................23
3.1 Introduction........................................................................................................................23
3.2 Research Philosophy..........................................................................................................23
3.3 Research Approach............................................................................................................24

5A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
3.4 Research Design.................................................................................................................25
3.5 Kinds of data used..............................................................................................................25
3.6 Process of data collection...................................................................................................26
3.7 Sample and sample size.....................................................................................................26
3.8 Data Analysis Plan.............................................................................................................26
Chapter 4: Results and Findings..............................................................................................27
4.1 Pricing............................................................................................................................27
4.2 Evaluation......................................................................................................................29
4.3 Opportunities..................................................................................................................51
4.4 Threats............................................................................................................................51
4.5 A competitive Strategy...................................................................................................52
Chapter 5: Conclusion..............................................................................................................53
5.1 Conclusion......................................................................................................................53
5.2 Addressing the objectives..............................................................................................55
5.3 Recommendation............................................................................................................56
5.4 Future Research..............................................................................................................57
Reference List..........................................................................................................................58
Appendix..................................................................................................................................64

6A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Chapter 1: Introduction
The research intends to discuss on the utility and advantage of healthcare insurance in
today’s competitive environment. In this context, the case of Oman Insurance Company X
has been taken as a reference for determining the competitive advantage of healthcare
insurance in the recent market environment. The first objective is to provide a general
description of the environment of healthcare insurance (Huffman and van Gameren 2018).
The next objective is to analyse the pricing structure of the company with respect to
healthcare insurance. The opportunities and threats of the health insurance in the context of
the organisation is also analysed and assessed. Another objective of this research is to
identify one of the significant competitive strategies of the company in order to suggest
suitable recommendations for enhancing performance in the competitive business
environment.
Further, the literature review of the research discusses about the four significant
components of the study. In the first section of the literature review, environmental healthcare
insurance is stressed upon. It has been observed that environmental health insurance help in
reducing the burden of diseases. The different environmental health insurance policies help in
the promotion of safe environment that would decrease the riskiness of life of the individuals
of the population (Hsing and Ioannidis 2015). The next part of literature review highlights
pricing and competition of health insurance as reflected in the Oman Insurance Company X.
While talking about the prices, the different online services which are provided by the
company are discussed. These prices are compared with the prices that are offered by the
competitors. The competitive advantages of healthcare insurance services are found out in the
light of Oman Insurance Company X (Hsing and Ioannidis 2015). Some of the key benefits of
the company are flexible term of paying premiums, higher limits for performing medical

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tests, payment of medical fees by the company, long-term policies up to 61 years and wide
range of beneficial services at affordable prices.
1.1Background of the study
Healthcare insurance is a kind of insurance service that is used in paying for the
healthcare of the customers. The healthcare services cover a wide range starting from a
routine check-ups to serious illnesses or injuries (Kose, Gokturk and Kilic 2015). The
healthcare services also consist of other preventive services that are required for the perfect
health of the customers. The health insurances are bought through the payment of a premium
amount that is included in the monthly bill of the customers. Therefore, it is evident that the
customers receive medical services in return for a small portion of their costs.
The health care benefit policies vary from one company to another. The customers
should always look into the benefits as well as limitations of the respective plan before opting
for it. Most of the healthcare plans requires the customers to receive their care from a
particular doctor or a hospital (Gruber and McKnight 2016). The customers generally show
the details of their insurance policies or plans to the doctors. Through this information, the
doctor or hospital would charge the insurance company in lieu of the services that are
received by the customers.
Normally, health insurances come with insurance cards which contain the proof of the
insurance plan or policy of the particular customer. In the course of the process of insurance,
the doctors or the hospitals generally make contracts with the insurance companies and
become part of the network of those companies (Agyepong et al. 2016). These contracts
elaborate all the regulations that are to be followed with respect to the medical services
provided by these doctors and hospitals. The insurance companies pay the bills of these
medical services under terms and conditions. Therefore, health insurances can prove to be

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beneficial for the customers as they get the complete medical charge for their treatments
through spending of only a portion of their money.
The first health insurance firm was established way back in 1920s. During that period,
individual hospitals offered pre-paid plans to the help the patients. According to these plan,
the patients can get medical services free of cost and the hospitals used to bear these medical
expenses (Abraham, Royalty and Drake 2016). In the later years, the health insurance had
been sponsored by the employers which became a commonplace during that time. Employers
mainly started this beneficiary service for compensating the low wages that they paid to the
workers. They also started this for recruiting employees during huge demand for jobs and less
supply of workers.
The earliest form of health insurance was named as “accident” insurance. According
to this insurance plan, the concerned authority is required to pay a specific and pre-
determined amount to the policyholder only during accidents (Abraham, Royalty and Drake
2016). This was the primary insurance system available in the United-States during the
middle of 1800s. After a long time during 1900s, the insurance plan started covering a range
of services and was first started in Texas. The plan that had been developed in Texas, covered
all kinds of injuries and sicknesses and not only accidents.
The case study of Oman Insurance Company X will be taken as a reference in order to
study the background of healthcare insurance (Omanutd.com 2019). The company has been
operating for more than 32 years in the Oman market. The company has sound financials in
its business and believes in generating profitability through sustainable development. The
company through the years have also been recognised to be one of the best companies in the
department of customer service (Omanutd.com 2019). Employers mainly started this
beneficiary service for compensating the low wages that they paid to the workers. The

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company has set up a mission of protecting the life and other properties of its customers from
the unforeseen risks which might be occurring in the future days.
Oman Insurance Company X has the mission of catering to the needs of the
individuals who seek out for medical expenses during their treatments. For this purpose, the
company presents individual medical insurance plan which is based on a kind of insurance
cover. This service is mainly provided in order to lessen the burden of medical expenses of
the different individuals (Omanutd.com 2019). The key benefits included in the cover are the
consultation fees of the physician, procedures for diagnosis, prescribed drugs of the patients,
physiotherapy through the referral of any physician and other medical elements prescribed by
the physician. These elements include bandages, splints, crutches and plaster casts. The
expenses for all the above services are covered under the benefit of this individual health
insurance plan.
There are also many in-patient benefits which are given under the cover such as
charges for intensive care unit, charges for dressings, fees of surgery, fees of surgeon and
anaesthetists, general nursing care and many others (Omanutd.com 2019). The other sectors
which are included in the medical insurance cover are dental treatment, optical treatment and
maternity treatment.
The study also takes into account environmental health which is a branch of public
health that is related to the natural and build environment which directly has an impact on the
public health (Thorpe Jr et al. 2015). Environmental health has been first termed by World
Health Organisation (WHO). According to this definition, there could be many aspects of
human health and disease that are governed by the different factors of environment. The term
can also be defined as the theory and practice of assessment of the controlling factors of the
environment that are likely to affect human health.

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1.2 Problem statement
The thesis has a relevance and a contribution to the society as it takes into account the
research works of health care and health insurance. Health research would provide significant
value to the society (Curtis, Comiskey and Dempsey 2016). Through this research important
information would be retrieved regarding the various trends of diseases and risk factors that
might be occurring within the individuals of the society. Therefore, there is need for a
constant treatment among the individuals of the society (Curtis, Comiskey and Dempsey
2016). The people might not be financially sound to meet up the expenses of treatment or the
cost of the hospitals. In this context, the advantages of having a healthcare insurance can be
noteworthy.
It has been observed that the people can go cashless anytime and therefore might have
difficulties in paying for the expensive bills of the hospitals. Health insurance helps in
providing cashless treatment when the insurance company works in collaboration with the
networks of various hospitals (Asghari and Babu 2018). Sometimes, the patients are charged
even before getting admitted to the hospital and also after getting released from the hospitals.
The health insurance policy also covers pre-hospitalisation as well as post-hospitalisation
charges. The transportation charges of the patients can also create a problem when the patient
is shifted from his house to the hospital. The health insurance policy also takes care of this
situation.
According to a recent estimated report, approximately 41 million people of different
countries do not have health insurance. Some of the people have been reported to have
received insurance through an employer but most of the low income groups of people do not
have access to a group coverage (Asghari and Babu 2018). There can be various other risks
and limitations of not having insured in a health insurance. The people who do not have

