Howden report: Global Employee Health Report 2026
The global medical inflation rate is projected to hit 10.6% in 2026 and employers expect the cost of health benefits to increase again, the report finds.
In addition, waiting times for healthcare vary widely by region. Access is typically fastest in Asia and Latin America, but longer across parts of Europe.
Read the full report to find out:
- 57% of employees start treatment within a week of diagnosis. 36% say delays have made their condition worse, and 41% paid out of pocket to get treated, even with private cover.
- 53% of employers expect obesity-related drug prices to rise by up to 25% in 2026.
- 68% of employees say they would trust AI in their healthcare, and 48% of employers want to see AI-powered tools adopted more widely.
Supplied by REBA Associate Member, Howden Employee Benefits
Howden provides insurance broking, risk management and claims consulting services, globally. We work with clients of all sizes to provide dedicated employee benefits & wellbeing consultancy.
