Some point out that foreign workers whose companies cannot subscribe to the insurance will have to pay insurance fees regardless of their income, which will be a big burden for some lower income earners. (image: Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Oct. 15 (Korea Bizwire) — Only one month has passed after the mandatory subscription to state health insurance for foreigners, and the number of subscribers has increased smoothly.
However, the insurance premium collection rate for these foreigners was not high.
According to the data received by Rep. Ki Dong-min from the National Health Insurance Service, about 500,000 foreigners and overseas Koreans subscribed to the health insurance system by September after the implementation of the health insurance coverage system for foreigners in July.
The data showed that more Chinese signed up for the state health plan than any other nationality, accounting for 186,610 households.
However, only 71.5 percent of these foreign subscribers paid normal health insurance premiums.
Foreigners newly subscribed to health insurance as local subscribers are required to pay more than 110,000 won (US$92.90) in health insurance premiums every month.
Some point out that foreign workers whose companies cannot subscribe to the insurance will have to pay insurance fees regardless of their income, which will be a big burden for some lower income earners.
In addition, controversy is brewing over the application of insurance premiums, with foreign families consisting of adults having to pay separate premiums and receiving no further insurance benefits.
In implementing the system, Ki stressed that “the government needs to examine whether health insurance premiums are being levied to match income levels and family members, and continue to supplement them.”
H. M. Kang (hmkang@koreabizwire.com)
