A scene of cesarean section deliveries (Image courtesy of GetttyImageBank/Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 3 (Korea Bizwire) – Starting January 1, 2025, South Korea will waive out-of-pocket costs for cesarean section deliveries, addressing a longstanding disparity in childbirth-related healthcare expenses.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on Tuesday that an amendment to the National Health Insurance Act Enforcement Decree, which includes this provision, was approved during a Cabinet meeting.
In 2023, cesarean sections accounted for 64.3% of the country’s 227,000 births, highlighting their prevalence. Unlike natural deliveries, which have been fully covered under the national health insurance system, cesarean sections have required patients to pay 5% of the total medical costs.
“This amendment is a proactive response to the significant number of cesarean deliveries and reflects the need for groundbreaking support for parents seeking to have children,” said Lee Jung-gyu, director of the Health Insurance Policy Division at the Ministry.
The initiative aims to reduce financial barriers for families and support those navigating the challenges of childbirth.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
