One children's hospital in Seoul is crowded with patients on Jan. 12 as the spread of influenza continues. (Yonhap)
One children's hospital in Seoul is crowded with patients on Jan. 12 as the spread of influenza continues. (Yonhap)

Patients to pay up to 50% additional fees for treatment during holiday, except Jan. 27

During South Korea's Lunar New Year holiday, patients visiting hospitals or pharmacies will face higher medical fees, with a surcharge of 30 to 50 percent compared to regular weekdays. However, for patients with prebooked appointments on January 27, standard weekday fees will be applied.

According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare on Thursday, the National Health Insurance system charges additional fees for services provided during non-standard hours -- evenings, Saturdays, and public holidays -- will be in place over the upcoming holiday. The surcharge compensates medical staff working overtime at hospitals, pharmacies, dental clinics and traditional Korean medicine clinics.

Under NHI, a 30 to 50 percent surcharge is added to basic checkups, anesthesia, treatment and surgical fees in hospitals during non-standard hours; medication and counseling fees increase by up to 30 percent at pharmacies.

For January 27, the ministry will suspend the surcharges to avoid confusion and complaints from patients who booked appointments ahead of the day being designated a temporary holiday. Medical institutions will not face penalties for charging prebooked patients weekday rates. Normally, discounting medical fees is considered illegal under the Medical Services Act, as it could be viewed as soliciting patients.

Meanwhile, military and veterans' hospitals nationwide will also ramp up their 24-hour emergency medical response systems, ensuring accessible health care during the holiday period.

According to the Ministry of National Defense, 12 military hospitals will continue to provide emergency medical services to all residents throughout the holiday.

In addition, the military will be ready with over 440 emergency vehicles, including helicopters, ambulances and rescue vehicles, supported by more than 2,800 medical and rescue personnel on standby.