Fishermen Receive Priority Medical Treatment Through Health Insurance for Work-Related Injuries

Overview of Post-Settlement for Health Insurance Medical Expenses in Case of Fishing Crew Accidents

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] When a fisherman suffers a work-related injury, medical treatment will first be provided through health insurance, and the medical expenses covered by the National Health Insurance Service will be settled with the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives afterward, starting from the 19th.

The National Health Insurance Service announced that the "Fishermen and Fishing Vessel Accident Compensation Insurance Act," which includes these provisions, was amended in February and has been enforced since this day. Previously, when a fisherman was injured, the injured party had to apply for accident medical care to the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives and bear all medical expenses incurred until approval was granted. After the accident was approved, the injured party would claim reimbursement for the medical expenses they had paid from the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives.

The National Health Insurance Service and the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives consulted to improve the system, leading to the amendment of the law in February. Going forward, injured fishermen will be able to receive medical treatment through health insurance first, just like general workers, which is expected to reduce their financial burden, according to the Service. Kang Cheong-hee, Executive Director of Benefits at the National Health Insurance Service, stated, "We will strive to support injured fishermen through close cooperation with the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives."

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