kathimerini.gr
Rising Costs of Long-Term Health Insurance in Greece
In 2023, Greek long-term health insurance policies (255,000, 25% of market) showed a 19.5% claim frequency, averaging €4,560 per claim – up from 17.8% and €4,370 in 2022, driven by complex medical procedures and technological advancements, necessitating premium adjustments while protecting policyholders from excessive increases.
- What factors contribute to the rising cost of healthcare in Greece, and how does this impact long-term health insurance?
- The increase in average claim costs for long-term health insurance in Greece reflects broader trends of rising healthcare costs globally, influenced by aging populations and medical advancements. The IOBE's annual data, used by the state in 2022 to guide premium adjustments, provides an objective measure for these policies, which are not easily comparable due to varying coverage and provider billing practices.
- What is the average cost and frequency of claims for long-term health insurance policies in Greece in 2023, and how do these figures compare to 2022?
- In Greece, 255,000 long-term health insurance policies, representing about a quarter of the market, experienced a 19.5% claim frequency in 2023, with an average cost of €4,560 per claim. This is a significant increase from 2022's 17.8% frequency and €4,370 average cost. The rising costs are driven by complex medical procedures and access to new technologies.
- How can Greece address the challenges of rising healthcare costs and ensure the long-term viability of guaranteed renewal health insurance policies while protecting policyholders?
- Future challenges include balancing the need for sustainable premium adjustments with the protection of policyholders from excessive cost increases. This requires a comprehensive framework considering market competition, provider pricing practices, and whether implicit cross-subsidization among policyholders is justified. Policy adjustments should also avoid a market with reduced coverage, so the deduction of premiums from household taxes, as previously existed, could offer some mitigation.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue as a problem that requires a solution, focusing on the need for accurate cost measurement and adjustments to insurance premiums. This framing might inadvertently downplay the social and ethical implications of rising healthcare costs and their impact on individuals' access to care.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and objective, using data and analysis to support its claims. However, phrases like "εκθετική αύξηση ασφαλίστρων" (exponential increase in insurance premiums) could be considered slightly loaded, suggesting a negative connotation without explicitly stating that it is a problem. A more neutral alternative might be "significant increase in insurance premiums".
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on the cost of health insurance and doesn't discuss other relevant aspects of the healthcare system, such as access to care or quality of services. This omission might limit the reader's understanding of the broader healthcare landscape.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy between allowing insurance premiums to rise with costs and the risk of insurers becoming insolvent. It doesn't explore potential middle grounds or alternative solutions, such as increased competition or regulation of healthcare provider pricing.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the importance of accurate cost measurement in the healthcare sector to ensure the sustainability of the insurance market and the accessibility of healthcare services. Accurate cost data helps in adjusting premiums fairly, preventing unsustainable losses for insurance companies, and ensuring that healthcare remains accessible. The analysis contributes to the improvement of healthcare financial management and the stability of the health insurance system.