"Pregnant Women Can Also Use Pregnancy and Childbirth Medical Expenses at Pharmacies"

▲National Health Insurance Service

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The National Health Insurance Service announced that starting from the 1st, pregnant women will also be able to use pregnancy and childbirth medical expenses at pharmacies as the system is improved.

According to the NHIS, from this day forward, pregnant women can use pregnancy and childbirth medical expenses at pharmacies to purchase medications and medical supplies prescribed in relation to pregnancy and childbirth. However, these expenses cannot be used for quasi-drugs sold at pharmacies (such as bandages, adhesive plasters), medications unrelated to pregnancy and childbirth, or nutritional supplements without prescriptions.

The pregnancy and childbirth medical expense system was introduced in 2008 to increase the birth rate and create a healthy childbirth environment. It provides 600,000 KRW (1,000,000 KRW for multiple births) to pay for pregnancy and childbirth-related medical expenses at medical institutions using the National Happiness Card. Pregnant women living in childbirth-vulnerable areas receive an additional 200,000 KRW.

To apply for pregnancy and childbirth medical expenses, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist directly fills out the ‘Health Insurance Pregnancy and Childbirth Medical Expense Payment Application’ and issues it to the pregnant woman, or it can be entered through the NHIS website. The pregnant woman can then apply directly at the card company, bank, or NHIS office, or via phone or the website.

The usage period is one year from the date of childbirth and can be used by both the pregnant woman and infants under one year old. For infants under one year old, the expenses could already be used at pharmacies (for prescribed medications and medical supplies).

An NHIS official stated, "We will continue to improve the system so that many pregnant women can use it conveniently and strive to overcome the low birth rate."