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health insurance generally try to avoid doctors even if there is an emergency situation. This
might lead to a delayed care of the respective patient and can be life threating for him or her.
The healthcare providers are not expected to provide quality care to the patients who
are not insured under a health insurance. According to law, the uninsured individuals would
only get emergency rooms in order to get access to immediate medical attention. Further,
people without health insurance generally try to self-diagnose themselves and often ignore
the symptoms of the diseases. Due to this reason, the minor issue can turn out to be an
emergency problem.
The Affordable Care Act was first started in order to reduce the number of uninsured in
many countries. The Act aimed at providing the patients with affordable healthcare coverage
so that they can make their healthcare insurance at affordable prices (Blumenthal, Abrams
and Nuzum 2015). The Act also stated that the individuals should enrol themselves in
healthcare plans or otherwise have to pay a penalty. The uninsured individuals had to face tax
consequences as a result of not enrolling themselves into different healthcare insurance plans.
Along with this, the individuals are also prone to financial burdens if they have not insured
themselves. This would ultimately increase the debt burden of those individuals in the
subsequent years.
1.3 Aims and objectives
1.3.1 Aim
The primary aim of this research is to bring about an evaluation of the healthcare
insurance for judging its competitiveness in the market. This research takes into account both
the general description as well as specific description of health insurance (Mahatma et al.
2016). In the general description the environment of healthcare insurance is talked about
focussing on the surrounding market of the healthcare insurance. In the specific description a

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case has been chosen that relates to Oman Insurance Company X. The different policies,
pricing strategies and other operations of the company are judged in order to get an overview
of the health insurance market which is being researched upon.
1.3.2 Objectives
The research sets up different objectives related to healthcare insurance. The research
intends to investigate on the different steps that are being followed in integrating healthcare
insurance with the environment.
1. The next objective is to analyse the pricing structure of the healthcare insurance
and make suitable evaluations from the figured out structure.
2. The next objective is to examine the opportunities of healthcare insurance which
would help the company in its growth and development in the market (Neprash et
al. 2015). The potential threats would also be found out in order to identify the
risks and limitations of health insurance and the ways by which the competitors
can take advantage of their weaknesses.
3. The final objective is to identify a competitive strategy that would enhance the
growth and development of health insurance market among its competitors
(Huffman and van Gameren 2018). This would also help the company, that is,
Oman Insurance Company X, in improving its strategic performance in its
surrounding competitive business environment.
All these objectives would help the health insurance companies in becoming aware of
the surroundings and take necessary decisions as well as actions for the betterment of their
operations (Neprash et al. 2015). The research would also make the society and the
individuals aware of the benefits of having a health insurance plan so that they become
cautious of their own lives and take appropriate actions for mitigating their health risks.

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1.4 Research Question
The research undertaken in this paper will tend to address the following research
questions (Huffman and van Gameren 2018).
1) What are the conditions of environment under which the healthcare insurance
industry operates?
2) What are the existing pricing structure in the healthcare insurance industry?
3) What are the opportunities and threats prevailing in the healthcare insurance
industry?
4) What are the core competencies of healthcare insurance in the light of Oman
Insurance Company X?
5) What strategies should be followed in healthcare insurance industry in order to
gain a competitive advantage among its competitors?
1.5 Scope of the research
The research is broadly based upon healthcare insurance which can be considered to
be segment of healthcare services. Therefore, the scope of healthcare services can be related
to healthcare insurance (Dunn, Grosse and Zuvekas 2018). This research can be considered as
a multidisciplinary field of scientific investigation that is used for studying the behaviour and
effect of health care on the social factors. In a broader sense, this research would try to look
into the impact of the quality and cost of health care on the social factors, financial systems,
organisational operations, health technologies and other personal behaviours (Dunn, Grosse
and Zuvekas 2018). This is ultimately related to the health and well-being of the individuals
of the society.
Healthcare research also tries to emphasise on the innovations that are constantly
occurring in the different policies of health (Huffman and van Gameren 2018). This include

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changes in various policies such as Medicare and Medicaid coverage and consumer-directed
health plans. As there is a rapid change taking place in the health care industry, it is required
to research on the organisational changes that are taking place in response to this changing
environment (Dunn Grosse and Zuvekas 2018). The changes are taking place in order to
address the care, quality and efficiency of the healthcare policies and plans. The research also
examines the impact of the new treatment technologies on the patients and their healthcare
costs.
The research is also beneficial because it highlights the contribution of the healthcare
services to the health of the individuals as well as to the entire population (Dunn, Grosse and
Zuvekas 2018). This is required for understanding the performance of the system of health
and the impact of the health policies on the health of the common public. Through this
research the common public would gain a deeper insight into the benefit of healthcare service
industry including healthcare insurance and take necessary actions in order to improve their
health conditions.
Chapter 2: Literature Review
This chapter brings about the details of the different factors of health insurance
through the study of literature. The topics to be discussed in this chapter are the general
description of environmental health insurance, pricing and competition of the health
insurance sector, the different opportunities and threats which are prevailing in the health
insurance sector (Ladeira and Viegas 2016). All these factors are evaluated on the basis on
Oman Insurance Company X for the purpose of determining its competitive advantage in the
market. A summary of all the literature studies is provided at the end of this chapter.

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2.1 Environmental health insurance
The first literature study that is conducted on the basis of environmental health
insurance has the objective to develop a framework for understanding the linkage between
clinical practices and other community organisations through environmental scan. The study
investigates different organisations which are into health care system, government public
health and other communities (Hsing and Ioannidis 2015). The organisations are also
evaluated on additional factors such as social, environmental and other economic factors. It
has been seen that these factors have an impact on the individual’s uptake of different
preventive services. This would subsequently impact health behaviours and the health
outcomes of the different individuals (Pryor et al. 2019). The environmental scan is
conducted in this literature study for identifying the linkage between clinical practices and
community organisation. This linkage would be useful in ensuring that the organisations are
active in delivering the preventive services and identifying the efforts.
Considering the process of environmental scan, the research examined the number of
links which could be found in each combination of clinical practices and other community
organisations (Pryor et al. 2019). The environmental scan yielded additional 13 results. The
results identified various clinical partners such as single-provider practices, health care
systems and other community health centres. Identified community partners included
educational institutions, community-based organisations and other government public health
agencies. There have been many observed interventions. One of the interventions is the
provision of training for medical providers through community organisations for the purpose
of improving the practices of these medical providers (Laslett et al. 2015). It has been seen
that these factors have an impact on the individual’s uptake of different preventive services.
The overall study explains that environment causes a significant impact on the providers of

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medical services and therefore the customers can easily go for insuring in any health
insurance firm that would take into account all the environmental factors.
Another paper studies the different views of authors related to environmental health
insurance. One of the significant papers which is elaborated in this literature is the health care
delivery through service providers (Zarei et al. 2015). The impact of environment on the
delivery of health care by these service providers are also studied in this paper. The
investigation shows that the quality of public healthcare service is extremely low and the
unqualified private providers generally engage themselves in order to account for the bulk of
health care provision. These low quality of public facility can be attributed to different
environmental factors and has affects the health of the public adversely (Frumkin 2016).
Another significant paper elaborated in this literature talks about the improvement of
environmental health system. It has been observed through study that there have been
introduction of many health policies by the government which have inadvertently de-
emphasised environmental health (Huffman and van Gameren 2018). As a result, this had a
negative effect on the preventive public health services since 1950s (Frumkin 2016). The
government of these countries should step up in order to enact regulations for the
improvement of environmental health services. One of the measures is the enactment of
public health acts which would focus on strengthening the impact on environment on public
health services. Through this way, the people can go for several health insurance plans that
would take into account the environmental factors.
2.2 Pricing and competition
The first literature study chosen in order to determine the pricing and structure of
health insurance plans talks about the selection of different health insurance plans by the
customers. The different factors which adversely affect the choice of a certain health
insurance plan are also explained (Ericson and Starc 2015). The study is based on an

