Financial concerns rival health as world’s leading consumer worry, Allianz survey finds

Financial concerns have risen to match health as the world’s leading personal worry, according to a new global consumer survey from Allianz, highlighting the growing financial pressures facing households and their potential impact on insurance purchasing decisions.

The findings, published in the insurer’s Allianz 3am Report 2026, are based on responses from 10,000 people across 10 countries and show that both financial pressures and health concerns were identified by 48% of respondents as their biggest source of anxiety. Concerns about the future ranked third at 35%.

Financial worries increased in seven of the eight countries surveyed year on year, with respondents citing the rising cost of living and insufficient income as their primary concerns.

The report also found financial pressures featured prominently across several European markets, including France, Germany, and the UK, while Spain and Switzerland – surveyed for the first time – also ranked finances among their top concerns.

Health remained an equally significant issue. Nearly half of respondents expressed concern about their own physical health, while 45% worried about the health of family members and 42% cited access to medical treatment. The report also identified mental health and stress as the fastest-growing health concerns compared with 2025.

The findings suggest that economic pressures may increasingly influence purchasing decisions as consumers seek to balance affordability with adequate protection.

Higher living costs can lead travellers to reduce discretionary spending, delay insurance purchases, or opt for lower levels of cover, while heightened concern about health continues to reinforce the value of medical and travel protection.

The report also points to growing financial vulnerability among households. Only 5% of respondents described themselves as financially secure and able to save or invest significantly, while almost one-third said they struggled to make ends meet.

Around one in three respondents reported they were unable to save regularly, potentially leaving them more exposed to unexpected expenses such as medical emergencies or travel disruption.

In response to the findings, Allianz has launched a free online financial education platform, Allianz School for Life, aimed at improving financial literacy through guidance on budgeting, investing, and risk management for different age groups. The insurer said the initiative was intended to help consumers build greater long-term financial resilience.

For insurers, the report reinforces the challenge of developing products that remain accessible as household budgets come under increasing strain, while continuing to demonstrate the value of insurance in protecting customers against financial shocks.