Healthcare cost hikes in 2026 may be only slightly lower than 2025, WTW says

Healthcare DIVE November 12, 2025
Ginger Christ

The increase remains “significantly higher” than the 7.6% seen in 2024.

Dive Brief:

Healthcare cost increases are projected to rise 9.6% in the U.S. in 2026, only a hair less than the 9.7% experienced this year, according to WTW’s 2026 Global Medical Trends report, released Tuesday. However, the increase remains “significantly higher” than the 7.6% seen in 2024.
Globally, the average cost of health benefits is predicted to rise 10.3%, up from 10% in 2025 and 9.5% in 2024, WTW found.
“Despite variations in healthcare provision in different countries and regions around the world, rising medical costs are a consistent trend for all,” Linda Pham, global health and risk leader for integrated and global solutions for WTW,...

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