Skip to main content
Marsh logo

Global insurer survey report

MMB Health Trends 2024

Getting the right balance between managing costs and meeting employee needs.

Download the report

10/29/2023

The pressure to manage employee health program costs grows ever stronger

Medical trend rates are beginning to exceed pre-pandemic levels. And while the rate of increase is forecasted to drop slightly in 2024, the rate will put pressure on employer budgets.

To help guide employers managing health and benefits plans, we surveyed 223 insurers across 58 countries. We identified four key themes driving costs and risks in medical insurance and share how employers can effectively balance meeting employee needs while managing workforce risk.

The top trends shaping employer-sponsored healthcare

Explore the top trends shaping employer provided healthcare, and learn how to effectively balance cost containment, but not at the expense of inclusivity and quality.

Four key trends

Top trends driving the future of employer provided healthcare

Over half of markets face double-digit cost increases:

86% of insurers globally believe medical inflation had a significant or very significant impact on the 2023 medical trend.

Health systems are facing disruption from skills shortages with digital healthcare still at any early stage:

70% of insurers expect AI to transform first-line diagnosis and/or navigation within five years.

Insurers are responding to employers’ needs for cost containment:

42% of insurers have not updated deductible/excesses and co-payments and have no plans to do so however so there is a need for employers to actively manage plans.

Gaps around mental health, women’s health and inclusive benefits continue to persist:

56% of insurers do not currently cover targeted mental health, socialisation and learning issues for children, teenagers and families.

Are you achieving the right balance between business costs and employee needs?

Understanding these trends and their impact are crucial for employers in order to design healthcare plans that meet the needs of your business and your employees.

Report

MMB Health Trends 2024 report

Get an in-depth look at the health trends and strategies that will help your business and your employees to succeed by downloading the full report.

Get the report now Download the infographic

Use this report to:

  • Get a clear view of the top trends for employer sponsored healthcare as you plan for 2024.
  • Learn the four key areas requiring HR professionals attention to better prepare for the year ahead.
  • Take action to effectively address issues around cost mitigation and how to create greater value for your business and your employees.

Explore previous report

  • Navigating cost trends and using innovation in employer-provided healthcare.

Related solutions

Four happy friends at sunset beach party runs to water

Employee health benefits program
Concentrated woman budgeting at office

Cost management
Young professionals, male and femaile, working on new ideas during a meeting

Global benefits management

Related Insights

Placeholder Image

Report

People risk report

21/06/2022
young stylish women laughing in city park

Report

Health on Demand 2023

04/03/2024
Portrait of smiling young woman with smartphone on tram line

Report

Unlocking opportunities to manage workforce risk

09/22/2023

This publication is created and published for informational purposes only and should not be taken as advice regarding any individual situation, not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice; and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. LCPA 24/028

“Marsh Pty Ltd (ABN 86 004 651 512, AFSL 238983) (“Marsh”) arrange this insurance and is not the insurer. The Discretionary Trust Arrangement is issued by the Trustee, JLT Group Services Pty Ltd (ABN 26 004 485 214, AFSL 417964) (“JGS”). JGS is part of the Marsh group of companies. Any advice in relation to the Discretionary Trust Arrangement is provided by JLT Risk Solutions Pty Ltd (ABN 69 009 098 864, AFSL 226827) which is a related entity of Marsh. The cover provided by the Discretionary Trust Arrangement is subject to the Trustee’s discretion and/or the relevant policy terms, conditions and exclusions. This website contains general information, does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs and may not suit your personal circumstances. For full details of the terms, conditions and limitations of the covers and before making any decision about whether to acquire a product, refer to the specific policy wordings and/or Product Disclosure Statements available from JLT Risk Solutions on request. Full information can be found in the JLT Risk Solutions Financial Services Guide.”