National Health Insurance Service announces relief for flood-hit disaster zones

The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) has announced support measures for residents in areas declared as special disaster zones following heavy rainfall. The affected regions include Andong and Uiseong in Gyeongsangbuk-do, as well as Geoje and Tongyeong in Gyeongsangnam-do.

To assist with recovery, the NHIS will reduce monthly health insurance premiums by 30% to 50% for a period of three months for affected households. In cases where both human and property damage have occurred, the reduction period will be extended to six months. Additionally, the agency will waive late fees for up to six months and defer the seizure of property or assets for six months for both local and workplace subscribers in these zones.

To minimize the administrative burden, the NHIS will use data from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's damage investigations to apply these reductions automatically. The support also extends to medical equipment; residents who lost or damaged dentures or assistive devices due to the floods can receive additional benefits even if they have not yet reached the standard replacement cycle. For assistive devices, the requirement for prescriptions and prior approval processes will be waived to expedite aid.