2026 Global Employee Benefits Report

The Changing Face of Global Employee Health

Employee health and benefits are evolving rapidly. Rising inflation is driving up costs, artificial intelligence is reshaping care journeys, new medications such as GLP-1s are emerging, and employers are navigating an increasingly complex landscape of human risks.

This is where Howden Employee Benefits brings a fresh perspective. Our new report—built on extensive insights from insurers, employers and employees—offers a comprehensive market view of the forces reshaping global employee health and medical benefits. Howden’s perspective is informed by global data and the real-life experiences of employees around the world.

Health Benefits for Life’s Most Important Moments

Employee health benefits influence every aspect of life—from how people live and work to how they recover when something goes wrong. For employees, the system they rely on is not just a policy or a plan. It is personal. It is emotional. It can be the difference between receiving support or feeling stuck.

Employees, employers and insurers all face the same health challenges, but from different angles. These priorities don’t always align, creating a widening gap between what is provided and what is needed—and between perceived and actual value.
•    Employees want fast, simple and private care they can trust.
•    Employers need to manage costs while supporting employees and keeping them productive.
•    Insurers must balance rising medical trends, the cost of new treatments and the pressure to innovate.
This report explores the human side of health: how people experience care, what drives cost and complexity, and how better alignment between value, cost and care can create stronger and more sustainable health systems for everyone.

Key Findings

57%
of employees begin treatment within one week of diagnosis. 36% say delays made their condition worse, and 41% say they paid out of pocket for treatment even though they had private insurance.

53%
of employees expect obesity-related drug prices to rise by up to 25% by 2026. Demand for new metabolic drugs such as GLP-1s is growing rapidly, but costs remain a major concern.

68%
of employees say they would trust AI in healthcare, and 48% want to see AI-enabled tools adopted more widely.
 

The Employee Experience Gap

The report shows that although most employees with serious illnesses are able to secure an appointment within a week, very few begin treatment at the same pace. Access is faster in Asia and Latin America, supported by strong private networks and prevention programs. In Europe, public systems face longer waiting times. For employees undergoing a healthcare journey, these delays shape how they feel about their health, the support they receive, and their employers.