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Near-Poverty Group Copayment Reduction (차상위계층 본인부담 경감, National Health Insurance): How to Apply, Amount & Eligibility (2026)

Reduced copayments for near-poverty people with rare, severe intractable or chronic diseases and those under 18 (inpatient exemption, fixed outpatient fees, etc.)

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: Household recognized income at or below 50% of median. Inpatient copayment exempted for those with rare intractable or severe diseases (20% for meals); chronic disease patients pay 14% for outpatient care (fixed fee KRW 1,000-1,500); 5-15% for dentures for those 65 or older. Premiums for regional subscribers are subsidized by the national treasury (per the National Health Insurance Service).
Who is eligible: Rare intractable or severe disease patients, chronic disease patients (treated for 6 months or longer) and those under 18, with recognized income at or below 50% of median and meeting the support requirement.
When to apply: Apply anytime
How to apply: Apply for 'near-poverty copayment reduction eligible person' (차상위본인부담경감대상자) at a National Health Insurance Service branch or community service center (주민센터). NHIS 1577-1000.
Important notes: Approved after eligibility check. Verified and renewed every year.
Note: Chronic disease patients are re-checked every 6 months. Copayments are much lower than for ordinary national health insurance members.

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

Near-Poverty Group Copayment Reduction (차상위계층 본인부담 경감, National Health Insurance): who can receive it?

Rare intractable or severe disease patients, chronic disease patients (treated for 6 months or longer) and those under 18, with recognized income at or below 50% of median and meeting the support requirement.

Near-Poverty Group Copayment Reduction (차상위계층 본인부담 경감, National Health Insurance): how do I apply?

Apply for 'near-poverty copayment reduction eligible person' (차상위본인부담경감대상자) at a National Health Insurance Service branch or community service center (주민센터). NHIS 1577-1000.

Near-Poverty Group Copayment Reduction (차상위계층 본인부담 경감, National Health Insurance): how much will I receive?

Household recognized income at or below 50% of median. Inpatient copayment exempted for those with rare intractable or severe diseases (20% for meals); chronic disease patients pay 14% for outpatient care (fixed fee KRW 1,000-1,500); 5-15% for dentures for those 65 or older. Premiums for regional subscribers are subsidized by the national treasury (per the National Health Insurance Service).

Near-Poverty Group Copayment Reduction (차상위계층 본인부담 경감, National Health Insurance): when can I apply?

Apply anytime