# Korea's Catastrophic Medical Expense Budget Is 95% Spent Before Year-End

- URL: https://hallyu-brief.vercel.app/en/news/catastrophic-medical-expense-budget-95-percent-spent-korea-26e1af
- Published: 2026-10-16T18:04:09.701Z
- Publisher: Hallyu Brief

> Korea's catastrophic medical expense support program has already used 95% of its 2026 budget, forcing an emergency top-up.

## Key points

1. Only 7.5 billion won of the 1.485 trillion won budget remained in September 2026.
2. The NHIS plans to add 83.1 billion won in the fourth quarter.
3. Average waiting time for payment reached 83.7 days this year.

## What happened with the budget?

According to data obtained by Democratic Party lawmaker Nam In-soon from the National Health Insurance Service, 1.41 trillion won of the program's 1.485 trillion won budget had been spent by September. The remaining balance is only 7.5 billion won. The program helps low-income people cover medical bills that are hard to afford relative to their income.

## Why is this happening every year?

The National Health Insurance Service will add 83.1 billion won in the fourth quarter, funded by lottery proceeds and health insurance contributions. This is not the first time. Supplementary budgets were also added in 2023, 2024, and 2025, raising totals to 102.29 billion won, 160.61 billion won, and 202.36 billion won. Lawmakers say the government and the NHIS have underestimated demand after eligibility was widened and more diseases were covered.

## How long do applicants wait?

The average time from application to payment grew from 21 days in 2023 to 35 days in 2025, and reached 83.7 days this year. One case took 445 days. Rep. Nam said payments should be made immediately after approval.

## For international fans

This story concerns Korea's public health system rather than entertainment. For foreign residents, the program is part of the national health insurance framework, and details on eligibility should be checked directly with the National Health Insurance Service.

## FAQ

### What is the catastrophic medical expense support program?

It is a Korean government program that helps people whose medical bills are hard to afford relative to their income. It is run by the National Health Insurance Service.

### Why is the budget running out early?

According to Rep. Nam In-soon, the budget has been set too low each year, while applications have increased because eligibility was expanded and more diseases were covered.

### How much extra money is being added?

The National Health Insurance Service plans to add 83.1 billion won in the fourth quarter of 2026, funded by lottery funds and health insurance contributions.

## Sources

- [Yonhap News](https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20261015152100530)

_Written and translated with AI from official announcements and Korean media reports. If something is wrong, please let us know._