AXA survey reveals mental healthcare barriers across 18 countries

<AXA survey reveals mental healthcare barriers across 18 countries

In 2026, AXA's Global Healthcare conducted a report titled "Mind Health Report: Reaching the Right Support" which reveals significant barriers to mental healthcare across 18 countries. A key finding is that cost remains a prominent barrier, with 33% of people with mental health concerns not seeking help due to high medical consultation and treatment costs.

However, the severity of this barrier varies globally. For instance, it is more of a deterrent in Mexico (50%) and the Philippines (49%) compared to Germany (15%) and Turkey (17%).

Stigma also plays a significant role in hindering individuals from seeking professional help, with attitudes towards mental health being particularly strong in countries like the UK, South Korea, and Hong Kong. Conversely, stigma is less of an issue in Switzerland, Turkey, and Thailand (13%). The research suggests that stigma is often related to how well a person's condition is managed and is a primary reason for delaying help-seeking behavior.

Interestingly, where cost is a major barrier, there is a higher propensity to use AI tools for mental health support. In the Philippines, for example, 71% of respondents use AI for mental health, while 60% use it to search for information on managing their mental health, compared to 52% of those not held back by stigma. Dr. Anne Lepetit, Chief Medical Officer at AXA Health Business, emphasizes that AI should not replace professional therapists but can serve as a valuable entry point for those seeking help.

Non-natives, or people living and working outside their country of birth, face additional challenges in accessing mental healthcare due to language barriers, distance from loved ones, and unfamiliar healthcare systems. In such cases, AI is frequently used to find suitable healthcare professionals or facilities, with two in five (40%) respondents using it for this purpose.

Employers have an opportunity to mitigate these barriers by fostering a culture of trust and openness, where employees can discuss their mental health without fear of judgment or career repercussions. Providing confidential routes to professional help and alleviating the financial burden of consultations and treatment can also significantly improve support accessibility.

The report underscores the importance of making professional mental health support more accessible, with eight in ten employees expressing willingness to join mental health support programs at work, yet only two thirds aware of these programs. AXA Health Business aims to address this gap through its global solutions, including mental health awareness training and dedicated employee support services.