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assumption that individuals can at most buy on insurance contract and has recognised that
insurance companies are able to ration the degree of insurance coverage that is offered to a
particular individual.
Different contracts were chosen which are offered by the companies. These contracts
specified both price and quantities of insurance plans (Glied and Altman 2017). The study
also investigates the adverse selection of individuals who have been allowed to have a
preference of insurance plans. The two plans which have reflected this adverse selection are
Medicare and health benefit programs of federal employees. There has been situation which
is coined as “price death spiral”. This phenomenon refers to the upward movement of prices
in generous insurance plans as compared to moderate plans.
This adverse selection of insurance plans by the customers is studied in a perfectly
competitive market. In a perfectly competitive market, the government can easily interfere by
providing subsidized insurance plan rates and imposing regulations (Kim et al. 2019). The
regulation of a private insurance market can be exacerbate the problem of adverse selection
by the customers. This is because the private insurance market generally have a standard
contract and a restricted premium rate. The analysis of this market has shown that the
competition among health insurers need to be enhanced in terms of their pricing strategies
(Shepard 2016). Through this enhanced competition, the insurers would ensure achievement
of a greater customer base and also a better control over the providers. The study further
undertook a survey in different districts for the purpose of healthcare insurance services
(Shepard 2016). The study revealed that the presence of private sector healthcare insurance
service is limited and restricted in the poorest blocks of these districts. There is no system of
provider control. The prices charged for similar health insurance services also revealed a
huge variation in the different parts of the studied districts.

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Another paper discusses about the role health insurance in preparing cost-effective
medicines for the insured customers. It has been observed that many coverage plans of
comprehensive medicines are excluded from the benefits of insurance system. Insurance
systems were primarily developed for reducing the health expenditures of the patients,
especially those who are hospitalised (Sagan and Thomson 2016). Four important categories
of policies and management strategies can be used by the health insurance companies. This
would help these companies in gaining a competitive advantage in the market. This strategies
would further help the patients in making their costs of insurance plans affordable. The
insurance companies can define the medicines which would be covered under their policies
and negotiate the terms under which the medicines would be procured or supplied.
2.4 Opportunities and Threats
The paper studies the different opportunities that can be possessed by a healthcare
insurance sector. The health insurance plans are segregated into three types. They are private
health insurance plans, social health insurance plans and community based health insurance
plans (McAfee et al. 2015). The private plans are offered by commercial organisations and
contain risks. The social plans are devoid of risk and are initiated by government. The
community based plans are managed by the community groups.
In recent days, there is a growing need for healthcare insurance among the customers.
This can appropriately serve as an opportunity for the health insurance service companies.
The need of health insurance has grown worldwide due to many reasons (Boulware et al.
2016). These reasons are increase in the healthcare costs, high financial burden that is
imposed on the poor. Specific group of customers such as senior citizens are always in the
need for long term nursing care in the hospitals. There has also been an increased risk of new
diseases and health. The different pillars of change for the insurance organisation can include
consumer awareness, standardisation of health, costs of healthcare and accreditation norms

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(Ramamoorthy and Kumar 2018). The three segments where growth can be enabled are
innovation in the structure of product and pricing, technological advancements and
innovation in the different distribution channels.
Along with the defined opportunities, the healthcare insurance service providers also
face many kinds of threats which are studied in different papers. The paper chosen for
literature study has indicated some of the significant threats which affect the healthcare
insurance sector (Ruckert et al. 2017). The key issues identified from the paper are limited
influence of these industries over the mechanism of delivery of healthcare. Another issue can
be ratio of claims which is considered to be very high. The other issues could be low level of
consumer awareness and a limited development of products.
Another paper studies few more threats which impact the healthcare insurance service
industry severely. There is lack of funding support from the different funding agencies and
sometimes even the data is not sufficiently available (Ruckert et al. 2017). This data consists
of consumers and their patterns of diseases. Due to lack of data the development of product
and pricing strategies may face a significant downfall. It has been observed that there is lack
of standardised norms and regulations for the healthcare providers. As a result, the insurance
companies face unreasonable pricing demands from the customers.
Another threat could be low penetration of the health insurance and lack of
affordability of the consumers in different cities (Benjamin 2016). The customers mainly
belonging to the rural areas show lack of support while investing in building up healthcare
insurance service industry. Though the government of many countries have taken different
initiatives to spread awareness about healthcare insurance service industries, still there have
been many issues while implementing these programs (Benjamin 2016). The government has
found it difficult to cater these insurance services to a mass population due to uneven

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distribution of income. Another area could be implementation of healthcare insurance for
government employees and other workers.
2.3 Evaluation of healthcare for competitive advantage – case of Oman Insurance
Company X X
Insurance sector has experienced a rapid growth in the recent years. Oman Insurance
Company X has also made a rapid growth in the insurance industry and has widely become
the blue print of this industry. Due to growth of investment in the insurance sector and the
entry of many foreign insurance players in the market, the insurance sector has grown
keeping good pace. Oman Insurance Company X is also growing steadily in the market
which is getting reflected in its financial statements.
The different drivers which have led to the significant growth of Oman Insurance
Company X can be stated as follows.
1) Favourable demographic profile of the customers
The population of Oman country constitutes of two segments, one is the expatriate
customer base and another is the large number of youth who are employed. These two
segments of population have been observed to have significant demand for the
insurance segments (Riffai et al. 2016, March). These insurance segments constitute
of both life and non-life insurance segments. Further, there is increased demand for
the insurance products as the modern people of Oman tend to move towards urban
lifestyles. In this respect, healthcare insurance takes a significant portion of the
demand of these customers. This is because the modern lifestyle of these people has
invited many healthcare related issues and diseases.
2) Stable growth and infrastructural development

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Oman nation is considered to be wealthy among other nations and it has continued to
grow in the recent years. This is supported by cash reserves and strong fundamentals
such as economic diversification and infrastructural development. There is a high
correlation of the insurance industry with the economy of the country. Due to growth
of economy, the healthcare insurance sector would diversify and would also create
demand for healthcare insurance related products (Riffai et al. 2016, March). Due to
lack of data the development of product and pricing strategies may face a significant
downfall. It has been observed that there is lack of standardised norms and regulations
for the healthcare providers. Growth across other sectors such as hydrocarbon sector
will also pave way for the growth of insurance sector inclusive of health insurance.
3) Regulatory developments for boosting the growth of insurance industries
The government of several countries has developed many regulations for the
development of insurance industries (Alshammari, Syed Jaafar Alhabshi and Saiti
2018). There have been many issues in the implementation of these regulations.
However, despite of these issues, regulatory developments have boosted the growth of
insurance industries especially in Oman country. At the global level, the insurance
regulations are stringent and intrusive and take into account all kinds of risk
management activities and financial performance of the insurers (Alshammari, Syed
Jaafar Alhabshi and Saiti 2018). The health insurance regulators have tried to
experiment a new approach for setting reserves and other capital requirements that
ensures capital adequacy and liquidity within the Oman healthcare insurance
company.
4) Another competitive advantage which can be significantly found in Oman insurance
company is the rapid growth of the small and medium enterprises. The SMEs are
normally run by the younger generation that is entrepreneurial minded. This sector of

