Medical · Checkups
Out-of-Pocket Cap System (본인부담상한제)
If your annual out-of-pocket medical expenses exceed the cap for your income decile (KRW 900,000 for decile 1 to KRW 8,430,000 for decile 10), the excess is refunded
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- 2026 caps (for treatment dates Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2026): decile 1 KRW 900,000; deciles 2-3 KRW 1,120,000; deciles 4-5 KRW 1,730,000; deciles 6-7 KRW 3,260,000; decile 8 KRW 4,460,000; decile 9 KRW 5,360,000; decile 10 KRW 8,430,000. For stays of more than 120 days in a long-term care hospital: decile 1 KRW 1,430,000 to decile 10 KRW 10,960,000. Non-covered services, selective benefits and the difference in charges for upper-grade hospital rooms are excluded. Two methods run in parallel: advance benefit (the hospital bills it when out-of-pocket costs at the same hospital exceed the top cap of KRW 8,430,000) and after-the-fact refund (individual notice around August of the following year). Income decile is based on health insurance premiums.
- Eligibility
- National health insurance members and dependents whose total out-of-pocket copayments for covered services over one year (Jan 1 - Dec 31) exceed their individual cap
- Timing
- For 2026 treatment, the National Health Insurance Service notifies eligible people and refunds around August 2027
- How to apply
- After receiving the NHIS notice, apply online (nhis.or.kr), by app, at 1577-1000, at a branch, or by fax/mail. Your own bank account is required when applying
- Caution
- 3-year statute of limitations on refund claims. If you do not apply after the notice, payment is delayed, so check the notice
Medical · Checkups
Catastrophic Medical Expense Support (재난적의료비 지원)
Support of 50-80% of excessive out-of-pocket medical costs, up to KRW 50,000,000 per year
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- 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. 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.
- Eligibility
- 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
- Timing
- 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
- Caution
- You must apply within 180 days of the discharge date (end of treatment); after that, support is not available
Medical · Checkups
Special Copayment Program for Serious Diseases (중증질환 산정특례: Cancer, Cerebrovascular, Heart, Severe Burns, Tuberculosis)
Out-of-pocket reduced to 5% for cancer and severe burns, and 0% for tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Cancer 5% (5 years from the registration date), severe burns 5% (1 year), tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis 0%. For cerebrovascular and heart diseases, 5% for a set period after hospital admission for surgery, etc. (period varies by disease). Non-covered items and items paid entirely by the patient are excluded. Rare, severe intractable and severe dementia conditions are separate (10%). Not income-dependent. Re-registration is required after 5 years (for cancer, upon re-diagnosis).
- Eligibility
- National health insurance members and Medical Aid (의료급여) recipients with a confirmed diagnosis of cancer, severe burns, cerebrovascular or heart disease, tuberculosis, etc.
- Timing
- If registered within 30 days of diagnosis, it applies retroactively from the diagnosis date
- How to apply
- Fill out the Special Copayment registration form at the diagnosing medical institution, then submit it to an NHIS branch (in person, by mail, by fax, or through the medical institution's proxy submission)
- Caution
- Applying within 30 days of the diagnosis date makes it apply from the diagnosis date; after that, it applies from the application date
Medical · Checkups
Special Copayment Program for Rare and Severe Intractable Diseases (희귀·중증난치질환 산정특례: Out-of-Pocket 10% to 7% to 5%)
Out-of-pocket currently 10%, planned to fall to 7% from December 2026 and 5% in the first half of 2028 (announced)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- For rare and severe intractable diseases (about 1.36 million people), 10% for 5 years from the registration date. By a resolution of the Health Insurance Policy Deliberation Committee on September 8, 2026, the rate is planned to be cut in stages to 7% from December 2026 and 5% in the first half of 2028. Re-registration will be improved so it can be done with clinical diagnosis and treatment history, without unnecessary tests. The reduction is an announcement and the exact implementation date is unconfirmed. Severe dementia 10% and tuberculosis 0% are separate.
