Financial anxiety driven by the rising cost of living is placing sustained pressure on people across Britain, with almost half of adults identifying price increases as their main source of stress, according to new research from Cigna Healthcare.

The Cigna Healthcare International Health Study 2025, which surveyed more than 11,000 adults across 13 countries, found that 47% of UK respondents cited persistent price rises as their primary stressor. Overall, 70% reported experiencing stress primarily due to financial strain on a weekly basis, while only three in 10 said they felt they had the financial freedom and opportunities to support themselves.

The study suggests that financial pressures are having far-reaching consequences for health and productivity. Alongside cost concerns, uncertainty about the future was identified as a stressor by 39% of UK respondents, while 32% pointed to worries about personal finances. Compared with the global average, people in the UK reported higher levels of stress-related impact.

“This extends beyond typical daily pressures,” said Dr Stella George, Chief Medical Officer for International Health at Cigna Healthcare. “Experts are increasingly recognising how chronic stress can contribute to a variety of significant, often overlooked health issues… The constant ‘flight or fight’ response caused by stress can disrupt sugar regulation and increase blood pressure, suppressing the body’s natural defences.”

Among UK respondents who described themselves as stressed, more than half reported disrupted sleep, while nearly two in five said stress had affected their ability to concentrate on tasks.

Cigna Healthcare said employers could respond by introducing financial wellbeing programmes, reviewing benefits to improve access to mental health support, and promoting flexible working practices to help reduce stress and support employee vitality.

A new report from AXA Global Healthcare has revealed a significant generational divide in how expatriates experience and manage their mental wellbeing.