The government has been providing subsidies for infertility procedures not only for legal couples but also for common-law marriage couples. (image: Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Jan. 10 (Korea Bizwire) — The government will pay up to 1.1 million won (US$947) a time for infertility treatment starting this year, considering the economic burden of the couple.
The project is part of an initiative to provide support for treatment costs for the part of the medical insurance and non-wage medical expenses that go into the procedure.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare said Thursday that the amount of support for the project will vary depending on the type of procedure starting this year.
Couples with monthly income of less than 5,386,000 won will be eligible for support.
Furthermore, when a household has more than two members, including a parent, eligibility will be calculated according to a limit of 180 percent of the median income in South Korea based on each household member.
Since October 24 last year, the government has been providing subsidies for infertility procedures not only for legal couples but also for common-law marriage couples.
Common-law marriage couples have to validate the fact they were married at least a year at regional clinics. In addition, they must have a diagnosis from doctors confirming infertility.
Meanwhile, the maximum amount of support for in-vitro fertilization of fresh embryos will be increased to 1.1 million won from the previous 500,000 won.
Conversely, subsidies for artificial insemination will be reduced from 500,000 won to 300,000 won. The cost of in-vitro fertilization for frozen embryos remains unchanged.
Up to 500,000 won, and 400,000 won for those over 45 years of age, was provided for all procedures until last year. However, this year, the difference in cost of each procedure is reflected in the unit cost of support.
Since October 2017, the average medical costs for in-vitro fertilization for fresh embryos, in vitro fertilization for frozen embryos and artificial insemination have been reduced to around 1.02 million won, 440,000 won and 240,000 won, respectively, as health insurance now covers these procedures.
If couples receive government support, they can directly get back a significant amount of their expenditures on treatment.
However, not all infertile couples are eligible to receive subsidies. They are only supported when their income is 180 per cent of the median income in South Korea or less.
National basic livelihood act recipients and lower income families are eligible for the subsidies.
The number of cases where treatment fees are supported is seven for fresh embryos, five for frozen embryos and five for artificial insemination.
D. M. Park (dmpark@koreabizwire.com)
