Complete Guide to Catastrophic Medical Expense Support System

Facing unexpectedly high medical bills due to sudden illness or injury can cause significant financial hardship. However, the government provides a Catastrophic Medical Expenses Support program for citizens in such situations.

Catastrophic Medical Expenses Support: Key Information You Need to Know!

The Catastrophic Medical Expenses Support program is a system that provides financial assistance for low-income citizens who must shoulder high medical costs, covering the portion not reimbursed by health insurance. The goal is to prevent people from forgoing treatment due to financial difficulties and ensure the health of citizens.

Who is eligible for support?

• Income Criteria: Households with income below 100% of the median income
• Asset Criteria: Households with total assets of 700 million KRW or less
• Medical Expense Criteria: Cases where the medical expense burden for a single hospitalization exceeds a certain percentage of the household's annual income

What is the scale of support?

• Up to 50 million KRW per year
• Support rate varies depending on income (50%~80%)

How to apply?

🔗 Catastrophic Medical Expenses Support Program Eligibility and Application Process

• Application Period: Within 180 days from the day after the final medical treatment or discharge date
• Application Method: Visit the nearest National Health Insurance Service branch, apply by mail or fax (online application not available)
• Required Documents: Application form, medical certificate, admission/discharge confirmation, medical bill, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What illnesses are eligible for support? Support is available for all illnesses.
• Is outpatient care also supported? Yes, support is available for outpatient care as well as inpatient care.
• What documents are required when applying? An application form, medical certificate, admission/discharge confirmation, and medical bill are required. Please refer to the National Health Insurance Service website for details.
• When will the support funds be disbursed? Disbursement will occur within approximately 1-2 months after review.
• What happens if treatment is discontinued midway? Medical expenses for the discontinued period will not be supported.

Learn More About Useful Information on Catastrophic Medical Expenses Support

• Income Criteria: The median income standard may change annually, so accurate information should be obtained from the National Health Insurance Service website.
• Medical Expense Criteria: The criterion that the medical expense burden for a single hospitalization must exceed 10% of annual income is subject to adjustment through individual review.
• Excluded Items: Some items, such as cosmetic procedures, plastic surgery, and nursing care, are excluded from support.
• Changes: From January 1, 2024, the system has been improved to allow for the aggregation of medical expenses for all illnesses that occurred within one year, even if they are not the same illness.

Making the Most of Catastrophic Medical Expenses Support!

• Know in Advance: Familiarizing yourself with the Catastrophic Medical Expenses Support system in advance can help you avoid confusion and obtain support quickly in unexpected situations.
• Verify Accurate Information: Detailed information on eligibility, support scale, and application methods should be verified through the National Health Insurance Service website or call center.
• Prepare Necessary Documents in Advance: Preparing the necessary documents in advance will help expedite the application process.
• Seek Professional Advice: For any difficulties, it is advisable to seek professional assistance through the National Health Insurance Service call center.