Greek health insurance premiums rise, transparency concerns grow

Greek insurance companies are raising premiums on long-term health contracts, with average increases hovering around 8% for 2026. However, a significant portion of policyholders, over 56%, are facing hikes exceeding this average, and nearly 16% are experiencing increases above 9%.

This data comes from the Independent Authority for Market Control and Consumer Protection, which analyzed information from eleven insurance companies covering over 231,000 policyholders. While the authority notes that insurers have made efforts to contain increases, the primary concern is not just the amount but the lack of transparency surrounding how these adjustments are calculated.

“

The element that stands out is that behind the average, significant deviations are hidden.

Policyholders struggle to understand the breakdown of their premium increases. It's often unclear how much is due to the insured moving into a higher age bracket, rising healthcare costs, increased service utilization, or specific contract terms. The information letters sent by companies lack a uniform format and often fail to clearly state the old and new premiums, the exact percentage increase, or the basis for calculation.

The authority emphasizes that policyholders should know not only how much their premiums are increasing but also why. They propose that companies clearly state the previous premium, the new premium, the percentage increase, the effective date, and a brief explanation of the key factors driving the adjustment. These increases occurred in the absence of an annual premium adjustment index, which is still pending determination by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).

“

The insured must be able to know not only how much their premium is increasing, but also why it is increasing.