Middle East healthcare benefit costs projected to increase by double digits, higher than the global average, WTW survey finds

DUBAI, 19 December 2024 — For the third consecutive year, global medical costs are projected to increase by double digits, with little relief in sight, with the Middle East amongst the highest regional increases. That’s according to a survey of health insurers conducted by WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company. Survey respondents cited increased use of health services, rising pharmacy costs, and new medical technologies as the primary drivers of overall medical costs.

In the Middle East, the WTW Global Medical Trends Survey found that private medical insurance costs are expected to increase by 12% in 2025, among the largest regional increases globally, and 1.6 percentage points higher than the global average. Middle Eastern private medical inflation has been driven by an upward trend in overall use of healthcare in the region and growing claims for high-cost medical procedures, as employees increasingly seek the best medical care available.

Globally, the research shows that insurers are projecting medical costs will increase by 10.4% in 2025, mirroring this year’s rate. The projected growth in medical costs varies by region. In North America, costs are projected to rise from 8.1% in 2024 to 8.7% in 2025. Costs are also projected to accelerate in Asia, the Middle East and Africa while Europe and Latin America will see slower increases.

While the trend may be slightly cooling in some regions, it is projected to remain elevated over the longer term. In fact, over the next three years, 64% of insurers anticipate higher or significantly higher medical trends globally. The demand for medical care is also not expected to decline in the near future. Two-thirds (67%) of insurers anticipate higher or significantly higher global demand for healthcare services over the next three years.

“With medical cost increases remaining at double digit levels, employers will need to brace themselves for further big cost increases in the year ahead,” said Steve Clements, Senior Director, Integrated & Global Solutions, WTW. “The seemingly never-ending rise in costs poses a constant challenge for employers, who find these increases to be unsustainable for their organizations.”

Global medical trends: Healthcare benefit cost increases, 2023 – 2025 (gross)

Several major factors are contributing to continued high medical costs. The rise in new medical technologies and pharmaceuticals has greatly contributed to the increased cost of care globally. Additionally, there has been a surge in healthcare utilization over the last few years (with a growing trend in use of mental health services), which continues to add to the overall cost of care. In regions where public healthcare systems are the primary source of healthcare services, many have been overwhelmed due to high demand and limited resources available, leaving members to turn to and rely on private medical providers.

“While recognizing that some factors influencing costs may be out of their control, employers can hone-in on key initiatives to help control costs while boosting the value of their health benefits. These include, but are not limited to, promoting preventive care, evaluating vendor solutions such as telehealth, and continuing to expand wellbeing offerings,” said Steve Clements.

About the survey

WTW conducted its 2025 Global Medical Trends Survey between June and August 2024. A total of 348 leading health insurers representing 75 countries participated in our survey. In addition to submissions from insurers, we received input from WTW local brokers representing 55 countries. The combined data covers 90 countries.

About WTW

At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you.