Mercer Marsh Benefits released the Health Trends 2026 report this Friday, 24, which reveals that medical trend rates, that is, the annual increase in healthcare costs, are expected to exceed 10% in most regions, marking the sixth consecutive year of growth. This increase is driven by inflation and the greater complexity of treatments.
The report indicates that cancer, circulatory diseases and musculoskeletal conditions continue to be the main causes of reimbursement expenses.
Miguel Ros Galego, leader of Mercer Marsh Benefits in Portugal, warns that “for the first time in four years, insurers anticipate that employers will reduce coverage to manage costs, which could harm employees’ experience and their financial security”.
In Portugal, the inability of the National Health Service (SNS) to serve the population has increased the demand for private healthcare, often through insurance. In this regard, Euclides Soares, manager of Mercer Marsh Benefits in Portugal, states that “with continued pressure on the NHS, medical trends are expected to remain in double digits, which will lead organizations to prepare for higher costs”.
Globally, the medical trend is projected to be in double digits, with the highest rate in the Middle East and Africa (12.5%), followed by Asia (10.8%) and the Pacific (10.4%). Insurers plan to improve the management of high-cost claims.
The report also highlights gaps in benefits coverage, especially in the areas of mental health and reproductive health, with only 50% of insurers offering mental health counseling. As the workforce ages, targeted benefits become crucial to keeping employees healthy and productive.
Mercer warns that 76% of insurers are concerned about care inefficiencies, which could make health services less accessible. Adopting innovative strategies and proactive risk management will be essential to ensure effective and affordable health benefits in the future.