Here's What the Average Retiree Actually Spends on Health Care (How Do You Compare?)

When saving for retirement, most people invest in a 401(k) retirement plan through their employer without realizing how expensive some retirement costs can be once they stop working. In fact, one cost that many retirees underestimate is health care costs.

Recent data from Fidelity found that a 65-year-old in 2026 will spend an average of $185,500 on their health care costs and medical expenses in retirement. For those living on a fixed income, this number may come as a shock. Here's more information about health care costs in retirement and what you can do to prepare yourself financially.

Health care costs are rising year over year

In 2025, Fidelity estimated that health care costs would be on average $172,500 in retirement, and back in 2002, the number was $80,000. That means that those who are still working today can expect this number to rise even more.

Between 2025 and 2026, the average cost increased 7.5%, so even if you have five to 10 years left before retirement, your average health care cost could be even higher in retirement.

The average health care costs don't include everything

One cost that Fidelity's data does not include is long-term care costs. If you require long-term care, such as a nursing home or memory care facility, your health care costs in retirement could be substantially higher than the average. That's why it is so important to prepare for this expense in retirement.

Health care costs could be even higher for women

Because women typically live longer than men on average, their health care costs may be even higher. Research from Milliman's 2026 Retiree Health Cost Index projects found that it would cost men roughly $297,000 and women $340,000 under traditional Medicare.

These projections were for a healthy person retiring at 65, so those who have health issues may face higher costs. If you know that your health care needs will require more doctor's appointments in the future, allocate more savings towards health care when preparing a retirement budget.

These factors are driving health care costs higher

There are a few factors that are driving health care costs higher. First of all, people are living longer, which is requiring a greater need for doctor visits, long-term care, and more.

Additionally, even though inflation is causing many prices to increase on everyday items, health care is outpacing inflation. According to the most recent data from the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, health care costs per capita were up 3.2% in January 2026, which is more than the 2.4% personal consumption expenditure price index, which measures inflation on goods and services.

Finally, Medicare premiums are rising. All of these factors combined are contributing to higher costs in an already expensive health care landscape in the United States. This can be incredibly challenging to manage for retired Americans who are living on a fixed income.

Health care spending increases once you turn 80

According to RAND data, health care expenses rise once people turn 80, while other expense categories, such as vacations and leisure, decline. Because of that, it's important to plan for these rising expenses and ensure you're prepared to support any health care needs you may have later in life.

Sometimes, nursing homes or memory care facilities can cost thousands of dollars per month for round-the-clock care, which can quickly reduce retirement nest eggs.

Build a dedicated health care budget for retirement

Ultimately, one of the best ways to prepare for health care costs in retirement is to make health care a regular part of your budget. Tracking your spending, reducing high-interest debt, and creating an emergency fund can help you prepare for rising health care expenses as you age.

If you still have a few years before you retire, now is the time to take advantage of catch-up contributions and employer matches to ensure that you invest as much as possible before you stop working. Many retirees struggle with the transition from a salaried income to a fixed income, so planning ahead can help.

Consult with a financial advisor about your options

If you need help planning a budget and expenses in retirement, consult with a financial advisor. They can help you decide what types of accounts may optimize your health care spending, like an HSA. 

They may also be able to give advice on the most tax-advantaged way to withdraw money from your retirement accounts so that you're able to support yourself for many years.

Bottom line

It can be hard to reach your retirement goals when you're worried about rising health care costs. That's why it's so important to plan ahead and consult with a financial advisor if you need advice about how much you should save. 

Because health care costs continue to rise, even outpacing inflation, having a plan for how you'll pay for it in the future can lower your financial stress in retirement.

You May Also Like

Almost 80% of Americans Fear a Retirement Age Increase — Here’s the Real Reason Why

By FinanceBuzz Editors

10 Smart Money Moves to Retire Stress Free

By FinanceBuzz Editors

The Easiest Way to Diversify Your Investment Portfolio With Fine Art

By FinanceBuzz Editors

7 Brilliant Ways to Build Wealth After 40

By FinanceBuzz Editors

5 Ways Seniors Are Throwing Away Money

By FinanceBuzz Editors

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of November 2026, Compared

By FinanceBuzz Editors

Save Money and Get Huge Discounts on Everyday Purchases

AARP Benefits

• Huge discounts on travel, groceries, prescriptions and more
• Access to financial planning resources and health tools
• Join AARP and get 25% off with automatic renewal

Become a member now!

---

Subscribe Today

Unlock the Best Banking Deals and Bonuses

From high-yield savings accounts to cashback checking and sign-up bonuses, we bring you the best banking offers to grow your money smarter.

or

SEE TOP BANKING OFFERS →

By submitting this form you agree to receive emails from FinanceBuzz and to the privacy policy and terms