Based on almost 1,000 interviews, one point comes through clearly in our study: despite shared challenges, benefit design still varies significantly across markets
GrECo’s latest comparative Health & Benefits study across Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Türkiye shows that, although group life and accidental death & disability (AD&D) insurance remains firmly in place across much of CEE, its value can no longer be taken for granted. For companies in the region the real issue is increasingly not whether cover exists, but whether the way it is structured still reflects what employees actually need.
Straining under pressure
Group life and AD&D insurance has historically been the starting point for employee protection across much of CEE and remains so today. Yet, it is becoming outdated, and its limitations are beginning to show as employee expectations shift and traditional benefit programmes are being asked to do more than they were originally designed for.
Same structure, very different markets
Although the overall structure of these programmes looks broadly similar from one country to the next, our survey shows that the level of maturity, uptake and market acceptance varies quite noticeably:
- Poland represents a far more established and deeply embedded market
- Türkiye remains more selective
- Bulgaria and Romania continue to develop in line with their own local conditions, incentives and employer priorities.
What does this mean for employers?
For employers operating across CEE, this is a clear sign that overly rigid standardisation is unlikely to deliver the right outcome, and that a more effective model is one built around shared principles, minimum standards and strategic alignment, while still allowing enough room for local adaptation so benefits remain meaningful, competitive and relevant over time.
About the Study
The survey targeted HR professionals and decision-makers in companies that offer at least one insurance benefit, such as group life insurance, private medical care, or pension schemes. Interviews were conducted either via telephone or in person, using a quota sampling method to ensure balanced representation across company sizes and industries. The questionnaire was carefully structured into four key areas: medical care, risk benefits, pensions and wellbeing.
Ewelina Jaworska-Bień
Head of People Solutions
T +48 504 178 064
