in 2018 what was the percent of the expenses in the us to the total benefit expense
( 3 ) refer to note 2 201csummary of significant accounting principles and practices 201d for further information . 13 . employee benefitsp y defined contribution savings plans aon maintains defined contribution savings plans for the benefit of its employees . the expense recognized for these plans is included in compensation and benefits in the consolidated statements of income . the expense for the significant plans in the u.s. , u.k. , netherlands and canada is as follows ( in millions ) : .

| Years ended December 31 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| U.S. | $98 | $105 | $121 |
| U.K. | 45 | 43 | 43 |
| Netherlands and Canada | 25 | 25 | 27 |
| Total | $168 | $173 | $191 |

pension and other postretirement benefits the company sponsors defined benefit pension and postretirement health and welfare plans that provide retirement , medical , and life insurance benefits . the postretirement health care plans are contributory , with retiree contributions adjusted annually , and the aa life insurance and pension plans are generally noncontributory . the significant u.s. , u.k. , netherlands and canadian pension plans are closed to new entrants. .

expenses_2018 = 98
expenses_total = 168
percent_expenses = expenses_2018 / expenses_total
answer = percent_expenses * 100