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Emergency Medical Expense Advance Payment System (응급의료비 대지급제도): How to Apply, Amount & Eligibility (2026)

The state pays emergency treatment costs to the hospital first, and the patient repays later in installments

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: When you received emergency treatment for an emergency condition but cannot pay, the Emergency Medical Fund pays the hospital on your behalf and then bills the patient, spouse, direct blood relatives of the first degree, etc. for repayment. You can apply for installment repayment of up to 48 months.
Who is eligible: Patients who received emergency room treatment for an emergency condition and are temporarily unable to pay the treatment costs
When to apply: Immediately at the hospital's administration office when receiving emergency treatment
How to apply: Fill out the 'Emergency Treatment Unpaid Confirmation' at the hospital administration office, then the hospital bills the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. Inquiries: HIRA 1644-2000
Important notes: The hospital's claim deadline is 3 years after treatment ends. Apply for installment payment after receiving the repayment notice
Note: Excluded: cases that are not emergency conditions, such as simple intoxication, and cases paid under other laws. There is an obligation to repay.

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

Emergency Medical Expense Advance Payment System (응급의료비 대지급제도): who can receive it?

Patients who received emergency room treatment for an emergency condition and are temporarily unable to pay the treatment costs

Emergency Medical Expense Advance Payment System (응급의료비 대지급제도): how do I apply?

Fill out the 'Emergency Treatment Unpaid Confirmation' at the hospital administration office, then the hospital bills the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. Inquiries: HIRA 1644-2000

Emergency Medical Expense Advance Payment System (응급의료비 대지급제도): how much will I receive?

When you received emergency treatment for an emergency condition but cannot pay, the Emergency Medical Fund pays the hospital on your behalf and then bills the patient, spouse, direct blood relatives of the first degree, etc. for repayment. You can apply for installment repayment of up to 48 months.

Emergency Medical Expense Advance Payment System (응급의료비 대지급제도): when can I apply?

Immediately at the hospital's administration office when receiving emergency treatment