Effective from May 20th, 2024, a significant change has been implemented in South Korea's healthcare system regarding identification requirements for hospital visits. Patients are now mandated to bring identification documents containing a photo of their face along with their resident registration or foreigner registration number. This measure is aimed at verifying their eligibility to receive national health insurance benefits and preventing instances of individuals borrowing or lending their insurance coverage to falsely claim prescription medicine.
The updated policy includes a range of acceptable identification documents, such as resident registration cards, driver's licenses, passports, and foreigner registration cards. Additionally, patients have the option to download their National Insurance Health Services (NIHS) issued mobile identification from the app store, providing a convenient alternative for verification purposes.
The implementation of this requirement underscores the government's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the national health insurance system. By ensuring that patients' eligibility for benefits is verified, authorities aim to mitigate instances of insurance fraud and uphold ethical standards in healthcare delivery.
However, there are exceptions to this requirement, including individuals under 19 years old, cases of emergency, and instances where the patient has visited and presented their ID at the same hospital within six months of the prior visit.
Virtual Lawyer Korea recognizes the importance of providing accurate and reliable information from local sources. As such, we aim to support individuals facing legal challenges in Korea by offering guidance and assistance in navigating the evolving landscape of regulations.
For more information or assistance regarding legal matters in Korea, please do not hesitate to contact Virtual Lawyer Korea. We are dedicated to ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the necessary support in addressing any legal challenges you may encounter.