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customers are more open towards investing in the insurance sector, mostly in the
health-insurance segment as they have greater life risks (Alshammari, Syed Jaafar
Alhabshi and Saiti 2018). Therefore, rapid growth of SMEs can serve as an excellent
core competency of health insurance sectors of Oman.
2.5 Competitive strategy for performance improvement
Oman Health Insurance Company can adopt many suitable strategies for improving
its performance among other competitors of the same industry. The company has suitably
developed a system to provide mandatory health insurance services to the different groups of
customers (Ginter, Duncan and Swayne 2018). The targeted customers are private sector
employees, domestic workers and other visitors of Sultanate. The newly developed system
aims to provide affordable health insurance plans to the private sector employees and the
domestic workers (Ginter, Duncan and Swayne 2018). The company has also realised the
importance of technology and has developed an electronic platform from where the
customers can easily connect with the providers of health insurance and other health services.
The health insurance programme that is developed by the company has helped in
providing proper healthcare to the customers (Noe et al. 2017). The company has firmly
believed that it can introduce a mandatory and unified health insurance plan for the protection
of its customers. It will be considered as the minimum basic health insurance (Noe et al.
2017). It has also planned to improve on different health insurance schemes. The competitors
with their differential pricing strategy could compete with these schemes but the company
still wants to take it to the level of competitive advantage of the health insurance sector.
2.6 Summary of the Literature
From the literature review of Oman Insurance Company X X it can be summarised
that there is immense growth prospect for the health insurance sector in Oman. The study

23A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
found that the growth of health insurance industry in Oman is moderate and the sector has a
bright future. From the analysis of the efficiency figure of health insurance companies, it can
be realised that there is a scope for improvement (Dumay et al. 2016, September).
Considering the field of environmental health insurance, it is seen that most of the health
insurance companies are reluctant to take into account all the factors of environment. Suitable
measures are required to be adopted by the government in order to improve this situation.
Coming to the sector of health insurance in Oman, it is observed that there lies many
opportunities for the Oman health industry to grow and develop in future. The reasons lie
within the Oman country. Some of the factors that drive this growth are investigated through
the literature studies. The threats hindering the development of Oman health insurance
industry are also emphasised (Dumay et al. 2016, September). The different pricing
strategies adopted by the health insurance companies of Oman are elaborated in order to
judge their competitiveness in the market. Taking into consideration all the above factors,
suitable strategies are recommended to the chosen company, that is, Oman Insurance
Company X X, for the improving its performance of the health insurance sector.
Chapter 3: Research Methodology
3.1 Introduction
In this section, a research methodology will be stated through which data in relation to
the chosen topic of research would be gathered and analysed. The research methodology
section would also highlight the suitable strategies and techniques that would be adopted for
the analysis of the chosen topic (Mackey and Gass 2015). Along with this methodology, the
section also highlights other elements which are related to the research. These elements are
the philosophy behind the research, approach of the research, design of the research and kinds
of data that would be used for analysis (Mackey and Gass 2015). After the explanation of the

24A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
different types of data that would be used in the research, the process of data collection is
highlighted. All the above mentioned procedures would be useful while performing the data
analysis in the next chapter.
3.2 Research Philosophy
A research philosophy is based on a belief through which data in relation to the
chosen topic would gathered, analysed and used. The philosophy of any research guides the
researcher to take up an ideology that would help in the better understanding of the collected
data (Padilla-Díaz 2015). In order to denote the various philosophies of the research
approach, the term “epistemology” is used. The word indicates a belief that something is
known to be true.
The different types of philosophies can be realism, pragmatism, positivism and
interpretivism. Among all these research philosophies, two are widely used in the Western
tradition of science. These two philosophies are positivism and interpretivism (Fulford and
Hodgson 2016). Positivism signifies a philosophy that is purely extracted from scientific
approaches while interpretivism is used in contrary to positivism. This research would be
guided by positivism philosophy. This is because positivism philosophy believes that reality
is stable and can be observed as well as described objectively (Fulford and Hodgson
2016). Therefore, research techniques would abide by these scientifically proven methods for
the purpose of a better explanation of the research objective. The other kinds of philosophies
would not be able to provide a realistic judgement to the research techniques.
3.3 Research Approach
Research approach is a stepwise procedure which details the entire method of data
collection, analysis and then interpretation. Initially, the research approach would be stated
based on broad assumptions which would vary according to the chosen topic of research

25A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
(Teherani et al. 2015). Generally, two categories of research approaches are widely used in
various researches. In the data collection phase, approaches vary for qualitative data and
quantitative data. In the data analysis phase, inductive and deductive research approaches are
used.
In this research, Oman Insurance Company X is analysed with respect to its health
insurance sector. Therefore, data collection would be done through qualitative and
quantitative approaches and data analysis would be done through deductive research
approaches. Inferential statistics would be used in this research for estimating and analysing
the collected data from the chosen samples (Alase 2017). For this purpose, deductive
approach will be used in the research as this approach makes the research work more specific.
Deductive approach also refers to different statistical models and frameworks that have been
used in earlier papers and suitable deductions can be made from those papers in order to
construct the research. Inductive approach is not used in this paper as application of new
theories would not be relevant for this paper.
3.4 Research Design
A research design provides a proper structure to the research such that the researcher
can study the entire research work for achieving its distinct goals and objectives. A research
design constructs the research work in such a way that the researcher can suitably study the
entire work for determining the progress of the research (Meyers, Gamst and Guarino 2016).
The three types of research designs widely available to the researchers are exploratory
research design, Experimental research design and descriptive research design.
The research conducted in this paper investigates the health insurance sector on the
basis of Oman Insurance Company X. Therefore, experimental research design would be
relevant. This is because experimental research design studies the cause and effect of a

26A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
particular situation (Lewis 2015). The situation analysed in this paper is the condition of
health Insurance industries in Oman taking Oman Insurance Company X X as a reference.
Two appropriate variables are constructed and the relationship between these two variables is
established through this experimental research design.
3.5 Kinds of data used
The research is focussed on the health insurance sector that is prevailing in Oman
Country. The analysis is supported through live evidences from the health insurance sector of
Oman Insurance Company X X. In a general sense, data in relation to the above topic can be
collected through both primary as well as secondary sources (Yue et al. 2016). Primary data
can be extracted with the help of responses shared by different respondents through the
preparation of questionnaires. Suitable questions would be formulated that would ask for the
feedback of these respondents regarding the growth and development of health insurance in
Oman country. Secondary data can be attained through secondary sources such as journals or
articles that can be found through suitable websites of Oman.
However, for the betterment of this research, primary data would only be used and analysed
(Yue et al. 2016). Data analysis will primarily be done quantitatively through inferential
statistics that would require tools and numerical for the purpose of ascertaining better results.
3.6 Process of data collection
The primary data to be used in the research will be collected from the various
respondents belonging to the Oman health Insurance sector. Some of the respondents also
belong to the health insurance sector of Oman Insurance Company X X (Shrivastava,
Shrivastava and Ramasamy 2017). The data will be collected through questionnaires that
would consist of close-ended questions in relation to the chosen topic. The questionnaires are

27A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
forwarded to the chosen respondents and their responses are noted down suitably. This data
will be used for analysis in the next chapter.
3.7 Sample and sample size
The sample chosen for the conduction of the research includes the total number of
respondents who have suitably given their responses in the data collection process. Due to the
increased number of respondents, the sample has automatically been increased and it has
significantly led to a better analysis of data (Boddy 2016). This is because increased number
of respondents in the sample have aided in getting better information about the chosen
country or company. The information thus collected is also closed to being accurate. For the
purpose of this research a total of 60-70 respondents have been selected and feedback is taken
from them through questionnaires. The responses provided by them would serve as the
primary data for analysis.
3.8 Data Analysis Plan
The responses collected from these respondents are analysed for achieving the desired
outcome. For data analysis, excel software is used for making suitable graphs, charts and
figures out of the collected data (Yuan et al. 2019). These graphs, charts and other figures are
analysed for providing proper explanation of the same. Through the adoption of the above
technique, the desired outcome or the objective can be reached by the researcher.
Chapter 4: Results and Findings
4.1 Pricing
The pricing of the Oman Insurance Company X has been reflected in their services that
would be provided to the customers and those are to be offered by the competitors. The
advantage of health insurance services is to be provided by the company to the customers
along with the benefits which are to be provided to the consumers. Different pricing is to be

