WTW-2024年全球医疗趋势调查（英）-2023.10-10页_854kb

2024 Global Medical Trends Summary

Overview
Global medical costs reached historic highs in 2023, with a trend rate of 10.7%, projected to decrease slightly to 9.9% in 2024. Despite the projected decline, costs remain elevated in the double-digit range, but insurers anticipate continued increases over the next three years.

Projections for 2024

• Regional trends show a decline or stability, with Europe experiencing the sharpest drop from 10.9% to 9.3%.
• Latin America and Asia Pacific maintain or slightly decrease trends, while the Middle East and Africa project an increase from 11.3% to 12.1%.
• Factors include easing pandemic-related disruptions, falling global inflation, and the persistent high cost of new medical technologies.

Key Drivers of Cost Increases

• Delays in care from the pandemic are easing, reducing elective procedures and consultations.
• Geopolitical conflicts and reduced provider availability exacerbate costs, particularly in regions with displaced populations.
• Overuse of care due to system overload and poor resource allocation contributes to costs, with insurers increasingly addressing this through better management.

Conditions and Costs

• Musculoskeletal disorders are the top condition by incidence, linked to sedentary lifestyles and poor ergonomics.
• Mental health disorders are growing rapidly as claims and costs surge, with cultural and access barriers in some regions.
• Cancer remains the leading cost driver globally, expected to grow fastest due to delayed screenings and high treatment expenses.

Telehealth and Emerging Trends

• Telehealth adoption increased significantly, offering cost-efficient alternatives to in-person care, especially for mental health.
• Exclusions in insurance programs hinder inclusivity, while public healthcare systems face funding challenges, increasing reliance on private insurers.

Recommendations for Employers

• Conduct program reviews to identify gaps and mitigate risks.
• Use data and analytics to monitor health risks and optimize policy utilization.
• Enhance communications to ensure employees understand benefits.
• Boost preventive healthcare through digital solutions and integrate wellbeing initiatives.

Additional Insights

• Based on a survey of 266 insurers in 66 countries, long-term cost pressures require proactive strategies to counteract rising expenses and improve healthcare resilience.