Korean J Health Promot.  2023 Sep;23(3):156-168. 10.15384/kjhp.2023.23.3.156.

A Study on National Health Insurance Literacy among International Students in Korea and Their Medical Service Use

• Lim JS
• Sun HY
• Yoo BW

• KMID: 2546778
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.15384/kjhp.2023.23.3.156

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to examine international students’ perceptions, characteristics, use of public medical services, and satisfaction with the National Health Insurance System, and compared the results with the Health Insurance System Perception Survey conducted on Korean population to understand the differences between the two groups’ perceptions of the health insurance system and their use of medical services.
Methods
A survey was conducted from May 23, 2022 to June 21, 2022 to measure various data of international students related to the National Health Insurance System and analyzed the results.
Results
Most international students were in their 20s (the average age was 23±2.06 years), which showed that they were less likely to use medical services compared to Korean population in their 20s. Both Korean population and international students viewed their subjective health as generally good. Regarding the perceptions of the National Health Insurance System, 75.6% of the Korean population responded positively, while only 16% of international students responded positively. The biggest reason for the negative responses was the higher contributions compared to private health insurance, showing that financial hardship played a large role in the negative perceptions. The insurance contribution calculation methods by the Government showed differences. International students receive the same insurance contributions regardless of their nationality, age, income, or assets.
Conclusions
Through this study, it has been confirmed that further research and examination are needed regarding the application of Korean health insurance to foreign residents and the appropriate calculation of insurance contributions.

Keyword

National Health Insurance; Public medical services; Medical expenses; Healthcare system

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Current status of foreign university students in Korea. As of April 1st each year.

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  Fig. 2. Experience with medical institutions in the past year and types of medical institutions used.

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  Fig. 3. Distribution of international students’ monthly earnings from part-time jobs by range.

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  Fig. 4. Distribution by average monthly allowance of international students by range.

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  Fig. 5. Unmet medical needs in the past year among international students and Korean population.

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  Fig. 6. Public satisfaction with the health insurance system by average monthly gross income.

Reference

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