The impact of low birth rates on domestic health insurance enrollment, while foreign enrollment has increased

The shadow of low birth rates has also cast a pall over health insurance. In the past four years, the number of domestic health insurance enrollees has decreased by over 30,000, while the number of foreign enrollees has surged significantly.

In particular, the number of foreigners obtaining health insurance, primarily from China and Vietnam, has increased sharply, necessitating both institutional adjustments and a cautious approach.

According to data submitted by the National Health Insurance Service to Kim Mi-ae, a member of the ruling People Power Party, the number of Koreans acquiring new health insurance eligibility dropped from 294,876 in 2020 to 262,034 last year, a decrease of over 32,000 within just four years.

In contrast, the acquisition of health insurance eligibility by foreigners has risen sharply during the same period.

For Chinese nationals, the number increased from 30,129 in 2020 to 56,425 last year—a rise of approximately 27,000. The number of Vietnamese nationals surged from 13,714 to 59,662, more than quadrupling and surpassing the number of Chinese nationals last year.

The number of Uzbekistan nationals also doubled from 6,079 in 2020 to 12,150 last year.

Despite the increase in fraudulent claims… "The economic contributions cannot be overlooked"

As the number of foreign health insurance enrollees has increased, cases of fraudulent claims have also risen.

The number of foreign and overseas Korean individuals detected for fraudulent claims last year was 17,087, a 16.8% increase compared to 14,630 in 2023. The total amount of fraudulent claims reached 2.558 billion won, marking a 28.5% increase from the previous year.

Kim Mi-ae emphasized, "As the number of domestic health insurance enrollees declines due to low birth rates, the proportion of foreign enrollees is increasing, which means that the new government should consider comprehensive and realistic alternatives such as the application of health insurance reciprocity."

However, there are also calls for a cautious approach regarding foreign enrollee issues.

A representative from the Free Medical Movement Headquarters stated, "Fraudulent claims do not distinguish between nationalities," adding, "Especially in rural areas, the economy cannot function without foreigners, and their economic contributions are significant. Any institutional reform should adequately consider this balance."

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