Kathmandu. One in five Employees in Asia are not sure they will be able to buy health care for themselves or their families in 2025. Which is more than the previous years.
According to a new report by Mercer Mars Benefits, the gap in healthcare affordability is on a widening trend across Asia. Insurance benefits are playing a key role in bridging or widening the gap, the report said.
The growing medical trend rate, which averages 13 percent across Asia, is significantly outpacing salary increases. Which is relatively low in major markets such as India, Indonesia and the Philippines.
This inequality is putting pressure on employees earning less than average income in particular. One in three people in this group believe that health care should be affordable.
Insurance coverage for key services is limited. For example, 40 per cent of employees say insurance coverage is useful for prescription medications or regular doctor visits. However, very few employers are currently providing these facilities.
There is also a significant difference in the availability of serious illness and personal accident insurance among low-income employees in Asia. “Employees are delaying medical services, especially among the younger generation, due to financial constraints,” the report said. This delay can increase long-term healthcare costs and affect workforce productivity.
Mental health coverage is another concern, the report said. “Thirty-eight per cent of asian male employees value mental health check-ups,” the report said, adding that only 25 per cent received such facilities through their employers. ’
The report suggests that insurance companies may have an opportunity to bridge the insurance coverage gap by partnering with employers to provide more accessible and affordable products at different income levels and life stages. “This may include expanded outpatient and mental health coverage, preventive screenings, and products designed to reduce climate-related health risks,” the report said.
The report is based on responses from 5,121 Asian employees as part of a global survey conducted at the end of 2024.
