Discussions are intensifying around the extent of next year's health insurance premium rate hike. The current health insurance finances are expected to reach a deficit of 2.8 trillion won this year, increasing the financial burden. This is due to factors such as increased medical demand from an aging population and insufficient government support. While the government has allocated 13.8 trillion won for national treasury support next year, it falls short of the legal requirement of 20%. The health insurance premium rate was frozen for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025 before increasing by 1.48% this year. A freeze or a slight increase is currently being discussed for next year. However, there are also concerns that freezing or slightly raising premiums could lead to a larger premium hike in the long term.
