By the numbers: The report, which surveyed 346 insurers across 82 countries, shows a consistent upward trend.

The projected 10.3% global increase in 2026 follows a 10% rise in 2025 and a 9.5% rise in 2024.
Asia Pacific is expected to see the highest increase at 14.0%, while Latin America will see the sharpest acceleration to 11.9%.
North America (9.2%) and Europe (8.2%) are projected to see slight decreases in the rate of inflation.
In the U.S., costs are expected to rise 9.6%, down slightly from 9.7% in 2025 but well above the 7.6% seen in 2024.

The big picture: Insurers point to several systemic factors driving the long-term cost increases

New medical technologies were cited as the top reason by three-quarters (74%) of insurers.
The decline of public health systems (52%) and advancements in pharmaceuticals (49%) were also named as primary drivers

Zoom in: From a disease perspective, cancer remains the most significant cost driver for insurers globally (57%).

Three-quarters of insurers also reported an increase in cancer incidence among individuals under the age of 40.
Cardiovascular conditions (50%) and behavioral health issues (37%) rank as the second and third most costly conditions.

What to watch: While new technology is a primary cost driver now, some see it as a potential long-term solution. WTW's Linda Pham noted that while investments in AI are currently increasing costs, they "hold the promise of reducing healthcare cost trends in the longer term."

SURVEY: Double-Digit Health Care Cost Increases Projected to Persist into 2026 and Beyond

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