Most of the Chinese passengers on flight MH370 had purchased accident or life insurance policies, according to statistics from the country's major insurers released on Monday, and industry analysts estimated insurers would have to pay around 50 million yuan ($8.2 million) to relatives of the passengers.

A total of 50 passengers were covered by Ping An policies, and the company may have to pay around 12.45 million yuan. China Life has confirmed that 32 of its policyholders were on the plane, and it is expected to pay about 9 million yuan.

PICC Group has confirmed 19 passengers had purchased policies from its subsidiaries, and the group is set to pay 8.6 million yuan. China Pacific Life Insurance said 16 policyholders were on the plane, and it will have to pay about 5.44 million yuan. And Taikang confirmed 12 of its policyholders were on flight MH370, which involves payment of 4.49 million yuan.

If terrorism is found to have caused the loss of the plane, this could affect the size and liability of the payouts and insurers are watching the investigation closely.

Further compensation from Malaysia Airlines depends on the results of the investigation and, if negligence is determined to be the cause of the loss of the plane, Hao said the payouts could be "huge."

Etiqa Insurance & Takaful Bhd, the insurance unit of Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank), is said to be the leading local insurer covering Malaysian Airline's fleet of aircraft.