Global health insurance costs are expected to rise by an average of 10.3% this year, according to WTW’s 2026 Global Medical Trends report. That follows increases of 10% in 2025 and 9.5% in 2024, a run of higher costs that is putting steady pressure on insurers’ margins. Even so, one of the biggest names in the sector is choosing this moment to step up what it returns to investors.
UnitedHealth Group (UNH) is sending a clear message of confidence to its shareholders. On Wednesday, the company announced a 5% dividend increase, lifting its quarterly payout from $2.21 to $2.32 per share. This latest raise marks UnitedHealth’s 16th straight year of growing its dividend.
