Brasília – Spending by private health insurers on oncology medicines increased by 63% between 2021 and 2024, according to data from the National Federation of Supplementary Health (FenaSaúde). The surge is driven mainly by the rapid incorporation of new oral cancer treatments into mandatory health plan coverage.

In 2024, expenditures on cancer drugs reached approximately R$4.2 billion, accounting for 70% of all new technologies added to the supplementary health coverage list since 2022. Despite the sharp growth, oncology treatments still represent less than 20% of total medicine spending by private plans, estimated at R$22.6 billion last year.

The figures highlight the growing financial pressure on the private health sector amid expanding access to high-cost therapies. Insurers are calling for new reimbursement and risk-sharing models to balance access to innovation with long-term system sustainability.

Source: Folha de S.Paulo

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