Global healthcare benefit costs projected to increase by double digits for third consecutive year, WTW survey finds

NEW YORK, November 21, 2024 — For the third consecutive year, global medical costs are projected to increase by double digits, with little relief in sight. 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 utilization of health services, rising pharmacy costs and new medical technologies as the primary drivers of overall medical costs.

The WTW Global Medical Trends Survey found that insurers are projecting medical costs will increase by 10.4% in 2025, matching/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, while in the U.S., insurers project a 10.2% increase in 2025, up from 9.3% this year. Costs are also projected to accelerate in Asia Pacific, 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 manage budget expectations and balance cost increases with data-driven business and health outcomes.,” said Linda Pham, global health and risk leader, Integrated & Global Solutions, WTW. “The seemingly never-ending rise in costs poses a constant challenge for employers to take action in order to mitigate these unsustainable increases.”

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

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. Public healthcare systems around the world have been overwhelmed due to high demand and limited resources available, leaving members to turn to and rely on private medical providers. Additionally, there has been a surge in healthcare utilization over the past few years (with a growing trend in utilization of mental health services), which continues to add to the overall cost of care.

“While recognizing that some factors influencing costs may be out of their control, employers can explore initiatives that may help control costs while boosting the value of their health benefits. These include but are not limited to evaluating vendor and digital health solutions that expand wellbeing resources and reduce unnecessary utilization as well as reviewing their markets to ensure efficient sourcing of private healthcare coverages,” said Courtney Stubblefield, managing director, Health & Benefits, WTW.

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 cover 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.