Republic of Korea - World Bank Group Partnership On COVID-19 Preparedness and Response - How Korea’s National Health Insurance (NHI) Responded to the COVID-19 Pandemic - September 2023

Jul 19, 2026

September 2023 study examines how Korea’s National Health Insurance (NHI) supported pandemic preparedness and response under the World Bank Group–Korea partnership. Using KDCA and NHIS databases, it traces NHIS historical evolution, population coverage, and integration of cooperatives. It analyzes impacts of prior emerging infectious diseases, resource mobilization and financial sustainability, expanded COVID-19 benefit packages, and roles of HIRA. It further evaluates inequality in outcomes via integrated NHI data, followed by conclusions and policy recommendations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages22

Reading Time55 min

Abstract

Introduction

Historical context and evolution of the NHIS

Population coverage

Integration of multiple health insurance cooperatives

Previous emerging infectious diseases in Korea and their impact on the early response to COVID-19

Korea’s responses since onset of the pandemic

Cash flow trend of National Health Insurance of Korea during the pandemic

Resource mobilization and financial sustainability of NHI

Expanded benefit packages under the NHIS for control of COVID-19

Long-term care insurance and COVID-19

Role of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA)

Minimizing the financial risk for health care providers during COVID-19

COVID-19 and inequality: analysis using the integrated NHI data

Conclusion

Policy recommendations

References

Appendix

National Health Insurance Act

Cash Flow of the National Health Insurance System

Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized © 2023 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW Washington DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000 [Internet: www.worldbank.org](Internet: www.worldbank.org) This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the data included in this work and does not assume responsibility for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information, or liability with respect to the use of or failure to use the information, methods, processes, or conclusions set forth. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Nothing herein shall constitute or be construed or considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the privileges and immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved. Rights and Permissions The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because the World Bank encourages dissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as full attribution to this work is given. Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to World Bank Publications, The World Bank Group, 1818 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: 202-522-2625; e-mail: [pubrights@worldbank.org](pubrights@worldbank.org). The case studies are products from the WBG-Korea Partnership on Pandemic Preparedness and Response (P175398) . The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the World Bank. The case studies are available at: [https://www.worldbank.org/](https://www.worldbank.org/)[ ](https://www.worldbank.org/)[en/country/korea/brief/korea-wbg-partnership-on-pandemic-preparedness-and-response.](en/country/korea/brief/korea-wbg-partnership-on-pandemic-preparedness-and-response.) Acknowledgements This study used the database of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) . The research number of this study is KDCA-NHIS-2022-1-536 . The authors would like to thank Sejin Bae, Minji Koo, and Yusang Lee for their assistance in data analysis. Cover design: QUO Bangkok Republic of Korea – World Bank Group Partnership On COVID-19 Preparedness and Response How Korea’s National Health Insurance (NHI) Responded to the COVID-19 Pandemic September 2023 Authors HyeSeung Wee Research fellow at National Health Insurance Service Seungho Jung Assistant professor at Incheon National University Jongmin Lee Economist at Bank of Korea TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract ................................................................ 7 1 . Introduction ........................................................... 8 2 . Historical context and evolution of the NHIS .............................. 8 Population coverage .....................................................8 Integration of multiple health insurance cooperatives ....................... 10 3 . Previous emerging infectious diseases in Korea and their impact on the early response to COVID-19 ..................................... 10 Korea’s responses since onset of the pandemic ............................11 Cash Flow Trend of National Health Insurance of Korea during the Pandemic .. 12 4 . Resource mobilization and financial sustainability of NHI .................. 13 5 . Expanded benefit packages

FAQs

What data sources does the study use to analyze Korea’s NHI response to COVID-19?

The study uses the database of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). It also references a specific research number (KDCA-NHIS-2022-1-536).

How does the study describe the role of NHI during the COVID-19 pandemic?

It reviews NHIS historical evolution, population coverage, and integration, then examines resource mobilization, financial sustainability, and expanded benefit packages for COVID-19 control. It also highlights how HIRA supported responses and how financial risk for providers was minimized.

How does the study assess COVID-19 inequality in Korea?

The study performs analysis using integrated NHI data to examine differences in infection, hospitalization, and death rates by income, region, and immigration status for 2020–2021.

Jul 19, 2026

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