Employee health costs rise across EMEA

The cost of providing health-related benefits for companies in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) rose by an average of 3.6% in 2012, according to a new survey conducted by Mercer March Benefits (MMB). Costs rose at a similar rate – 3.4% – in 2011. The biggest drivers of cost in 2012 were the increasing utilization of health services, the growing complexity and expense of medical procedures and the impact of large claims, such as those for cancer treatment.