Employer Medical Benefit Costs in Asia Pacific to Grow 8.7 Percent in 2020, Aon Survey Forecasts
Singapore health benefit costs set to increase by 10%
SINGAPORE (19 September 2019) – Medical costs in Asia Pacific are forecasted to increase from 8.6 percent in 2019 to 8.7 percent in 2020, according to the 2020 Global Medical Trend Rates Report released by Aon plc (NYSE: AON).
In Singapore, employer-provided medical benefit costs will increase by 10 percent in 2020, outpacing average general inflation of 1.4 percent. This is due to a combination of factors such as an ageing population and a rise in chronic diseases including diabetes and high blood pressure.
However, projected medical trend rates vary significantly by location. In Asia, costs are expected to increase the most in Malaysia and Thailand, with average medical trend rates forecasted at 14 percent and 13.9 percent respectively.
In contrast, China and Hong Kong are projected to see an average medical trend rate increase of 7.5 percent and 8.1 percent respectively. Due to the adoption of advanced technology, the prices of medical goods and services are increasing at a level two to three times of general inflation. The penetration of mobile applications for online claims management has also contributed to the increase in claims reported by supplemental medical plans in China. In Hong Kong, the medical trend rate is driven by increasing levels of stress and respiratory infections.
Tim Dwyer, CEO of Health Solutions, Asia Pacific, Aon said, “Cost containment strategies are no longer enough to address medical inflation. Organisations in the region must introduce comprehensive programmes that address the physical, emotional, social and financial wellbeing of their employees. A proactive people strategy focusing on all these factors will lead to a healthier, engaged, and more productive workforce.”
Health Care Benefit Cost Growth from 2019 to 2020
| |
2019 |
2020 |
| China |
6.0% |
7.5% |
| Hong Kong |
8.3% |
8.1% |
| India |
9.0% |
8.5% |
| Indonesia |
13.0% |
13.0% |
| Malaysia |
16.0% |
14.0% |
| Philippines |
10.0% |
9.2% |
| Singapore |
10.0% |
10.0% |
| Thailand |
9.0% |
13.9% |
| Vietnam |
12.0% |
11.0% |
Aon's report confirms the increasing impact of non-communicable diseases on health care costs globally. In Asia Pacific, cardiovascular, cancer, musculoskeletal, ENT and gastrointestinal were the most prevalent health conditions driving health care claims.
Leading Medical Conditions in Asia Pacific and the World
| Asia Pacific |
Global |
| Cardiovascular |
Cardiovascular |
| Cancer |
Cancer |
| Musculoskeletal |
Diabetes |
| ENT |
High blood pressure |
| Gastrointestinal |
Musculoskeletal |
About Aon
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