Full Government Coverage for 'Wuhan Pneumonia' Treatment Costs... Insurance Should Also Be Utilized

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Hyung-gil] The full cost of testing and treatment for the novel coronavirus infection, commonly referred to as 'Wuhan pneumonia,' will be covered by health insurance, the national government, and local governments. If an infected person dies and has enrolled in insurance with coverage, a death benefit can also be received.

According to the 'Guidelines for Medical Expense Support for Novel Infectious Disease Syndrome (Novel Coronavirus Infection)' released by the Ministry of Health and Welfare on the 29th, medical expenses for patients with the novel coronavirus infection will be jointly borne by the National Health Insurance Corporation, the national government, and local governments.

The support targets confirmed patients, suspected patients, and symptomatic individuals under investigation. The support period is from the time of isolation hospitalization until the isolation is lifted. The support amount covers all costs related to treatment, investigation, and examination during hospitalization; however, medical expenses unrelated to the novel coronavirus infection are not supported.

If the eligible person is hospitalized and treated at a nationally designated isolation hospital following guidance from the public health center and is discharged after isolation is lifted, the medical institution will receive payment as follows: health insurance benefits and medical aid copayments are paid by the National Health Insurance Corporation, while the patient's out-of-pocket expenses and non-covered items are paid by the national government (Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency) or local governments (public health centers).

It is reported that the diagnosis of confirmed or suspected Wuhan pneumonia patients basically requires a genetic test costing well over 100,000 KRW per person. In particular, isolation observation and treatment costs, including the use of negative pressure isolation rooms (rooms where the air pressure is lowered to prevent air from escaping outside), can require up to tens of millions of KRW, and if symptoms worsen, additional fees for various medical equipment are incurred.

The government also fully supported medical and treatment expenses for infected and suspected patients during the previous MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak.

Additionally, if a person suspected of novel coronavirus infection visits a hospital and receives treatment but is not diagnosed with pneumonia, medical expenses can be covered through indemnity insurance. In the event of death due to novel coronavirus infection, if the deceased had private insurance, insurance benefits can be claimed. Non-life insurance provides disease-related death benefits, while life insurance provides general death benefits.

An insurance industry official explained, "Although the novel coronavirus is an infectious disease, it has not yet been designated as a legally defined infectious disease, and death is classified as due to disease (pneumonia)."