Access to GLP 1 treatments is entering a period of significant change. Semaglutide patent expiry in emerging markets, alongside generic approvals in Canada, is opening the way for lower cost treatments and wider access. Most developed markets will see this shift later, creating a two speed transformation in demand and utilisation.

For private health insurers, wider access could increase pharmaceutical spending and claims costs even as unit prices fall, while longer term effects remain uncertain. This briefing examines how the market is evolving and explores the implications for forecasting, benefit design, reimbursement, underwriting and appropriate prescribing as insurers prepare for changing utilisation, cost and risk.