- Eligibility
- National health insurance members and Medical Aid (의료급여) recipients with a confirmed diagnosis of a rare or severe intractable disease designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare
- Timing
- Register within 30 days of diagnosis. Re-register every 5 years
- How to apply
- Submit the Special Copayment registration form issued by the medical institution to an NHIS branch (in person, by mail, by fax, or through the medical institution's proxy)
- Caution
- If registered within 30 days of diagnosis, it applies retroactively to the diagnosis date. The 7% and 5% reductions are planned to apply automatically to registrants (check detailed notices)
Medical · Checkups
Medical Expense Support for Adult Cancer Patients (성인 암환자 의료비 지원)
Medical Aid and near-poverty group: up to KRW 3,000,000 per year; bottom 50% of national health insurance: up to KRW 2,000,000 per year (up to 3 years)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Medical Aid (의료급여) recipients and near-poverty group members eligible for copayment reduction: up to KRW 3,000,000 per year for all cancer types. National health insurance members: up to KRW 2,000,000 per year if they meet the premium criteria (2026: employee KRW 127,500, self-employed KRW 60,000 or less) and are eligible for national cancer screening (5 major cancers and lung cancer). Up to 3 consecutive years. Check the income and premium criteria and eligible cancer types with your local government's public health center (보건소). Overlap with other medical expense support may be restricted.
- Eligibility
- Cancer patients on Medical Aid or in the near-poverty group, or cancer patients in the bottom 50% of income covered by national health insurance (cancer types covered by national cancer screening)
- Timing
- Apply any time after a cancer diagnosis
- How to apply
- Visit the public health center (보건소) in your area of residence (Health Promotion Division). Submit a medical certificate, treatment fee receipts and income verification documents
- Caution
- Apply within the deadline after diagnosis (varies by local government). Up to 3 years after selection
Medical · Checkups
Medical Expense Support for Childhood Cancer Patients (소아암 환자 의료비 지원)
Childhood cancer under age 18: up to KRW 30,000,000 per year (leukemia) and KRW 20,000,000 (other)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Child and adolescent cancer patients under 18 (international age). Leukemia and hematopoietic stem cell transplant up to KRW 30,000,000 per year, other cancers KRW 20,000,000. Supports out-of-pocket costs for covered and non-covered services under national health insurance and Medical Aid. Support until age 18. Income and asset criteria must be met (some places say 120% or below of standard median income (기준중위소득); check with the public health center).
- Eligibility
- Childhood cancer patients under 18 (international age) whose household income and assets meet the criteria (including Medical Aid and near-poverty group)
- Timing
- Any time after a cancer diagnosis
- How to apply
- Apply in person at the public health center (보건소) where you live (medical certificate, treatment fee receipts, income verification documents)
- Caution
- Apply within the deadline set by the local government based on the diagnosis or treatment date
Care · Services · Discounts
National Cancer Screening (국가암검진: Stomach, Colorectal, Liver, Breast, Cervical, Lung)
Six major cancer screenings free to 10% out-of-pocket; fully waived for the bottom 50% in health insurance premiums and Medical Aid
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Stomach cancer: age 40+, every 2 years; colorectal cancer: age 50+, every year (fecal occult blood); liver cancer: age 40+ high-risk group, every 6 months; breast cancer: women age 40+, every 2 years; cervical cancer: women age 20+, every 2 years; lung cancer: high-risk group aged 54-74 (smoking 30 pack-years or more), every 2 years by low-dose CT. Out-of-pocket is 10% for stomach, breast, liver and lung; colorectal and cervical are noted as free. For cancer types screened every 2 years, people with even birth years are eligible in 2026. The lower 50% bracket and Medical Aid (의료급여) exemption are based on the previous November's insurance premiums. We recommend reconfirming the co-payment rates (such as free colorectal and cervical screening) with the National Health Insurance Service.
- Eligibility
- Those who meet the age, sex and high-risk group criteria for each cancer (stomach age 40+, colorectal age 50+, breast women age 40+, cervical women age 20+, etc.)
