Medical Insurance Cost Correlation Analysis

Medical Insurance Cost Correlation Analysis

A comprehensive data analysis project exploring correlations between lifestyle factors and insurance costs for a London investment firm considering employee medical benefits

Analysis Process Flowchart

1

Libraries & Data Import

Imported essential Python libraries (pandas, numpy, matplotlib, seaborn) and loaded the anonymised insurance dataset containing demographic and lifestyle information

2

Data Exploration

Conducted comprehensive exploratory data analysis including descriptive statistics, scatter plots, and histograms to understand data distribution and initial relationships

3

Statistical Testing

Performed rigorous correlation analysis using Pearson correlation coefficients and calculated p-values to determine statistical significance of relationships

4

Results Interpretation

Interpreted correlation coefficients and p-values, identifying strong, weak, and non-significant relationships between variables and insurance costs

5

Limitations Analysis

Critically evaluated limitations of correlation analysis, potential biases, and acknowledged that correlation does not imply causation

6

Documentation & Reflection

Documented the entire analysis process, reflected on findings, and considered ethical implications for business decision-making

Correlation Analysis Results

BMI

BMI vs Insurance Charges

Strong Positive Correlation

r = 0.709

P-value: 2.06e-153 (highly significant)

Statistically Significant

Interpretation: Higher BMI strongly correlates with increased insurance costs. This relationship is highly statistically significant.

AGE

Age vs Insurance Charges

Weak Positive Correlation

r = 0.080

P-value: 0.012 (significant)

Statistically Significant

Interpretation: Age shows a weak but statistically significant positive correlation with insurance costs.

CHILDREN

Number of Children vs Charges

No Meaningful Correlation

r = 0.031

P-value: 0.332 (not significant)

Not Statistically Significant

Interpretation: Number of children shows virtually no correlation with insurance costs.

Key Findings & Conclusions

🎯 Primary Finding

BMI is the strongest predictor of insurance costs among the variables analysed, with a strong positive correlation (r = 0.709)

📈 Statistical Significance

Both BMI and age correlations are statistically significant, while number of children shows no meaningful relationship

⚖️ Business Justification

The data provides evidence-based justification for BMI-based insurance pricing differentials

🔍 Analytical Rigour

Analysis followed systematic methodology with proper statistical testing and limitation acknowledgement

Business Implications & Recommendations

🏥 Insurance Plan Design

Implement BMI-based pricing tiers with transparent, evidence-based criteria. The strong correlation (r = 0.709) justifies differential pricing based on BMI ranges.

💼 Employee Communication

Use the statistical evidence to clearly communicate why certain employees may pay additional contributions, emphasising the data-driven approach rather than discriminatory practices.

🎯 Wellness Programmes

Develop targeted wellness initiatives focusing on BMI management and healthy ageing, offering incentives for lifestyle improvements that could reduce insurance costs.

📊 Further Analysis

Consider additional variables (smoking status, exercise habits, medical history) to build a more comprehensive risk assessment model for future insurance offerings.

⚖️ Ethical Considerations

Ensure implementation adheres to equality legislation and consider offering support programmes to help employees achieve healthier BMI ranges before pricing takes effect.

🔄 Continuous Monitoring

Establish regular review processes to monitor the effectiveness and fairness of the insurance scheme, with annual correlation analysis to validate ongoing relationships.

Analysis completed for London Investment Firm | Data-driven insurance benefit decision making