As of this month, significant changes have been made to the health insurance coverage for infertility treatments in South Korea. The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced an expansion of support, making it easier for couples to access fertility services and encouraging women over the age of 45 to pursue conception.
One of the major changes is the increase in the number of fertility treatments covered by insurance. Previously, infertile couples could receive up to 25 infertility procedures in total, regardless of the number of children they had. Now, the coverage has been revised to allow for up to 25 procedures per childbirth, with 5 treatments for artificial insemination and 20 for in vitro fertilization (IVF). This change enables couples who wish to have more than one child to access the same level of insurance support for subsequent pregnancies, making it easier for them to plan future families.
Additionally, the out-of-pocket costs for infertility treatments have been reduced. Before the revision, women under the age of 45 paid 30% of the cost for fertility treatments, while those over 45 faced a significantly higher out-of-pocket rate of 50%. With the new policy, the co-payment rate for all women seeking infertility treatment, regardless of age, has been lowered to 30%, reflecting the government’s efforts to make fertility treatments more accessible as the average age of marriage and childbirth rises.
The policy changes are not limited to infertility treatments. Starting this month, the government has expanded health insurance coverage for pregnant women with diabetes, providing them with continuous blood glucose monitoring devices. Previously, these devices were only available to individuals with type 1 diabetes. Now, the support is extended to pregnant women who need to manage their blood sugar levels through insulin. Health insurance will cover up to 70% of the cost of these devices for women who require them from their scheduled delivery date until the 15th day after childbirth. The daily cost of the device is estimated at 10,000 won, aligning with the support provided to type 1 diabetes patients.
Looking ahead to January 2025, the government will also eliminate the out-of-pocket costs for cesarean deliveries. Currently, women who undergo a cesarean section pay a 5% co-payment, while natural deliveries are fully covered. As cesarean sections have become more common, particularly due to a rise in high-risk pregnancies since 2019, the move to exempt these costs aims to alleviate the financial burden on expectant mothers.
These policy changes are part of the government’s broader efforts to address demographic challenges and support families in planning their reproductive health with more accessible and affordable healthcare options.
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