Simultaneous COVID-19 and Flu Testing Covered by Health Insurance from the 19th... No Out-of-Pocket Cost (Update)

On the 18th, when the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection reached 313, entering the 300s for the first time since the end of August, citizens visiting the National Medical Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, were waiting to get tested. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Health insurance will be applied to a testing method that can simultaneously diagnose influenza (flu) and COVID-19. Since the government will cover the out-of-pocket expenses, those undergoing the test will not bear any cost.

Kang Do-tae, the 1st Chief Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, stated at a briefing on the 18th, "Starting tomorrow, genetic testing that can diagnose both COVID-19 and seasonal flu with a single test will be covered by health insurance," adding, "We will begin applying it first even if a flu warning is not issued this year."

The testing cost ranges from 83,560 KRW to 90,520 KRW depending on the medical institution. While health insurance will be applied, the out-of-pocket portion will be supported by the budget for diagnostic testing from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. This testing method can detect both COVID-19 and flu simultaneously from a single specimen and takes about 3 to 6 hours. If medical staff recognize the necessity of the test based on clinical symptoms, the test can be performed.

Since symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat are similar for both COVID-19 and flu, it has been pointed out that responding to simultaneous outbreaks is challenging. Previously, the need for introduction was reviewed mainly by quarantine authorities and the diagnostic industry, and recently, through a written resolution by the Health Insurance Policy Deliberation Committee, insurance coverage will be applied starting from the 19th.

There is no set period for the insurance application, and the timing of application will be determined according to the epidemic situation of COVID-19 or flu. The government stated, "We will activate simultaneous diagnostic testing to minimize patient waiting times and create a safe medical environment where patients can be properly treated quickly."