Long COVID, a persistent illness following COVID-19 infection, is projected to cost Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries approximately €116 billion annually over the next decade. This figure is comparable to the combined annual health budgets of nations like the Netherlands or Spain.
The condition, affecting millions globally, not only strains healthcare systems but also imposes significant indirect economic costs through reduced workforce participation and productivity. The OECD estimates that in 2021, Long COVID impacted roughly 75 million people across its member countries, leading to healthcare costs of €45.3 billion. While direct healthcare costs are expected to fall to around €9.40 billion annually between 2025 and 2035, indirect economic consequences are predicted to far outweigh them.
Long COVID symptoms, including fatigue, pain, breathlessness, headaches, and brain fog, can persist for months or even years. Experts warn of decreasing political and financial attention to the issue, despite its ongoing impact. The OECD emphasizes that sustained momentum in addressing these conditions is crucial for both immediate patient care and long-term preparedness for future health crises.
The report highlights a critical need for improved data collection and reporting on Long COVID across member countries to inform effective policy interventions. Learning from this experience is deemed essential for strengthening preparedness for future pandemics, ensuring that long-term consequences of infections are integrated into planning from the outset.