"COVID-19 Confirmed Cases from Club Visits, No Support for Medical Expenses"...Low Feasibility

Claiming Reimbursement Possible if Quarantine Rules Violated
However, Lack of Specific Rules May Cause Disputes
"Potential Patients May Hide"…Government Dilemma Over Disruption of Quarantine Activities

On the 10th, when Seoul City issued a 'gathering ban order' for all entertainment facilities in Seoul following the Itaewon club COVID-19 cluster infection incident, a gathering ban notice was posted at the Itaewon club in Seoul, which was reported to have been visited by confirmed cases. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] "We demand self-payment for treatment costs from those infected with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) due to violation of social distancing guidelines."

This statement, posted on the Blue House's public petition board on the 11th, received over 3,000 endorsements by the morning of the 12th, less than a day later. The petitioner wrote, "Because of some selfish individuals, months of sacrifice and effort are on the verge of being wasted," and requested, "For COVID-19 patients who violate or do not cooperate with social distancing behavioral guidelines, the state should not bear the treatment costs but require self-payment; in other words, the government should claim reimbursement from individuals."

As public resentment toward Itaewon club infection cases grows among citizens, such claims continue to emerge, but the likelihood of actual implementation is low. The government is also making every effort in quarantine activities such as tracing patients and high-risk contacts, and pressure measures like claiming reimbursement could cause potential patients to hide. The government emphasizes the fundamental position that "claiming reimbursement is possible if quarantine rules are violated," but there are no concrete moves. However, with many citizens viewing the Itaewon club situation harshly, the government faces a dilemma.

According to the current Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, the costs for diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases are principally borne by the government or local authorities responsible for quarantine. Considering South Korea’s reality with universal health insurance, about 80% of treatment costs are covered by health insurance, and the remaining 20% by the government. Since most citizens contribute to health insurance, there is justification for claims. Even foreigners not enrolled in health insurance can receive treatment funded by government finances.

According to the National Health Insurance Service, the average medical cost is estimated to be between 3.31 million KRW and 4.78 million KRW for mild patients. For severe patients, it is expected to be at least 55 million KRW, averaging around 70 million KRW. Adding quarantine costs incurred at the local government level increases the total amount. The compensation amount claimed by Jeju Province in March against a mother and daughter from Gangnam, Seoul, who traveled there, was 132 million KRW.

The cluster infection in the Itaewon area occurred during the "social distancing" period. At that time, under administrative orders issued by local governments, entertainment facilities such as clubs were advised to refrain from operating, but were allowed to operate on the condition of complying with quarantine rules. However, the quarantine rules at that time did not specify concrete matters such as false entries in visitor logs or failure to wear masks indoors, so even if reimbursement claims are pursued in the future, there is room for legal disputes. The fact that quarantine activities are the government's responsibility may also be an obstacle.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.