South Korea to subsidise malpractice insurance for high-risk doctors

The government will fund between 50% and 75% of liability insurance premiums.

South Korea will start subsidising malpractice insurance premiums for doctors in high-risk but critical medical fields, aiming to ease legal pressures that have led to growing staff shortages in essential care, as reported by Korea Bizwire.

Under the new scheme, the government will fund between 50% and 75% of liability insurance premiums for obstetricians, paediatric surgeons and other specialists exposed to high litigation risks. 

Residents in core departments such as internal medicine, surgery and emergency care will also receive subsidies covering half of their premiums.

The Health Ministry has earmarked ₩5.03b (about $3.6m) this year for the initiative, which will provide up to ~$1,000 (₩1.5m) per doctor for policies covering malpractice claims between ~$210,000 (₩300m) and ~$700,000 (₩1b). 

Hospitals with existing insurance can apply for equivalent reimbursements.

Authorities said the plan aims to reduce the financial burden that has driven many physicians away from fields tied to childbirth and children, which record some of the highest rates of litigation and compensation claims. 

Coverage levels currently vary widely, with many clinics still uninsured or underinsured.

The government expects to finalise insurer participation within weeks, with the first policies set to take effect in December. 

Officials hope the programme will help retain and attract doctors to essential medical areas amid mounting shortages in maternal and paediatric services.

($1.00 = ₩1,434.71)