Health insurance

Growing role for health insurers

Private health insurers provide individuals or groups with a range of services to supplement, complement or sometimes replace publicly financed healthcare. Policies cover the medical costs of illness or accidents. In some cases, they offer other elements, such as critical illness or disability cover.

The role of private health insurers is becoming ever more significant as a result of Europe’s ageing populations and increasing strains on national healthcare systems.

EU member states are responsible for the organisation of their healthcare systems. Nevertheless, legislative developments at European level can have a significant direct or indirect impact on private health insurers, so Insurance Europe monitors and engages in any EU-level developments.

Total European health claims paid grew 1.1% to €130bn in 2020

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Contacts

Oleksandra Hrendey

Senior policy advisor, general insurance
+32 2 894 30 41