Essays on Behavioral Economics: Experimental Evidence from Microinsurance

This thesis consists of four essays on behavioral economics, with experimental evidence from the field of microinsurance. The aim of this thesis is to understand the determinants of microinsurance demand using experimental research methods. The first chapter provides a broad overview of the literature on microinsurance demand whereas the remaining three chapters are concerned with demand and behavioral responses to microinsurance. The last three chapters are experimental studies that are united by the common aim of identifying causal relationships i.e., whether a particular program or intervention leads to the outcomes of interest. They also share a common setting in the rural Philippines. Ultimately, the goal of the studies undertaken is to inform policies and programs aimed at making microinsurance more accessible to the poor.