28A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
done by the company for attracting the customers along with point out the light for certain
benefits which would be easy for paying the premiums. Some of the advantages that are
provided to the customers includes the easy paying of premiums along with higher limits of
performing the medical tests which would be beneficial for the company in increasing their
overall amount of revenue. The competitors of the company offers some of the competitive
advantages for the health insurance and those would be attractive for Oman Insurance
Company X in their normal course of business. The higher limits for performing the medical
tests points out the easy services that are provided to the people of Oman. Moreover, the
payment of medical fees by the company has been simplified for better experiences. During
the time of availing the insurance from the company by the people would be more
advantageous as it includes the prices that are incurred within the activities in a better way.
A certain wide range of beneficial services that are provided by the company at an affordable
rate for the long term policies. As mentioned in the above chapters that The Affordable Care
Act has been initiated for providing the better experience of health insurance along with
reducing the total number of uninsured people in the country. The individuals who are
uninsured has to pay a huge amount of tax as well as the cost for availing the services from
the company during their needs. Different types of health insurance plans is to be provided
with the to the people who have not enrolled their name in the health insurance along with
saving the individuals who are prone to certain financial burdens. The company has chosen
different types of contractors that are mainly offered by the company along with highlighting
the specified prices and quantities for the insurance plans. It also includes the investigation
that would be associated with the business along with selecting the adverse individuals for
highlighting the individuals. The prices and the quantities of the insurance plans is to be
specified by the contractors and this would be helpful for the people for understanding the
insurance policies in a better way. The company that is Oman Insurance Company X mainly

29A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
consist of two plans that have already reflected their adverse selection of the choices which
would be provided to the people of the country. Medicare and health benefit program of the
federal employees is to be included with the situation that has been coined as the price death
spiral. The upward movement of price for the generous insurance plans is more than the
moderate plans that are available to the people of the country.
The selection of insurance plans in the market that is competitive in nature is to be performed
by the customers’ ad those are to be highlighted the government for enhancing the activities.
The government might be interested in the subsidized market which could be easily interfered
by the government on the process of providing different types of insurance plans. Rates for
subsidized insurance plan along with imposing of regulation is also associated with the prices
of insurance from Oman Insurance Company X. The adverse selection of the insurance plans
is mainly performed by the customers and at the time of choosing the insurance plans, the
private insurance market might face some problems that would affect the targeted market of
insurance companies. The analysis that has been done based on the market mainly shows the
overall level of competition within the health insurers for enhancing the strategies for pricing.
The presence of healthcare sector that are private in nature is to be enhanced on the restricted
areas of the region along with providing certain system of controls. The amount or prices that
are charged for providing the control over the targeted market consist of huge variation in
their different sectors. The pricing strategies are to be included with the insurance plans that
are affordable with to the people in the competitive market. These pricing strategies from the
insurance companies have helped the people for covering under the insurance policies along
with negotiating the terms with the procedures.
4.2 Evaluation
The evaluation of the results that have been derived from the participants consist of their age,
gender and some questions that have been asked to them. The analysis of the responses have

30A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
been provided in the below part along with their results. The statistical analysis of the data
that have been gathered from the respondents includes their opinion about the existing pricing
strategies along with the policies in the health care sectors that would be affordable to the
customers. The present opinions of the companies present in Oman provides the opportunity
for the overall growth in the upcoming years and these are to be appointed by the stable
growth.
Statistics
Gender Age The existing
pricing structure
of the policies in
the healthcare
Insurance
Industry of
Oman is
affordable to the
customers
The pricing
strategy of
Oman Insurance
Company X X
serves as core
competency for
the company
All the daily
operations of
Oman Insurance
Company X X
are evaluated on
a regular basis
N
Valid 62 62 62 62 62
Missing 0 0 0 0 0
Statistics
All the
employees of
Oman Insurance
Company X X
are allowed to
present opinions
regarding the
policy offers of
the company
The health
insurance sector
of Oman has a
good opportunity
for growth in the
future years
Oman health
insurance
company has a
stable growth
and strong
infrastructural
development
The funding
agencies are
reluctant in
providing funds
to the health
insurance
companies of
Oman
The health
insurance sector
of Oman has a
low penetration
rate in the
International
market
N
Valid 62 62 62 62 62
Missing 0 0 0 0 0

31A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Statistics
Oman United Health Insurance
Company has created an electronic
platform for connecting with the
customers
Oman United Health Insurance
Company has revised its policy
structure for the benefit of the
customers
N
Valid 62 62
Missing 0 0
Table 4.1: Statistical tables of responses of respondents
(Source: Created by author)
The above tables mainly shows the responses that have been derived from the respondents
about the insurance in Oman and it includes the 62 responses that have provided their age and
gender along with comparing other insurance policies with other insurance company. The
employees of Oman Insurance Company X are being allows to express their feelings about
the company and those are considered with the policies and the offers of the company. A
good opportunity for growth in the upcoming years has also been opined by the participants
in the upcoming years along with funding the agencies for stable infrastructural growth and
development. It also consist of the agencies that provides the funds to the companies and
other health insurance companies in Oman. Rate in the international market also points out
the lower level of penetration of the health insurance sector and points out the opinions for
the policies in Oman. Other statistical data have been focused on the Oman United Health
Insurance Company for creating a digital platform for better connection with the customers
and revising the structures for providing benefits to the customers. The following table points
out the frequency table which would show the overall frequency of gender, age and all other
aspects from the respondents. The questionnaire of the research has also been mentioned
(Refer to Appendix 1).

32A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Gender
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Female 21 33.9 33.9 33.9
Male 41 66.1 66.1 100.0
Total 62 100.0 100.0
Table 4.2: Responses of gender
(Source: Created by author)
Figure 4.1: Responses of gender
(Source: Created by author)

33A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
The above table points out the gender of the respondents which shows that out of total 62
respondents, 21 of them are female and 41 are male which denotes that most of the
participants are male in the insurance company.
Age
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent
Valid
18-25 17 27.4 27.4 27.4
26-35 22 35.5 35.5 62.9
36-45 15 24.2 24.2 87.1
46-55 8 12.9 12.9 100.0
Total 62 100.0 100.0
Table 4.3: Age of the respondents and their responses
(Source: Created by author)

34A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Figure 4.2: Age of the respondents and their responses
(Source: Created by author)
The above table mainly points the group of age in which most of participants have
respondents and the age ranges from 18 to 55. It can be clearly seen from the table in the
above part that most of the respondents are from the age group of 26 to 35 as these people
from the age group are interested on the health insurance plans that are provided by the
company.
The existing pricing structure of the policies in the healthcare Insurance Industry of
Oman is affordable to the customers
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent

35A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Valid
Strongly Agree 19 30.6 30.6 30.6
Agree 29 46.8 46.8 77.4
Neutral 8 12.9 12.9 90.3
Disagree 3 4.8 4.8 95.2
Strongly Disagree 3 4.8 4.8 100.0
Total 62 100.0 100.0
Table 4.4: Existing pricing structures of the policies in healthcare industries of Oman
(Source: Created by author)
Figure 4.3: Existing pricing structures of the policies in healthcare industries of Oman
(Source: Created by author)

36A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
The mentioned table in the above part highlights the pricing structures in the healthcare
insurance industry in Oman. It can be clearly seen that most of the respondents have agreed
with the existing pricing structures and around 19 of the respondents have strongly agreed
with the strategies that are associated with the insurance companies among the respondents.
The pricing strategy of Oman Insurance Company X X serves as core competency for
the company
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Strongly Agree 23 37.1 37.1 37.1
Agree 26 41.9 41.9 79.0
Neutral 8 12.9 12.9 91.9
Disagree 2 3.2 3.2 95.2
Strongly Disagree 3 4.8 4.8 100.0
Total 62 100.0 100.0
Table 4.5: Pricing strategy of Oman Insurance Company X as core competency
(Source: Created by author)

