WTW<\/a> said in a report.<\/p>\nWTW added that employers may need to consider measures such as co-payment or co-insurance designs and flexible benefits programmes to help manage rising healthcare expenses.<\/p>\n
The projected increase outpaces this year\u2019s 15.5% increase, according to WTW\u2019s 2026 Global Medical Trends report.<\/p>\n
The firm said Asia-Pacific will record the highest medical cost inflation globally next year at 14%.<\/p>\n
WTW noted that 57% of insurers in the region expect further increases in medical cost trends over the next three years, whilst 42% believe elevated levels will continue for longer. The report shows that cost pressures are unlikely to ease soon.<\/p>\n
New medical technologies remain the main driver of rising healthcare expenses, cited by 77% of insurers.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Pharmaceutical advances (63%) and limited cost-sharing mechanisms (51%) were also identified as key contributors.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cancer continues to be the most expensive condition for insurers, with 58% in APAC reporting it as the fastest-growing diagnosis.\u00a0<\/p>\n
More than 80% of insurers also observed rising cancer incidence amongst people under 40. Cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and diabetes-related conditions are also pushing up claims.<\/p>\n
WTW said Singapore\u2019s trend is driven by an ageing population, higher disease incidence, greater early detection, and long-term management of chronic illnesses.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The adoption of new technologies and treatments, as well as higher operating expenses linked to real estate and staffing shortages, are also increasing costs.<\/p>\n
The 2026 survey gathered responses from 346 insurers across 82 countries, with combined data covering 91 markets, including 18 in Asia-Pacific.
\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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