WTW survey reveals 72% of companies plan to integrate AI into health benefits within two years, despite significant concerns over data security and a lack of internal expertise.

A vast majority of employers plan to significantly increase their use of artificial intelligence in their health benefits programs over the next two years, though most lack the resources and strategy to do so effectively, a new WTW survey finds.

Why it matters: The findings point to a major disconnect between ambition and readiness. While companies are eager to use AI for tasks like personalizing benefits and improving employee communication, significant hurdles around data security, internal expertise, and legal compliance could slow adoption.

By the numbers: The survey of 312 employers, covering 4.6 million workers, reveals a sharp planned increase in AI integration.

  • 72% of employers plan to embed AI into their benefits programs in the next two years.
  • Only 20% are currently doing so.
  • 71% of benefits teams reported having "limited or no access" to the internal skills needed to deploy AI.
  • Just 1% of employers have a fully developed AI roadmap specific to benefits, although 56% say one is in development.
Zoom in: Employers see AI delivering value in several key areas.

  • 68% believe it will improve communication with employees.
  • 59% expect it to provide better data insights and analytics.
  • 57% anticipate AI will allow for greater personalization of benefits.
Between the lines: Despite the optimism, significant concerns persist. Data privacy and security was cited as a major concern by 70% of respondents, followed by potential AI errors (66%) and legal compliance issues (64%).

  • The report notes that a small group of "early adopters," representing about 16% of employers, are ahead of the curve with more defined strategies and governance frameworks already in place.
What they're saying: "AI is moving quickly from pilots to practical application in health and benefits, and employers are deliberate about where they expect it to deliver value," Jeff Chandler, North America commercialization leader for Health & Benefits at WTW, said in a statement. "But ambition alone isn't enough. Scaling AI responsibly requires the right foundations."

See the full 2026 AI Use in Health and Benefits Survey report here:

SOURCE: WTW

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