- Timing
- During the year (after receiving the screening notice); can be done on the same day as the general checkup
- How to apply
- NHIS screening notice or visit a screening institution (with ID). Check eligibility at cancer.go.kr or nhis.or.kr
- Caution
- Until Dec 31 of that year
Medical · CheckupsOfficial confirmation needed
Medical Expense Support for Rare Disease Patients (희귀질환자 의료비 지원: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency)
Partial support for Special Copayment out-of-pocket costs and similar (if income criteria are met)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Among people registered for the rare disease Special Copayment, those who meet income criteria get partial support for out-of-pocket costs, special diets and similar. Detailed amounts and income criteria are unconfirmed, so check with the public health center (보건소). Original source not verified. Special Copayment registration comes first. Implemented by region.
- Eligibility
- Those registered for the rare disease Special Copayment who meet income and asset criteria
- Timing
- Any time (per annual program guidelines)
- How to apply
- Apply at the public health center (보건소) where you live. KDCA Rare Disease Helpline helpline.kdca.go.kr
- Caution
- Varies by annual guidelines
Care · Services · Discounts
National Health Checkup (국가건강검진: General Health Checkup)
General health checkup free of charge every 2 years (every year for non-office workers)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- General checkup including blood pressure, blood, urine, chest X-ray and oral exam is free. In 2026, targets are people aged 20 or older born in even-numbered years (e.g., 1986) who are self-employed members, dependents or office-worker employee members; non-office-worker employee members every year; Medical Aid recipients aged 20-64 born in even-numbered years. Additional items by age, such as hepatitis B at age 40 and a cognitive function test at age 66. Those born in odd-numbered years are covered in 2027. Employee members are notified by their company. Some checkup items vary by age.
- Eligibility
- National health insurance self-employed and employee members, dependents and Medical Aid recipients aged 20 or older who are targets for the given year
- Timing
- Jan 1 - Dec 31 during the year; book a checkup institution and visit (December is crowded)
- How to apply
- Check eligibility via the NHIS checkup notice, nhis.or.kr or the National Health Insurance app, then visit a checkup institution (with ID)
- Caution
- Until Dec 31 of that year. Cannot be carried over
Care · Services · Discounts
Life Transition Health Checkup (생애전환기 건강진단: Ages 40 and 66)
General checkup plus additional items (hepatitis B, mental health, cognitive function, etc.) free at ages 40 and 66
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- At age 40, a hepatitis B test and others are added; at age 66, a cognitive impairment test, bone density and frailty (fall) assessment and others are added. No out-of-pocket cost when you are eligible for the general health checkup. For Medical Aid recipients aged 66 or older, the life transition checkup is guided separately. Some additional items for 2026 (lung function test, etc.) are announced only by some hospitals and are unconfirmed.
- Eligibility
- National health insurance members, dependents and Medical Aid recipients aged 40 and 66 (international age)
- Timing
- During the relevant year
- How to apply
- Same as the general health checkup: book and visit a checkup institution (with ID)
- Caution
- Until Dec 31 of that year
Tax
Health Insurance Premium Reduction for Self-Employed Members (지역가입자 건강보험료 경감)
Premium reductions of 22% for farming and fishing areas, 50% for islands and remote areas, and 10-30% for seniors, people with disabilities, single parents, etc.
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Farming and fishing areas (eup and myeon, business income of KRW 5,000,000 or less) 22%, islands and remote areas 50%, age 65 or older, registered people with disabilities, single parents, etc. 10-30% (income and asset requirements), age 70 or older 30% (annual income of KRW 3,600,000 or less and assets of KRW 135,000,000 or less), workplace fire or bankruptcy 30%. These follow the NHIS's static guidance, so income and asset requirements may have been revised. Some reductions apply automatically, but single parents, chronic illness, etc. require a separate application.
