Discover the top trends shaping employee benefits programs.
The latest Mercer Marsh Benefits Health Trends global survey of 226 insurers — including 93 in Asia — identified five key themes driving costs and risks in employee health benefits.
Five key trends
Top trends driving the future of employer-provided healthcare and employee benefits programs:
What do these trends mean for plan sponsors in Asia?
Understanding these trends will be crucial for employers – helping them to design healthcare plans that meet the needs of a business and its employees.
Generally higher than average forecast medical trend rates in Southeast Asia
The 2023 medical trend rates in Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and The Philippines are expected to be higher than the Asia average of 11.5%. Taiwan’s medical trend rate is forecast at 15.8% — the highest in the region.
Significant focus on prioritising competitive, valued benefits
73% of insurers in Asia expect plan sponsors to make plan improvements to help address employee retention, engagement and attraction, compared to 68% globally.
Employers lagging behind in adjusting plans in line with inflation
In Asia, only 19% of companies have automatically adjusted deductibles/excesses and/or co-payments in line with inflation for group insurance, compared to the global average of 24%. 6% of companies plan to make adjustments in the next six months.
