Medical · Checkups

Catastrophic Medical Expense Support (재난적의료비 지원): How to Apply, Amount & Eligibility (2026)

Support of 50-80% of excessive out-of-pocket medical costs, up to KRW 50,000,000 per year

This page is a translation of the Korean original and is for reference only. The official Korean guidance is the authoritative source for amounts and conditions, so be sure to confirm on the official website before applying. View Korean original (한국어)

Benefit: Covers non-covered services and covered services not subject to the Out-of-Pocket Cap System. Support rates: basic livelihood recipients and near-poverty group 80%, median income 50% or below 70%, 50-100% 60%, 100-200% 50%. Annual limit KRW 50,000,000 (180 days of treatment). Assets of KRW 700,000,000 or less, and medical expenses exceeding 10% of annual income.
Who is eligible: Households at or below 100% of the standard median income (기준중위소득) (100-200% reviewed individually), with assets of KRW 700,000,000 or less and medical expenses exceeding 10% of annual income
When to apply: Apply any time within 180 days after discharge
How to apply: Apply in person at a National Health Insurance Service branch (ID, family relation certificate, admission/discharge certificate, etc.). Ask the hospital's social work team. See the gov.kr service guide
Important notes: You must apply within 180 days of the discharge date (end of treatment); after that, support is not available
Note: Income at or below 100% is the rule; 100-200% is reviewed individually. Amounts refunded under the Out-of-Pocket Cap System are not supported twice.

Go to the official guide →

Based on official sources as of 2026년 10월. Amounts and requirements may change, so please confirm with the official guide before applying.

Frequently asked questions

Catastrophic Medical Expense Support (재난적의료비 지원): who can receive it?

Households at or below 100% of the standard median income (기준중위소득) (100-200% reviewed individually), with assets of KRW 700,000,000 or less and medical expenses exceeding 10% of annual income

Catastrophic Medical Expense Support (재난적의료비 지원): how do I apply?

Apply in person at a National Health Insurance Service branch (ID, family relation certificate, admission/discharge certificate, etc.). Ask the hospital's social work team. See the gov.kr service guide

Catastrophic Medical Expense Support (재난적의료비 지원): how much will I receive?

Covers non-covered services and covered services not subject to the Out-of-Pocket Cap System. Support rates: basic livelihood recipients and near-poverty group 80%, median income 50% or below 70%, 50-100% 60%, 100-200% 50%. Annual limit KRW 50,000,000 (180 days of treatment). Assets of KRW 700,000,000 or less, and medical expenses exceeding 10% of annual income.

Catastrophic Medical Expense Support (재난적의료비 지원): when can I apply?

Apply any time within 180 days after discharge