Gender Differences in Learning about a Spouse’s Health: Field and Experimental Evidence

Ruo Jia, Jiawei Mo, Chang Zhang and Jiakun Zheng ()
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Ruo Jia: Peking University [Beijing]
Jiawei Mo: Peking University [Beijing]
Chang Zhang: Peking University [Beijing]
Jiakun Zheng: AMSE - Aix-Marseille Sciences Economiques - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - AMU - Aix Marseille Université - ECM - École Centrale de Marseille - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique

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Abstract: Using field data from an insurtech firm and a survey experiment, this paper studies health belief formation within couples. We document a strong gender asymmetry: Women increase critical illness insurance purchases for their husbands after negative health signals of COVID-19, hospital visits, and unhealthy lifestyles but do not adjust coverage for themselves, while men do not respond to either. Experimental evidence reveals pervasive health overconfidence and shows that women update on husbands' negative health information but not their own, whereas men update neither. The findings highlight gendered belief updating and the importance of household decision-makers in financial choices.

Keywords: Health overconfidence; Motivated beliefs; Gender differences; Insurance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-02-24
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