- Eligibility
- Self-employed member households living in farming and fishing areas or islands and remote areas, or households of seniors, people with disabilities, single parents, or disaster victims
- Timing
- Any time when a qualifying reason arises
- How to apply
- Visit an NHIS branch, call 1577-1000, or apply by fax. Supporting documents (disability registration card, proof of residence, etc.)
- Caution
- Reductions generally apply from the month after the application date, so apply as soon as the reason arises
Care · Services · DiscountsOfficial confirmation needed
Health Insurance Premium Arrears Installment Payment and Lifting of Benefit Restrictions (건강보험료 체납 분할납부·급여제한 해제)
Benefit restrictions are lifted when overdue premiums are paid after installment approval
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- If premiums are overdue for a certain period, national health insurance benefits are restricted, but it is known that restrictions are lifted if you receive installment payment approval and make payments. Specific number of installments and amount criteria are unconfirmed. Original source not verified. Support for arrears holders in financial hardship is separate. Ask the NHIS collection staff.
- Eligibility
- Members and households under benefit restrictions or at risk of them because of overdue health insurance premiums
- Timing
- Immediately when arrears arise, or after receiving a benefit restriction notice
- How to apply
- Visit an NHIS branch or call 1577-1000 to apply for installment payment approval
- Caution
- Benefit restrictions begin depending on the length and number of arrears, so apply as soon as possible
Care · Services · Discounts
Mental Health Counseling Voucher (정신건강 심리상담 바우처: Nationwide Mind Investment)
Professional counseling 8 sessions (50+ minutes each) supported; out-of-pocket 0-50% depending on income
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- In 2026, the 'Nationwide Mind Investment Support Program' was reorganized as the 'Mental Health Counseling Voucher'. 8 one-on-one in-person counseling sessions, to be used within 120 days of the voucher being issued. Counseling fee per session: grade 1 KRW 80,000, grade 2 KRW 70,000; out-of-pocket 0-50% depending on income level. Apply only once a year. Care-leavers preparing for independence, children under extended protection, disaster victims and legal single parents pay nothing. Once 8 sessions are used up in a year, re-application is not possible.
- Eligibility
- People with a referral (from a mental health welfare center, etc.), a psychiatric diagnosis or opinion (within 3 months), confirmation of a depression score of 10+ on the national mental health screening, care-leavers preparing for independence, etc.
- Timing
- Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2026; closes early when the budget runs out
- How to apply
- Visit the community service center (행정복지센터) of your registered or actual residence, or apply online at Bokjiro (복지로; bokjiro.go.kr)
- Caution
- Until the budget runs out. Use 8 sessions within 120 days of application
Care · Services · DiscountsOfficial confirmation needed
Youth Mental Health and Counseling Support (청소년 정신건강·상담 지원: 1388 and Wee Centers)
Free counseling at Youth Counseling and Welfare Centers via 1388; school Wee Centers and mental health screening
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Free counseling via Youth Hotline 1388 (24 hours by phone, text and KakaoTalk), psychological counseling and testing at city/county/district Youth Counseling and Welfare Centers, and referral to mental health welfare centers after the school emotional and behavioral characteristics screening. A whole-of-government 2026 youth suicide prevention plan is being pursued (details unconfirmed). Details for 2026 need to be confirmed.
- Eligibility
- Youth aged 9-24 and parents (some institutions up to age 24, international age)
- Timing
- Year-round
- How to apply
- Call 1388, or visit a Youth Counseling and Welfare Center or go online (www.1388.go.kr); school Wee Class or Wee Center
- Caution
- Year-round. In a crisis, call 109 immediately
Care · Services · Discounts
Suicide Prevention Hotline 109 and Crisis Counseling (자살예방상담전화 109·위기상담)
24-hour suicide prevention counseling 109 free of charge; stronger late-night counseling and expanded one-stop services for suicide survivors
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Counseling and emergency intervention via the Suicide Prevention Hotline 109 (24 hours, free). In 2026, counselors are being increased from 103 to 200, and late-night counseling is being strengthened through cooperation with groups such as Life Line (생명의전화). One-stop services for suicide survivors have expanded to 17 provinces and cities as of July 2026. Mental Health Crisis Counseling Hotline 1577-0199 and the youth line 1388 are also available. For emergencies, call 119.
