The 15% growth rate of medical costs estimated in Romania for 2026 places our country above the European average of 8.2%, maintaining the accelerated pace observed in other Central and Eastern European countries, according to the most recent global report by an insurance broker.
„Romania follows the regional trend of increasing medical costs. The 15% rate estimated for 2026 represents the anticipated annual increase in medical costs covered by companies and private insurers, compared to the previous year (2025),” specify the authors of the Aon Medical Trend 2026 study.
The analysis exclusively targets the private medical market, but the trend is also influenced by the general context of the Romanian healthcare system.
„This evolution places our country above the European average of 8.2% and among the most affected economies in the region, maintaining the accelerated pace observed in other Central and Eastern European states. In the European Union ranking, Romania ranks third, after Latvia and Estonia, both with 20%. At the level of the entire European continent, our country ranks fifth, after Turkey (45%), Ukraine (24%), Latvia (20%) and Estonia (20%). However, excluding countries in hyperinflationary contexts, such as Turkey and Ukraine, Romania climbs the European podium, alongside Latvia and Estonia,” the document states.
In the Central and Eastern Europe region, Romania has one of the highest values, on par with Serbia (15%) and above Poland and Hungary (10%). In South-Eastern Europe, only Bulgaria surpasses Romania, with an estimated rate of 21%, which confirms the trend of sharply increasing medical costs in the Balkans, the press release also states.
„Romania remains in the top of countries with high medical inflation for several relatively direct reasons: administrative costs in the public system, the shortage of medical personnel and the constant pressure on infrastructure. The lack of investment in the public system generates additional maintenance and modernization costs, while the more competitive private sector operates at a price that is tailor-made. In addition, the increase in prices for sanitary materials and medicines has a direct effect on medical inflation. Even if a downward trend is observed, it will be limited as long as general inflation remains above the forecast level”, explained Adrian Low Vesa, director, Health & Benefits Practice, Aon Romania, quoted in the press release.
At the regional level, Romania is in a similar situation to other countries in Central and Eastern Europe, but the differences are noticeable at the starting point. In all these countries, medical inflation has decreased from higher values, and more mature markets, such as Poland, are starting to become more stable and predictable. For companies, the effects are felt directly. The increase in the price of medical services leads to an increase in the costs for the benefits offered to employees, and with a similar budget, limitations in insurance packages or changes in coverage may appear, the authors of the analysis claim.
„This phenomenon occurs in a context in which large companies have clear objectives to temper expenses, which generates increasing pressure on medical benefits. At the same time, the need for quality medical services remains high, and employers are making considerable efforts to maintain competitive and sustainable packages,” added Adrian Low Vesa.
According to the cited source, cost control solutions vary depending on the needs of each organization. Thus, some companies set ceilings on medical benefits to limit overconsumption, others introduce contributions or copayments to make the use of services more responsible. In parallel, prevention and wellness programs are gaining more ground.
„The medical conditions that influence the global trend, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and obesity can be addressed through prevention and medical education programs. A low cost invested in prevention today can avoid significant expenses in the coming years. We are already seeing more and more organizations incorporating these programs into their human resources and occupational health strategies,” the representative of the insurance brokerage company emphasized.
The report also shows that employee health has become a major priority in human resources policies, being considered a key element for organizational success.
Aon representatives estimate a gradual flattening of the medical inflation trend in the next two to three years, conditioned by economic stability and the absence of major disruptive factors. In the medium term, the pressure on costs will remain present, but it will be easier to manage by empowering the users of the medical system and by strengthening the culture of prevention in organizations.
„Romania remains one of the most affected economies in the European Union in terms of medical costs, but the downward trends and investments in prevention programs show a direction of balance. Companies that will manage to combine cost control with coherent education and organizational health strategies will be best prepared for the coming period,” the document also reads.
Aon Romania is the local subsidiary of Aon plc, a company that provides risk management solutions, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, human resources consulting and outsourcing services. Aon Romania is an insurance broker in Romania, offering professional services to commercial companies and financial institutions.
AGERPRES
