South Korea medical expenses reach 216.6 trillion won in 2024

South Korea's current medical expenses reached 216.6 trillion won in 2024, a 6.5% increase from the previous year. According to data released by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the National Health Insurance Service, personal medical expenses exceeded 200 trillion won for the first time, accounting for 93% of total medical expenditures.

Per capita medical expenses rose by 5.6% to 4.186 million won. While public funding, including mandatory insurance, accounted for 59.7% of the total, direct household out-of-pocket expenses increased by 5.9% to 67.2 trillion won. Notably, spending on outpatient services and medical goods saw significant growth, while expenditures related to preventive services declined due to reduced spending on COVID-19 vaccinations and quarantine measures.