37A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Figure 4.4: Pricing strategy of Oman Insurance Company X as core competency
(Source: Created by author)
The above table points out the pricing strategy of the insurance company which are to be
included along with core competency of the company. It can be clearly seen that most of the
respondents have agreed with the pricing strategy and those are to be associated with the
effective pricing strategy of the company. Very few respondents have disagreed with the
pricing strategy that are directly available with the company.
All the daily operations of Oman Insurance Company X X are evaluated on a regular
basis
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent

38A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Valid
Strongly Agree 19 30.6 30.6 30.6
Agree 22 35.5 35.5 66.1
Neutral 11 17.7 17.7 83.9
Disagree 6 9.7 9.7 93.5
Strongly Disagree 4 6.5 6.5 100.0
Total 62 100.0 100.0
Table 4.6: Daily operation of the company on a regular basis
(Source: Created by author)
Figure 4.5: Daily operation of the company on a regular basis
(Source: Created by author)

39A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
The table in the above part points out the overall daily operation that have been evaluated on
a regular basis along with recording the opinions from the respondents. Most of the
respondents have opined on the positive side which includes 19 participants on strongly
agreed, 22 respondents on the agreed side and 11 of them had a neutral opinion.
All the employees of Oman Insurance Company X X are allowed to present opinions
regarding the policy offers of the company
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Strongly Agree 17 27.4 27.4 27.4
Agree 24 38.7 38.7 66.1
Neutral 13 21.0 21.0 87.1
Disagree 5 8.1 8.1 95.2
Strongly Disagree 3 4.8 4.8 100.0
Total 62 100.0 100.0
Table 4.7: Present opinions regarding the policy offers of the company
(Source: Created by author)

40A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Figure 4.6: Present opinions regarding the policy offers of the company
(Source: Created by author)
The above report focuses on the employees that are allowed to present with the regarding the
overall policies which are used for highlighting the policies of the company. Most of the
participants have agreed with the opinion and other have also strongly agreed with the
opinion provided to them. Some of the participants have not agreed as they might feel that
there are not such enough policies that offers for the company.
The health insurance sector of Oman has a good opportunity for growth in the future
years
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent

41A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Valid
Strongly Agree 18 29.0 29.0 29.0
Agree 21 33.9 33.9 62.9
Neutral 14 22.6 22.6 85.5
Disagree 7 11.3 11.3 96.8
Strongly Disagree 2 3.2 3.2 100.0
Total 62 100.0 100.0
Table 4.8: Health insurer sector providing good opportunity for growth in upcoming
years
(Source: Created by author)

42A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Figure 4.7: Health insurer sector providing good opportunity for growth in upcoming
years
(Source: Created by author)
The health insurer sector in Oman provide a better opportunity with has been agreed by the
growth in the future years. 18 respondents out of 62 participants have strongly agreed with
the statement and 21 respondents out of 62 respondents have also agreed with the statement
which states that the company provides good opportunity for growth in upcoming years.
Oman health insurance company has a stable growth and strong infrastructural
development
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Strongly Agree 17 27.4 27.4 27.4
Agree 19 30.6 30.6 58.1
Neutral 11 17.7 17.7 75.8
Disagree 13 21.0 21.0 96.8
Strongly Disagree 2 3.2 3.2 100.0
Total 62 100.0 100.0
Table 4.9: Oman Health Insurance Company provides stable growth and strong
infrastructural development
(Source: Created by author)

43A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Figure 4.8: Oman Health Insurance Company provides stable growth and strong
infrastructural development
(Source: Created by author)
The analysis of the company points out that Oman Health Insurance Company provides
stable growth and strong infrastructural development to the people along with satisfying their
needs. It can be clearly seen that majority of the selected participants have agreed and
strongly agreed with the opinion of stable growth along with strong infrastructural
development in their normal business activities that would attract more customers towards the
company.

44A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
The funding agencies are reluctant in providing funds to the health insurance
companies of Oman
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Strongly Agree 12 19.4 19.4 19.4
Agree 21 33.9 33.9 53.2
Neutral 17 27.4 27.4 80.6
Disagree 10 16.1 16.1 96.8
Strongly Disagree 2 3.2 3.2 100.0
Total 62 100.0 100.0
Table 4.10: Reluctance of providing funds to the health insurance companies of Oman
(Source: Created by author)

45A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Figure 4.9: Reluctance of providing funds to the health insurance companies of Oman
(Source: Created by author)
It can be clearly analysed from the above figure that reluctance of providing funds to the
health insurance companies of Oman has been agreed by most of the participants who have
been associated with the company. Around 17 participants out of 62 participants have the
neutral opinion as they do not have any kind of the opinion about the reluctance of providing
funds to the health insurance companies of Oman.
The health insurance sector of Oman has a low penetration rate in the International
market
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Strongly Agree 12 19.4 19.4 19.4
Agree 20 32.3 32.3 51.6
Neutral 18 29.0 29.0 80.6
Disagree 10 16.1 16.1 96.8
Strongly Disagree 2 3.2 3.2 100.0
Total 62 100.0 100.0
Table 4.11: Lower penetration rate in the international market of health insurance
sector of Oman
(Source: Created by author)

46A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Figure 4.10: Lower penetration rate in the international market of health insurance
sector of Oman
(Source: Created by author)
The analysis from the above figure mainly points out the percentage of respondents who are
agreed with the opinion and who have not agreed with the opinion. It can be clearly seen that
around 20 of the respondents from the total of 62 respondents have agreed with the opinion
and 18 of them have the neutral opinion. Very few of the participants have not agreed with
the lower penetration rate in the targeted market as they might have less idea about the
penetration rate in the international market.

47A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Oman United Health Insurance Company has created an electronic platform for
connecting with the customers
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Strongly Agree 17 27.4 27.4 27.4
Agree 26 41.9 41.9 69.4
Neutral 10 16.1 16.1 85.5
Disagree 6 9.7 9.7 95.2
Strongly Disagree 3 4.8 4.8 100.0
Total 62 100.0 100.0
Table 4.12: Creating an electronic platform for connecting to the customers
(Source: Created by author)

48A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Figure 4.11: Creating an electronic platform for connecting to the customers
(Source: Created by author)
The above table focuses on the opinion about creating an electronic platform for better
connection with the customers. It can be clearly seen that majority of the participants have
agreed with the opinion that is creating an electronic platform for better connection with the
customers as most of the customers feels comfortable on an online platform as it can be easily
accessible from anywhere and at any time. Some of the respondents have not agreed with the
opinion that they might not feel about using any kind of online platform.
Oman United Health Insurance Company has revised its policy structure for the benefit
of the customers
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Strongly Agree 17 27.4 27.4 27.4
Agree 23 37.1 37.1 64.5
Neutral 15 24.2 24.2 88.7
Disagree 6 9.7 9.7 98.4
Strongly Disagree 1 1.6 1.6 100.0
Total 62 100.0 100.0
Table 4.13: Revising the policy structure for the benefits of the customers
(Source: Created by author)

49A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Figure 4.12: Revising the policy structure for the benefits of the customers
(Source: Created by author)
The above table points out the number of respondents that has already responded about the
policies and the structures for the benefits of the customers. It can be clearly mentioned in the
table that most of the participants from all 62 participants have agreed with the revised
policies that would provide benefits to the customers. Some of the customers have not agreed
with the opinion as they might not receive any kind of benefits from the company.
Descriptive statistics
Descriptive Statistics

50A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
N Minimum Maximum Mean Std. Deviation
The existing pricing structure
of the policies in the
healthcare Insurance
Industry of Oman is
affordable to the customers
62 1 5 2.06 1.038
The pricing strategy of Oman
Insurance Company X X
serves as core competency
for the company
62 1 5 1.97 1.040
All the daily operations of
Oman Insurance Company X
X are evaluated on a regular
basis
62 1 5 2.26 1.186
All the employees of Oman
Insurance Company X X are
allowed to present opinions
regarding the policy offers of
the company
62 1 5 2.24 1.097
The health insurance sector
of Oman has a good
opportunity for growth in the
future years
62 1 5 2.26 1.100
Oman health insurance
company has a stable growth
and strong infrastructural
development
62 1 5 2.42 1.195
The funding agencies are
reluctant in providing funds to
the health insurance
companies of Oman
62 1 5 2.50 1.083
Descriptive Statistics
N Minimum Maximum Mean Std. Deviation

