Kakao Pay Insurance Pays Over 100 Million Won in HFMD Diagnosis Benefits for Infant and Toddler Insurance Within One Year of Launch

Kakao Pay Insurance announced on July 15 that the cumulative insurance payout for hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) diagnosis claims by subscribers of its infant and toddler insurance has surpassed 100 million won within one year of the product's launch.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a representative infectious disease that recurs every summer (June to September), mainly affecting infants and young children. In fact, many users are benefiting from related coverage. Last year, among the claims paid under Kakao Pay Insurance’s infant and toddler insurance, HFMD diagnosis benefits accounted for 35% of the total, making it the second most common claim. In June and July, when the number of patients increased significantly, more than 70% of all claims were related to HFMD coverage. This year, the rapid spread of the disease continues, with insurance claims also rising. Specifically, the number of HFMD diagnosis claims paid in the first week of July increased by approximately 94% compared to the fourth week of June.

According to data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s infectious disease portal, the suspected patient rate for HFMD in the fourth week of June (week 26) was 9.9 per 1,000 people, about double the previous week’s rate of 5.9. Compared to a month earlier (2.2), the figure has increased more than fourfold. By age group, children aged 0 to 6 showed the highest incidence rate at 14.2 per 1,000. This is because the outbreak is spreading mainly among young children in group settings such as daycare centers.

Kakao Pay Insurance’s “Non-dividend Infant and Toddler Insurance 2411” provides comprehensive coverage for common accidents and illnesses among children from birth to age 7. Even with the basic coverage, the policy includes benefits for HFMD diagnosis, influenza antiviral treatment, otitis media diagnosis, pneumonia diagnosis, and emergency room visit treatment (emergency). Additional riders can be added to cover accidents and illnesses, allowing policyholders to strengthen coverage while reducing the premium burden. The insurance can be held in addition to existing fetal, children’s, and indemnity insurance, and it is possible to enroll and file claims conveniently 24 hours a day via KakaoTalk.

Jang Younggeun, CEO of Kakao Pay Insurance, stated, “Since there is no vaccine and it is difficult to completely prevent HFMD infection, it is important to prepare in advance so that practical coverage is available upon diagnosis. Our infant and toddler insurance provides broad coverage for diagnosis and treatment of major infectious and seasonal diseases that commonly occur in childhood, including HFMD.”

Meanwhile, HFMD is an infectious disease characterized by blistering rashes on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth, accompanied by symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, and vomiting. While most cases resolve naturally, rare complications such as meningitis and encephalitis can occur, making it important to follow preventive measures such as proper handwashing.