Eunpyeong-gu Expands Resident Safety Insurance to Cover Heat- and Cold-Related Illnesses

First Among Seoul Districts to Introduce Cold-Related Illness Diagnosis Coverage

Starting August 1, Eunpyeong-gu in Seoul (District Mayor Kim Mikyung) will implement the “2025-2026 Eunpyeong-gu Resident Safety Insurance System,” which has been further strengthened in terms of effectiveness, including enhanced measures to address the climate crisis.

Provided by Eunpyeong District.

The Eunpyeong-gu Resident Safety Insurance was first introduced in August 2019 and has been operated with Eunpyeong-gu fully covering the insurance premiums. Its purpose is to protect residents from various accidents and disasters and to provide financial support.

Until last year, coverage included 10 types of incidents: hit-and-run accidents, death or disability due to uninsured vehicles, legal expenses for medical accidents, burn surgery costs, emergency room treatment for dog bite accidents, and diagnosis of heat-related illnesses, among others. However, there were criticisms that the scope of injury coverage was too narrow, resulting in insufficient practical protection against everyday accidents or disasters. In response, the district has completely reorganized the coverage items to enhance effectiveness and shifted to a “comprehensive injury-centered” structure.

From August 1 of this year to July 31 of next year, the Resident Safety Insurance will cover three categories: injury diagnosis compensation (for those under 15 or over 65), diagnosis of heat-related illnesses, and diagnosis of cold-related illnesses.

For injury diagnosis compensation, 100,000 won will be paid if a diagnosis of at least four weeks is given for any injury except for traffic accidents. This includes a broad range of incidents such as dog bites, burns, and natural or social disasters. Notably, in response to the climate crisis, the district has introduced, for the first time among Seoul’s autonomous districts, compensation for cold-related illnesses during winter in addition to the existing coverage for heat-related illnesses.

For both heat-related and cold-related illness diagnoses, 100,000 won will be paid, a measure designed to reduce health damages to residents caused by extreme heat or cold.

Anyone who is registered as a resident in Eunpyeong-gu on the day of the accident is eligible for the insurance, and claims can be made within three years of the accident date. For inquiries about claims, residents can contact the Resident Safety Insurance Consultation Center (1522-3556, KB Insurance Consortium).

Kim Mikyung, Mayor of Eunpyeong-gu, stated, “I hope this Resident Safety Insurance will provide practical help to residents facing difficulties due to unexpected accidents in daily life,” and emphasized, “We will continue to provide effective benefits and strive to realize Eunpyeong as a safe city.”