51A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
The health insurance sector
of Oman has a low
penetration rate in the
International market
62 1 5 2.52 1.083
Oman United Health
Insurance Company has
created an electronic
platform for connecting with
the customers
62 1 5 2.23 1.108
Oman United Health
Insurance Company has
revised its policy structure for
the benefit of the customers
62 1 5 2.21 1.010
Valid N (listwise) 62
Table 4.14: Descriptive statistics
(Source: Created by author)
The descriptive statistics of the responses that have been gathered from the respondents
includes the total number of participants and minimum and maximum. It also points out the
mean as well as the standard deviation that have been derived from the responses which have
been gathered. All of the calculation have been evaluated as per the opinion that have been
gathered from the participants and those have to be evaluated as per their standards. It can
also been clearly seen that the number of respondents have remained constant and other
constraints have been changed. Minimum is at 1 and maximum is at 5 and that does not
changed. Mean has been fluctuating from 1.9 to 2.5 for every responses. The standard
deviation points out the overall stability of the options that are available to the respondents.
The lower the standard deviation, the better is the available option. Most of the respondents
have a lower standard deviation which mainly represents the stability of the options along
with mentioning the effective nature of the option to the company.

52A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
4.3 Opportunities
The opportunities that have been provided in the study includes the health insurance plans
that are required to be provided to the people of Oman and possessed by a healthcare
insurance sector. The plans that are related to health insurance are mainly divided into three
different parts or types which consist of private health insurance plans, social health
insurance plans and community based health insurance plans. The plans that are segregated as
per their nature are mainly offered by the private organisation as well as the government
organisation which consist of certain risks. The plans that are socially associated are
generally initiated by the government for providing benefits to the people of the country. It
also act as providing the opportunity for serving the opportunity of the health insurance
companies and those have to be identified from the responses that have been derived from the
participants. Certain customers of the health insurance plans requires long term stability that
would provide support to the people along with insuring their life for a certain period of time.
Moreover, the insurances also help in overall growth and provides the innovation for
enhancing different distribution channels that would available to the customers.
4.4 Threats
The threats that are faced by the insurance company is associated with the mechanism that
delivers the overall healthcare. It also consist of another issues that can be seen from the
responses of the participants which would allow to implement the policies in the company for
developing its overall activities. Lower level of customer awareness might be the associated
risk which points out the limited heights of achieving the objectives or goals. In addition to
this, the impact on the healthcare sector are from different agencies that assist the customers
for providing the insurance plans and other insurance services for safeguarding their health.
The lower penetration of the health insurance points out the overall lack of affordability as
most of the customers are unable to buy expensive health scheme or insurance plans. A major

53A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
part of the customers mainly belongs from the rural areas and hard to find insurance service
providers in their area. Moreover, the implementation of the health care insurance includes
the general government employees and other employees of the insurance organisation.
4.5 A competitive Strategy
Oman Health Insurance Company has adopted certain competitive strategy for providing
benefits to their organisation and the service users. A system has been developed which
mainly provides the integrated health insurance systems that mainly targets the customers
from public sector as well as from private sectors. The system that has been developed
generally provides an affordable health insurance scheme to the domestic worker as well as
the other worker of the area. Moreover, the importance of technology has been realised by the
company as they are prone to certain obstacles and these obstacles would be mitigated by the
hell of technology. An electronic platform also help the customers for easy choosing their
suitable insurance plans and that would be effectively associated with other health schemes. It
also help the customers to connect the health insurance companies and other insurer in an
easy way along with providing the feedback of different health insurance schemes. In
addition to this, the competitors of the company would estimate different pricing for the
health insurance scheme that would be provided to the customers during their time of
demand.
Chapter 5: Conclusion
5.1 Conclusion
The diverse natural health insurance arrangements offer assistance within the advancement of
secure environment that would diminish the peril of life of the people of the populace. These
costs are compared with the costs that are advertised by the competitors. The competitive
focal points of healthcare protections services are found out within the light of Oman
Protections Company. The healthcare administrations too comprise of other preventive

54A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
administrations that are required for the idealize health of the clients. The health guarantee
are bought through the payment of a premium sum that is included within the month to month
charge of the clients. Within the course of the method of protections, the specialists or the
healing centres for the most part make contracts with the protections companies and gotten to
be portion of the organize of those companies. Managers basically begun this beneficiary
service for compensating the moo compensation that they paid to the specialists. The
company has been working for more than 32 time more within the Oman advertise.
The key benefits included within the cover are the discussion expenses of the doctor,
strategies for determination, endorsed drugs of the patients, physiotherapy through the
referral of any doctor and other restorative components endorsed by the doctor. The term can
moreover be characterized as the hypothesis and hone of appraisal of the controlling variables
of the environment that are likely to influence human health. Health insurance makes a
difference in giving cashless treatment when the protections company works in collaboration
with the systems of different clinics. The individuals might not be fiscally sound to meet up
the costs of treatment or the fetched of the healing centres. In this setting, the preferences of
having a healthcare protections can be essential. The health insurance arrangement moreover
covers pre-hospitalisation as well as post-hospitalisation charges. The transportation charges
of the patients can moreover make an issue when the persistent is moved from his house to
the clinic.
Within the common depiction the environment of healthcare protections is talked
approximately centring on the encompassing showcase of the healthcare protections. Within
the particular depiction a case has been chosen that relates to Oman Insurance Company X X.
The potential dangers would moreover be found out in arrange to distinguish the dangers and
impediments of health protections and the ways by which the competitors can take advantage
of their shortcomings. This inquire about can be considered as a multidisciplinary field of

55A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
logical examination that's utilized for examining the behaviour and impact of health care on
the social variables. Usually required for understanding the execution of the framework of
health and the effect of the health arrangements on the health of the common open. The
associations are moreover assessed on extra components such as social, natural and other
financial variables. It has been seen that these components have an effect on the individual’s
take-up of diverse preventive administrations.
The associations are too assessed on extra components such as social, natural and other
financial variables. It has been seen that these components have an effect on the individual’s
take-up of distinctive preventive services. They comes about distinguished different clinical
accomplices such as single-provider hones, health care frameworks and other community
health centres. The effect of environment on the conveyance of health care by these benefit
suppliers are moreover considered in this paper. The examination appears that the quality of
open healthcare benefit is amazingly moo and the inadequate private suppliers by and large
lock in themselves in arrange to account for the bulk of health care arrangement. In a
flawlessly competitive advertise, the government can effectively meddled by giving
subsidized protections arrange rates and forcing directions. The control of a private
protections showcase can be compound the issue of unfavourable determination by the
clients.
The costs charged for comparative health insurance services too uncovered a tremendous
variety within the distinctive parts of the examined areas. This would offer assistance these
companies in gaining a competitive advantage within advertise. This techniques would
encourage offer assistance the patients in making their costs of insurance plans reasonable.
These reasons are increase within the healthcare costs, tall budgetary burden that's imposed
on the destitute. Particular bunch of customers such as senior citizens are continuously within
require for long term nursing care within the clinics. It has been watched that there's need of

