Growing role for health insurers
Private health insurers provide individuals or groups with policies to 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. Total European health premiums grew 4.8% to €140bn in 2018.
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.