- Eligibility
- Anyone with suicidal thoughts or in crisis, and suicide survivors (bereaved families)
- Timing
- Year-round (24 hours)
- How to apply
- Call 109 (free). Linked to mental health welfare centers and suicide prevention centers
- Caution
- None
Medical · Checkups
Smoking Cessation Treatment Support (금연치료 지원: National Health Insurance Cessation Medication and Visits)
6 visits and medication supported over 8-12 weeks; 20% out-of-pocket for visits 1-2, free from visit 3, refund on completion
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- You can take part up to 3 times a year (up to 18 visits and 36 weeks of medication). Includes cessation medications (Chantix, bupropion, etc.) and nicotine aids. 20% out-of-pocket for visits 1-2; consultation fees and medication are free from visit 3; when all 6 counseling visits are completed, the out-of-pocket amount you paid is refunded. Medical Aid recipients and the bottom 20% in premiums are fully exempt. Can be combined with the public health center (보건소) smoking cessation clinic (free counseling and 6 months of cessation aids). Smoking cessation hotline 1544-9030.
- Eligibility
- Smokers who want to quit (national health insurance members and Medical Aid recipients)
- Timing
- Any time during the year (limit of 3 times a year)
- How to apply
- Visit and register at a smoking cessation treatment institution (clinic, hospital or public health center). Look up institutions on nhis.or.kr under 'Smoking Cessation Treatment Institutions'
- Caution
- One participation must be completed within 8-12 weeks to receive the refund
Loans · Finance
Emergency Medical Expense Advance Payment System (응급의료비 대지급제도)
The state pays emergency treatment costs to the hospital first, and the patient repays later in installments
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- 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. Excluded: cases that are not emergency conditions, such as simple intoxication, and cases paid under other laws. There is an obligation to repay.
- Eligibility
- Patients who received emergency room treatment for an emergency condition and are temporarily unable to pay the treatment costs
- Timing
- 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
- Caution
- The hospital's claim deadline is 3 years after treatment ends. Apply for installment payment after receiving the repayment notice
Cash · Vouchers
Sickness Benefit Pilot Program (상병수당 시범사업: Income Support When You Are Ill and Need Rest)
When unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury: KRW 49,540 per day (up to 150 days)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- 2026: KRW 49,540 per day (60% of the minimum wage); in Stage 3 regions, employee members receive 60% of the average wage over the previous 3 months (minimum KRW 49,540 to maximum KRW 68,100). 7-day waiting period; applies when unable to work for 8 or more consecutive days. Up to 150 days. Ages 15 to under 65. Only for those living or working in pilot regions. Stage 2 (households at or below 120% of median income) and Stage 3 (no income limit). Stage 1 regions ended in December 2024. Transition to a full program is unconfirmed.
- Eligibility
- Employed people aged 15-64 who live or work in pilot regions (employee members, employment/industrial accident insurance members, and self-employed people who meet the requirements)
- Timing
- Apply after getting a medical certificate following illness or injury (during the pilot program's operation)
- How to apply
- Get a sickness benefit medical certificate at a participating pilot medical institution, then apply to the National Health Insurance Service. Regions: Anyang, Yongin, Daegu Dalseo, Iksan (Stage 2); Chungju, Hongseong, Jeonju, Wonju (Stage 3)
- Caution
- Apply during the pilot period. Check Ministry of Health and Welfare notices for the end date
Tax
Premium Reduction and Exemption for Employee Members (직장가입자 보험료 경감·면제: Leave, Overseas Work, etc.)
