Rising Global Health Insurance Costs and New Policy Changes

Japan to Counter Foreigners Refusing to Pay Health Insurance Premiums

4 Nov 2025

Japan’s health ministry plans to deny the renewal or change of residential status for foreign citizens who refuse to pay national health insurance premiums, starting in June 2027. Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno announced that the ministry will also take stronger actions against foreign residents who avoid paying medical expenses, sharing nonpayment information with the Immigration Services Agency. As of the end of 2024, only 63% of foreign residents in certain municipalities were paying premiums, compared to 93% of Japanese citizens. Foreigners staying in Japan for more than three months are required to enroll in the country’s national health insurance system.

German health insurance costs expected to rise sharply in 2026

3 Nov 2025

German statutory health insurance providers (GKV) have warned that additional health insurance contributions will significantly increase in January 2026, despite government efforts to control costs. Employees earning under €73,000 annually contribute 14.6% of their salary, with half paid by the employer and the rest by the employee. In addition, they may face an “additional contribution” (Zusatzbeitrag) for extra services like screenings and dental care, which could rise to over 3% on average in 2026. The government’s recent €2 billion spending package is seen as insufficient to prevent these hikes. Insurers will announce specific increases in the coming weeks, with a deadline of January 31, 2026, for switching providers.

Panic across US as health insurance costs set to surge

31 Oct 2025

As U.S. government subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) are set to expire at the end of 2025, many Americans are facing a dramatic increase in health insurance premiums. For families like Rachel Mosley’s, premiums could nearly triple to $4,000 a month, a significant burden on their income. The expiration of subsidies is at the heart of a budget standoff between Republicans and Democrats, contributing to a government shutdown. Experts warn that this could leave millions uninsured, forcing many to rely on emergency room care and putting a strain on the broader healthcare system.