56A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
standardized standards and directions for the healthcare suppliers. The government has found
it troublesome to cater these insurance services to a mass populace due to uneven dispersion
of wage. Due to development of speculation within the insurance sector and the passage of
numerous remote protections players within the showcase, the protections segment has
developed keeping great pace.
Further, there is expanded request for the insurance items as the cutting edge individuals of
Oman tend to move towards urban ways of life. There's a tall relationship of the protections
industry with the economy of the nation. The health insurance regulators have attempted to
test a modern approach for setting saves and other capital necessities that guarantees capital
ampleness and liquidity inside the Oman healthcare protections company. The focused on
clients are private division workers, residential specialists and other guests of Sultanate. The
company has immovably accepted that it can present an obligatory and bound together health
insurance plan for the security of its clients. The competitors with their differential estimating
procedure seem compete with these schemes but the company still needs to require it to the
level of competitive advantage of the health insurance sector. The study found that the
development of health insurance industry in Oman is direct and the division features a
shining future.
5.2 Addressing the objectives
The environment for the integrated healthcare insurance would provide the consumers a
different experience and it would also help the customers in mitigating their health insurance
schemes. The pricing structures of the objectives would also to be developed as it would
attract the customers towards the company the customers are to be satisfied with the available
schemes. The structure of the price is to be evaluated and it is required to be easily
understandable by the customers who are willing to buy some kind of shares that are
provided by the company. This might help the company in their overall growth as well as

57A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
their business would also be developed as per the current situation of the market. Moreover,
these objective is to be identified as per the standard and requirement of the customers for
highlighting the benefits of health insurance schemes. The competitive strategy that is to be
identified the policies which is required to be implemented for enhancing the business along
with growth and development within the competitors of the company. Oman Insurance
Company X is required to implement these strategic objective for developing their business
along with implementing these certain standards for highlighting in a better position in the
targeted market.
5.3 Recommendation
The study points out the strategies and policies which are to be included with the company
better performance in their normal course of business and those are to be identified as soon as
possible. The threats and opportunities that have been mentioned in the study also focuses on
the effective development as well as enhancing the overall performance of the company. The
company is required to implement an electronic platform which would help the customers to
select their chosen health insurance scheme from their suitable place and time of their choice.
This would help the company to enhance their business activities which would be beneficial
for the company as well as to the customers. In addition to this, some of the opportunities that
have been mentioned in the above part focuses on the growth and opportunities of the
company along with its development in upcoming years. The pricing strategy that are
associated with the company is required to be developed in order to enhance the overall
competitiveness in the targeted market. This would help the company in improving their
overall performance over a certain period of time.
5.4 Future Research
The future research of the research is to points out the overall limitation of the study which
focuses on the selection of the plan that are provided to the customers by the company. The

58A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
research is to highlight the effective measurement of the polices that include the healthcare
plan which might attract the customers for plans and healthcare schemes. The details that are
provided to the consumers are required to be enhanced which makes it easy for the customers
for accessing the policies in a correct way. It also includes the doctors and hospitals at where
the services are provided to the people along with accessing the contracts for following the
regulations and rules. The limitations that have been mentioned in the research is to be
mitigated for future research and more respondents are to be included for enhancing the
overall quality of the research.

59A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
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65A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Appendix
Appendix 1
Questionnaire
1. What is your gender?
2. What is your age?
3. Is the existing pricing structure of the policies in the healthcare Insurance Industry of
Oman is affordable to the customers?
4. Is the pricing strategy of Oman Insurance Company X X serves as core competency for the
company?
5. Are all the daily operations of Oman Insurance Company X X are evaluated on a regular
basis?
6. Are all the employees of Oman Insurance Company X X are allowed to present opinions
regarding the policy offers of the company?
7. Is the health insurance sector of Oman has a good opportunity for growth in the future
years?
8. Has Oman Health Insurance Company has a stable growth and strong infrastructural
development?
9. Is the funding agencies are reluctant in providing funds to the health insurance companies
of Oman?
10. Is the health insurance sector of Oman has a low penetration rate in the International
market?

66A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
11. Is Oman United Health Insurance Company has created an electronic platform for
connecting with the customers?
12. Is Oman United Health Insurance Company has revised its policy structure for the benefit
of the customers?

67A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Appendix 2
Ethics Form
Part 1: Statements of Research Ethics
SECTION 1 - PROJECT DETAILS
Project title
Principal Investigator:
(Only current SQ University and Hospital faculty and staff can be named as the Principal Investigator. This is the person to whom the
ultimate responsibility for the project lies. If it is a student project, provide the student’s details under co-investigator)
Title and Name :
Staff ID :
Department/College :
Email :
Phone :
Co-principal Investigator
Title and Name :
Staff ID/ Student ID :
Department/College :
Email :

68A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Phone :
Co-investigator 1
Title and Name :
Staff ID/ Student ID :
Department/College :
Email :
Phone :
Co-investigator 2
Title and Name :
Staff ID/ Student ID :
Department/College:
Email :
Phone :
Additional list(s) of Co-investigators can be given in a separate page.
The research proposal and ethical application form is part for projects for:
Faculty, staff at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences/ Sultan Qaboos University
Hospital
Faculty, staff from other SQU Colleges and Research Centres
External/Non-SQU application
Students / residents

69A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
SECTION 2 - PROJECT SUMMARY
A plain English description of the project aims, (research methodology and outcomes) in no more than 100-150 words.
SECTION 3 – FUNDING AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST
(i) Please state the sources of all funds to be used for this project, if any.
(ii) Is this project part of a multi-centre research project? If YES, please
provide copy of the ethical approval from the study centre. YES NO
(iii) Conflict of Interest: Will you or any of the researchers receive any sort of
remuneration or reward from non-University Sources for work done in this
research.
If YES, please provide necessary information.
YES NO
SECTION 4 – RISKS AND BENEFITS

70A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Provide sufficient information to enable the Committee to judge whether any risks to which the
participants may be exposed are warranted by the possible benefits/outcomes of the study. How will
the researcher deal with situations in which participants are identified to be at risk?
SECTION 5 - CONSENT (Form should be in English and Arabic)
Describe how participants will consent to participate in the study, and how they will be informed of their rights. If
consent form is not required, indicate the reason for why it is not required.
SECTION 6 – CONFIDENTIALITY
1. Please provide details of the storage and security arrangement(s) for the personal information that
will be collected within the study to ensure confidentiality. Storage of the data is the responsibility of
the principal investigator and he/she must describe how the patient identifiers (e.g. MRN), if needed,
are kept and coded. Statement must also be provided on how data are transferred to external
institute/agency.
Part 2: OUTLINE OF PROPOSED RESEARCH
OUTLINE OF PROPOSED RESEARCH
Proposed research outline must include a literature review, methods to be used; long and short term goals,
protocol, and practical significance of outcome, exclusive plan and pertinent references. Maximum of 3

71A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
pages of at least 10 font size (Times Roman), single spaced.
Introduction
Aim of the Study
Research Methodology
Applicant must provide details on the study design & sampling strategies (cases & control), sample
size, inclusion/exclusion criteria, use of invasive methods, and use of hospital diagnostic facility,
recruitment of research assistant and payment, patient sample collections.
References
Collaboration:
1. Are there any expected collaborative arrangements in this Research Project?
2. Name and address of the collaborating organization(s)/person(s):
Name of collaborator Name of the
Organization
Address/email

72A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Please provide details of the resources (including facilities, staff and equipment) that are required
for conducting the research, and outline how the resource requirements will be met at the proposed
University/hospital site.
Provide information to demonstrate that the researchers involved in the project have the necessary
training, expertise and experience to carry out their role in the research. Provide necessary
publications, if available.
SECTION 7 - SIGNATURES
Principal Investigator Date
Co-Principal Investigator Date
Co-investigator Date

73A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Co-investigator Date
Add more signatures as required.
SECTION 8 - CHECKLIST (a soft copy of checklist items must be submitted)
1. Application form (Part 1 & 2).
2. Signature collected for all investigators.
3. Information sheet for Participants in English & Arabic, if applicable.
4. Consent form in English & Arabic, if applicable.
5. Questionnaires in English & Arabic, if applicable.
6. Electronic copy sent to the Secretary of the Ethics Committee
SECTION 9 - DECISION / APPROVAL
For Research Ethics Committee:
Date of Meeting: ______________________
Reviewed/Evaluated by: ______________________

74A CASE STUDY OF OMAN INSURANCE COMPANY X
Approved:
__________________________________________________________
Conditional Approval:
__________________________________________________________
Pending Approval:
__________________________________________________________
Chairman, Ethics Committee
(Comments/Signature)________________________________________