Private Insurers in Lebanon to Raise Health Insurance Rates by 10%
According to Atlas Magazine, private insurers operating in the Lebanese market are expecting to increase their health insurance rates by 10%.
This decision comes on the heels of a significant 23% surge in medical service costs, as well as an increase in doctors' fees. While the insurers justify this hike, it poses a financial challenge for many families who are already struggling to make ends meet.
Approximately 500,000 Lebanese and non-Lebanese residents are covered by private health insurance, according to Ici Beyrouth and the Ministry of Economy's figures.
The rate increase is also attributed to the reduction in public subsidies for medical care and medication, as well as the inflation of imported medical equipment and prosthetics prices.
Insurers are also pointing fingers at hospitals and doctors, accusing them of excessive medical examination prescriptions and unjustified prolonged hospital stays, which contribute to the rising costs for insurers and ultimately, for the insured.