50% reduction for unpaid leave, 50% for islands and remote areas, exemption or 50% reduction when working overseas
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- 50% premium reduction for employees on unpaid leave, 60-100% for childcare leave (varies by period), 50% reduction for employee members on islands and remote areas, when staying overseas for 3 months or more: exempt if no dependents and 50% if there are dependents, 30% reduction of the income-based monthly premium for workplace fire, bankruptcy, etc. Based on the NHIS's static guidance (figures may change). The workplace reports leave-related reductions. Periods of active military service and imprisonment are exempt.
- Eligibility
- Employee members on leave, or in island/remote areas, staying overseas, or at workplaces hit by disasters, etc.
- Timing
- When a reason such as leave arises
- How to apply
- The workplace (employer) reports to the NHIS, or the member applies at a branch. Submit proof of leave
- Caution
- Report promptly after the reason arises (retroactive application may be limited)
Tax
Health Insurance Premium Reduction for Disaster Victims (재난피해 건강보험료 경감)
30-50% premium reduction (3-6 months) for self-employed members affected in special disaster zones
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Self-employed member households living in a special disaster zone with personal or property damage. Disaster relief recipients get 30-50% depending on damage grade; small business owners 30-50% depending on the damage amount. 6 months for both personal and property damage, 3 months for only one. If they overlap, the higher reduction rate applies. Applies when a special disaster zone is declared. Based on the NHIS's static guidance.
- Eligibility
- Self-employed member households with personal or property damage living in an area declared a special disaster zone
- Timing
- After the disaster occurs or the declaration is made
- How to apply
- Apply at an NHIS branch (proof of damage: confirmation of disaster relief receipt, etc.)
- Caution
- Apply promptly after the declaration or confirmation of damage
Medical · CheckupsOfficial confirmation needed
Treatment Cost Support for Mental Illness and Suicide Attempts (정신질환·자살시도 치료비 지원)
Partial support for psychiatric treatment costs linked to mental health welfare centers and for treatment costs after a suicide attempt
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- It has been reported that physical injury and psychiatric treatment costs from suicide attempts by young people and others are supported if they agree to mental health case management. Detailed criteria for outpatient and inpatient treatment cost support for general mental illness are unconfirmed. Original source not verified. Income criteria differ by local government and public health center.
- Eligibility
- People registered at mental health welfare centers or who agree to case management (check detailed requirements with your local government)
- Timing
- Any time
- How to apply
- Mental health welfare center or public health center (보건소) where you live. Mental Health Crisis Counseling 1577-0199
- Caution
- Varies by local government
Care · Services · DiscountsOfficial confirmation needed
Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration (의료분쟁 조정·중재: Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency)
Consultation, expert assessment and mediation support for medical accident victims (phone 1670-2545)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Resolves medical accident disputes through mediation and arbitration without a lawsuit. Mediation is usually completed within 90 days of application (extendable). Fees and assessment costs vary by claim amount. For unavoidable childbirth accidents, there is state compensation (separate). Processing times and costs may change, so please confirm exact details with the Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency.
- Eligibility
- Patients and bereaved families who suffered physical injury or loss of life from a medical accident
- Timing
- Applying within 3 years of learning of the accident (10 years from its occurrence) is recommended
- How to apply
- Consultation and application with the Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency (www.k-medi.or.kr, 1670-2545)
- Caution
- Beware of the statute of limitations (3 years from learning of the accident, 10 years from occurrence)
Care · Services · DiscountsOfficial confirmation needed
Integrated Nursing and Caregiving Service (간호·간병통합서비스: Hospitals Without Guardians)
Nursing staff provide dedicated care; national health insurance applies, greatly reducing costs compared with a private caregiver
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Nurses, nursing assistants and caregiving support staff provide 24-hour care without a guardian or private caregiver. Out-of-pocket for national health insurance hospitalization fees (usually 20%) and room charge differences apply, and the burden is lower than with a private caregiver. The average daily patient cost is unconfirmed. Available only at participating hospitals and wards. Details of the 2026 expansion plan are unconfirmed. Medical Aid and near-poverty group have separate reductions.
