Analysis
NAICS 52411 is the 2022 NAICS industry for direct life, health, and medical insurance carriers, part of 5241 (Insurance Carriers). Census lists 23 example activities under it in the official index.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments fell 20% and employment rose 9%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
County Business Patterns counts 11,821 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 944,645 people at an average annual payroll of $108,707 per employee (88th percentile of national industries). 50% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.
Across its national industries Census lists 23 index entries; typical ones are accidental death and dismemberment insurance carriers… and dental insurance carriers, direct.
It splits into 2 more detailed codes. The largest by establishments is 524114 (Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers) with 6,147.
Census lists 3 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 52413, 5251 and 62149. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in initially underwriting (i.e., assuming the risk and assigning premiums) annuities and life insurance policies, disability income insurance policies, accidental death and dismemberment insurance policies, and health and medical insurance policies.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Reinsuring insurance policies | 52413 Reinsurance Carriers |
| Legal entities (i.e., funds, plans, and/or programs) organized to provide insurance and employee benefits exclusively for the sponsor, firm, or its employees or members | 5251 Insurance and Employee Benefit Funds |
| HMO establishments providing health care services | 62149 Other Outpatient Care Centers |
Index entries (23)
- Accidental death and dismemberment insurance carriers, direct
- Dental insurance carriers, direct