Year-end rush expected; National Health Insurance Service urges early screening
The National Health Insurance Service urged people to schedule their health checkups early, anticipating a surge in demand toward the end of the year.
The national health checkup program aims to detect diseases early and identify health risk factors as part of a preventive approach to public health. The service administers both general health screenings and national cancer screenings.
This year's general national health checkup is open to people born in even-numbered years who are 20 or older, at no cost to the individual. However, heads of household enrolled in the regional insurance program and workplace subscribers are eligible regardless of age. Non-office workers covered under workplace insurance are screened every year, while office workers are screened every two years.
The national cancer screening program covers six types of cancer — stomach, colorectal, liver, breast, cervical and lung — with eligibility and screening intervals determined by age. Those in the bottom 50 percent of national health insurance premiums, defined as regional insurance premiums of 60,000 won ($45) or workplace insurance premiums of 127,500 won or less per month, are exempt from out-of-pocket costs.
Eligibility and nearby screening facilities can be confirmed through the service's website, mobile app or customer center. The screening period runs through Dec. 31.
Those who were eligible last year but did not complete their checkup may apply by Dec. 31 to be added to this year's list of eligible participants.
"Health checkups are an important opportunity to detect diseases early and confirm your health status," a service official said. "Appointments can be hard to secure at year-end due to higher-than-usual demand, so we encourage people to get screened as soon as possible."
thlee@heraldcorp.com
