Financial worries rise and match health concerns as cost-of-living pressures mount in 2026

Financial worries, which include concerns about “rising cost of living” (71%) and “insufficient income” (51%), increased in seven out of eight countries surveyed year over year, moving up in the ranking of top three worries in Brazil, France, Germany, and the U.K., while remaining stable in Italy. The strongest increases are observed in Australia and Indonesia, where financial concerns have remained the leading worry, as well as in Turkey (from 42% to 49%). In the two countries added to this year's survey, Spain and Switzerland, financial worries also rank among the top two concerns. At the same time, many people lack the financial knowledge needed to save effectively, build wealth and plan for long-term security, a gap Allianz aims to help close with its new financial and risk learning platform, “ Allianz School For Life.”

Health concerns remain a major source of anxiety worldwide. Concerns about personal physical health rank highest globally at 48%, followed by worries about the health of family members (45%) and access to medical treatment (42%). Mental health and stress are emerging as the fastest-growing issues (up 5 and 4 percentage points, respectively, from 2025), potentially reflecting the strain of uncertain times and even financial stress on individuals’ well-being. Allianz helps address these concerns by offering a connected suite of health and preventive care services designed to support people throughout their healthcare journey, guide them to the right care faster, and reduce unnecessary treatment.

“The top worries of finances and health increasingly reflect the search for stability in a changing world. As more household budgets are focused on essentials, many people find it harder to save, plan ahead and feel in control of their future. For Allianz, staying close to customers starts with understanding their everyday realities. It also means helping them make informed financial choices and ensuring they have the right access to health and preventative care. It is how we continue to earn their trust across generations and provide protection and peace of mind through insurance solutions they value and can afford,” said Bernd Heinemann, Head of Group Strategy, Marketing, and Distribution, Allianz SE.

Based on a survey of 10,000 people across Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and the U.K., the report takes a closer look at how financial pressure is shaping everyday choices. The findings point to growing affordability challenges. They reflect a shift toward a less inclusive economy where wealth gaps are widening. 

With only a small global minority (5%) describing themselves as truly financially secure and able to save and invest significantly, a large share report they are “managing”, while nearly one in three are struggling to make ends meet. In uncertain times, the dominant instinct is defensive with 34% of respondents reducing nonessential spending and 22% focusing on saving for essential future needs. Expenses for food (77%) and housing (49%) dominate household budgets globally, followed by transportation (35%) and insurance (34%). 

For many households, saving money remains difficult, with nearly one in three people unable to save regularly, which may result in unexpected expenses that can quickly disrupt stability. Across Europe and the U.K., around one-third (34%) are able to save 10% or more of their income. Indonesia shows a different pattern, with 56% of respondents reporting they can save 10% or more of their income, suggesting a greater reliance on personal savings to manage uncertainty, even under pressure. 

As the cost of living rises and people take greater responsibility for their retirement, wealth and financial security, financial literacy is essential. However, significant knowledge gaps remain: Allianz Research finds that only 18% of people have advanced financial knowledge, while 26% have only a basic understanding. Allianz continues to invest in customer-centric solutions that address customers’ evolving needs. One way it is doing so is through the launch of the “Allianz School For Life,” a free, open-access digital learning platform designed to help address gaps in financial literacy and support long-term resilience. The platform provides content about budgeting, investing and risk management, tailored to different life stages, with dedicated learning journeys for children, teenagers and adults, to make financial education engaging, accessible and applicable to everyday life.