Report: 2019 Medical Trends Around the World

This survey explores how health conditions, supplier factors and consumer habits are driving costs. The Mercer Marsh Benefits survey also provides insights into how insurers are responding to these trends.

Key findings

• Medical costs are outpacing inflation by close to three times. The average global medical rate for 2018 was 9.7%, with a similar rate expected for 2019 and even higher in 2020.
• The number of insurers investing in initiatives to enable quality-focused care (the right care, at the right time, in the right setting) has more than doubled. This is a natural evolution of investments in data analytics.
• Virtual care – to contain costs and encourage consumer-based behaviour – is increasing, with 78% of insurers considering or supporting virtual medical consultations.
• Circulatory, gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions, largely related to lifestyle choices, continue to drive the top claims by cost and frequency.

This is the fifth annual medical trends survey, covering 204 insurers across 59 countries.