- Eligibility
- Inpatients at hospitals offering the service (some wards limit conditions)
- Timing
- At admission
- How to apply
- Ask the admitting hospital about service wards and apply (check whether the hospital is designated)
- Caution
- Depends on whether a ward is assigned at admission
Medical · CheckupsOfficial confirmation needed
Hospice and Palliative Care Health Insurance Support (호스피스·완화의료 건강보험 지원)
Inpatient, home and consultation hospice covered by national health insurance (5% out-of-pocket noted; unconfirmed)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Patients with terminal cancer and some terminal chronic diseases can use inpatient, home-based, and consultation-type hospice care through national health insurance. 143 institutions nationwide (per the 2026 Central Hospice Center guidance). The 5% co-payment rate needs official confirmation. Check with the Central Hospice Center on eligible diseases and whether the out-of-pocket rate has been expanded.
- Eligibility
- People with hospice-eligible conditions such as terminal cancer (as determined by the attending doctor)
- Timing
- Year-round
- How to apply
- Consult and apply at a specialized hospice institution; Central Hospice Center 1811-8080
- Caution
- None
Medical · CheckupsOfficial confirmation needed
Isolation and Treatment Cost Support for Infectious Diseases (감염병 격리·치료비 지원)
Isolation and inpatient treatment costs for legally designated infectious diseases partly borne by the state and local governments; tuberculosis out-of-pocket 0%
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Under the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, the state and local governments support the out-of-pocket costs of isolation and inpatient treatment for some legally designated infectious diseases (Class 1 and specific Class 2). Tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis are 0% out-of-pocket under the Special Copayment Program. COVID-19 isolation living support is known to have ended (unconfirmed). Original source not verified. Scope of support varies by type of infectious disease.
- Eligibility
- Patients with legally designated infectious diseases who need isolation or inpatient treatment, and tuberculosis patients
- Timing
- When an infectious disease is confirmed or isolation is required
- How to apply
- The public health center (보건소) with jurisdiction; KDCA call center 1339
- Caution
- Varies by infectious disease and local government
Medical · Checkups
Dental Scaling Covered by Health Insurance (치석제거(스케일링) 건강보험)
Covered by national health insurance once a year for ages 19 and older; out-of-pocket about KRW 10,000
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Scaling (tartar removal) is a covered benefit once a year, with out-of-pocket of about KRW 10,000 (varies by medical institution). A new one-time coverage applies from January 1 each year. The NHIS medical benefit guidance includes a 'scaling benefit notice', and the exact amount is unconfirmed. A second time or more is fully out-of-pocket. Separate criteria apply when linked to periodontal treatment.
- Eligibility
- National health insurance subscribers, dependents, and Medical Aid (의료급여) recipients aged 19 or older (the age criterion needs official confirmation)
- Timing
- Once a year, from January 1 each year
- How to apply
- Visit a dental clinic or hospital (health insurance card or ID)
- Caution
- Until Dec 31 of that year. Cannot be carried over
Medical · Checkups
Expanded Support for Continuous Glucose Monitors and Insulin Pumps (연속혈당측정기·인슐린펌프 지원 확대; Announced)
Expanded to severe type 2 diabetes; annual savings of up to about KRW 4,180,000 (reported)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- National health insurance support for continuous glucose monitors and automatic insulin infusion devices, previously available only to type 1 diabetes patients, is being expanded to about 11,000 people with severe type 2 diabetes such as pancreatic impairment and islet failure. The level of insulin pump support for ages 19-34 will be made the same as for children. Savings of about KRW 4,180,000 per year. Announced following a Health Insurance Policy Deliberation Committee resolution on September 8, 2026. Exact implementation date and benefit criteria are unconfirmed.
- Eligibility
- Type 1 diabetes and severe type 2 diabetes patients such as pancreatic impairment and islet failure (check detailed criteria in the official notice)
- Timing
- Implemented after the official notice (timing not fixed)
- How to apply
- Prescription at a treating medical institution and national health insurance benefit claim (after the official notice)
- Caution
- Not applicable before implementation. Check Ministry of Health and Welfare and NHIS notices