Howden Employee Benefits – Asia Infographic & Global Employee Health Report 2026

Report

3 minutes

18 November 2025

The changing face of employee health - Asia

Asia leads the world in medical cost trends, with an average increase of 11.4 percent (net of general inflation), far exceeding the global norm. This surge reflects a structurally high-cost healthcare environment driven by sustained post-pandemic utilisation, rising cases of chronic and critical illness, and growing investment in advanced diagnostics and treatments.

Digital health adoption is accelerating across the region, yet confidence and understanding of new tools remain uneven. At the same time, pressure on public systems and reliance on private care continue to drive costs higher. For employers, the challenge is clear: balance affordability with timely access and quality care through stronger prevention strategies, transparency and cost control.

Building on the Global Employee Health Report, this Asia Infographic and Insights 2026 highlights the key trends shaping employee health and benefits across the region.

Asia infographic & insights 2026

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Employee Health Benefits for the Moments that Matter

The health benefits employees receive affect every part of their lives – from how they live and work, to how they recover when something goes wrong. For them, the system they rely on isn’t simply a policy or a plan. It’s personal. It’s emotional. It’s the difference between getting help and feeling stuck.

Employees, employers, and insurers all face the same healthcare challenges – but from different directions. These priorities don’t always line up, leading to a widening gap between what’s covered and what’s needed – and between perceived and actual value.

  • Employees want fast, simple, confidential care they can trust.
  • Employers need to manage costs, while supporting their people and keeping them productive.
  • Insurers must balance rising medical trends, the cost of new treatments and the pressure to innovate.

This report looks at the human side of health – how people experience care, what drives cost and complexity, and how better alignment between value, cost and care can lead to stronger, more sustainable health systems for everyone.

Key Findings - Asia

70%

of employees say health benefits influence their decision when considering a new role, while 70% (compared to 60% globally) are more likely to stay with an employer that offers good health benefits.

64%

of employees say they trust AI in healthcare, yet confidence and understanding of digital tools remain uneven. 38% have already experienced AI in their care journey

38%

of employees in Asia accessed mental health support in the past year, compared to 49% globally. Stigma and cultural concerns continue to delay early intervention.

Global Employee Health Report 2026 - satisfaction

The Employee Experience Gap

The report shows that while most employees with serious illnesses get an appointment within a week, far fewer begin treatment as quickly. Access is faster in Asia and Latin America, supported by strong private networks and prevention programmes. In Europe, public systems face longer waits. For employees on their healthcare journey, these delays matter—shaping how they feel about their health, their support, and their employer.

employee health report wait times
Howden Employee Benefits – Asia Infographic & Global Employee Health Report 2026

Download Asia Infographic and Insights 2026

Discover the latest benefits trends and strategies to optimise employee benefits design amid inflation and access challenges.

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