2026 Global Medical Trend Rates Report: Asia Pacific Insights
The 2026 Global Medical Trend Rates Report is published at a time of economic and geopolitical uncertainty, but the data shows a clear and encouraging message: medical trend rates are stabilsing globally and in APAC.
Key Statistics for APAC from Aon’s 2026 Global Medical Trend Rates Report
- 2026 Gross Medical Trend Rate (2026): 11.3%
- Net Medical Trend Rate (2026): 8.9%
APAC Outlook
The global average medical trend rate for 2026 is expected to be 9.7%, marking a return to single-digit growth for the first time since 2023, and APAC’s gross medical trend rate is forecasted at 11.3%, slightly higher than last year’s 11.1%.
Key markets – China, India, Philippines and Singapore – where utilisation patterns are stabilising and wellbeing initiatives are gaining traction, are projecting slightly lower medical trend rate increases than in 2025.
Insights:
- Hard Vendor Negotiation Remains a Key Cost Containment Strategy
However, employers are not stopping there. Rising medical expenses and changing employee expectations demand disciplined cost control through analytics, negotiation, and plan design – that's a fundamental starting point. - Forward-Thinking Employers are Leveraging Data Analytics
Blend short-term cost levers – like renewal strategies and data-driven negotiations – with longer-term approaches that invest in wellbeing, flexible benefits, and smarter analytics. Data-driven insights will help make better informed and better advised decisions. - Flexible Benefits Gaining Traction
APAC has seen a spike in the adoption of flexible benefit plans, reflecting a proactive approach to cost containment and employee wellbeing. Ultimately, savings achieved through smarter design, better wellbeing, and targeted engagement only work when employees experience benefits as relevant and supportive.
“The APAC medical trend is finally stabilising after years of sharp increases. Analyse your own policy medical trend as it may fall faster than the market average, use local tender exercises to drive competitive market tension, draw greater scrutiny on high value and high cost claims, and finally develop cases to invest in preventive wellbeing strategies to improve medium to long term utilisation.”
Alan Oates, Head of Global Benefits, Asia Pacific
APAC stands out for its higher-than-global medical trend rates but shows equally strong signs of stabilisation. This is a pivotal moment for employers. Analyse your own policy medical trend as it may fall faster than the market average, draw greater scrutiny on high value and high-cost claims, and finally develop cases to invest in preventive wellbeing strategies to improve medium to long term utilisation.
Download the exclusive insights from our APAC Global Medical Trend Rates Report webinar to access key takeaways and strategies on reshaping your benefits to support your people’s health in a sustainable way.