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Insurance and reinsurance

VATA 1994, Sch 9 Group 2, Item 1 provides the basis for exemption for:

'Insurance transactions and reinsurance transactions'. This provision is also addressed in detail at V4.121–V4.122.

Neither insurance nor reinsurance is defined by statute. The terms must therefore be understood in the context of general law. An important case for establishing the nature of insurance is Medical Defence Union [1979] 2 All ER 421. Despite considerable time having elapsed since the case, it continues to be referenced in HMRC's manuals (VATINS2205). The decision established that the following elements are necessary for a contract of insurance to exist:

1. Ìý

   •ÌýÌýÌýÌý the contract must provide that the insured person will become entitled to something on the occurrence of some event

2. Ìý

   •ÌýÌýÌýÌý the event must be one which involves some element of uncertainty

3. Ìý

   •ÌýÌýÌýÌý the assured must have an insurable interest in the subject-matter of the contract

Following the ECJ's decision in Card Protection Plan (C-349/96) the exemption cannot be restricted