Even the 'Gaetongryeong' Bitten... Average Medical Cost for Dog Bite Accidents Reaches 2 Million Won

Over 10,000 Dog Bite Incidents in the Past 5 Years
Mandatory Enrollment in Dangerous Dog Liability Insurance Starting February Next Year
Insurance Companies Begin Developing Liability Insurance Products

Dog bite incident (Graphic: Choi Gilsu)

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Hyung-gil] Recently, Kang Hyung-wook, a dog trainer known as the 'Dog President,' was shown on a broadcast being bitten by an American Bully, a breed known as a 'dangerous dog,' sparking increased interest in related insurance.

In fact, over the past five years, the number of dog bite incidents requiring hospital transport has reached around 10,000, indicating a frequent occurrence trend. Experts advise that people should subscribe to insurance that provides at least minimal coverage for dog bite accidents.

According to the insurance industry on the 27th, non-life insurance companies are currently developing products related to liability insurance for owners of dangerous dogs. This is because, starting February 12 next year, enrollment in dangerous dog liability insurance will be mandatory under the Animal Protection Act.

According to the Animal Protection Act, owners of dangerous dogs must ensure their dogs wear a leash and muzzle when outside, and prevent dangerous dogs from entering daycare centers, kindergartens, and elementary schools. They must also complete three hours of online education annually on raising dangerous dogs.

In particular, non-life insurance is mandatory. Failure to enroll results in a fine of up to 3 million KRW. If a person dies due to violation of safety management obligations, imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million KRW may be imposed.

If injury is caused, imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to 20 million KRW must be paid. Dangerous dog breeds include Dosa dogs, American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, and their crossbreeds.

This is largely due to the significant increase in dangerous dog incidents in recent years. According to the dog bite emergency transport statistics compiled by the Fire Agency, a total of 10,614 dog bite incidents occurred over the past five years. Since 2016, more than 2,000 cases have been consistently reported annually.

Medical expenses due to dog bite accidents are also on the rise. According to statistics on medical expenses for dog bite accidents released by the Korea Insurance Development Institute, the average medical cost per victim during the same period reached 2 million KRW. The average medical expense increased by 61.4%, from 1.48 million KRW in 2014 to 2.39 million KRW in 2018.

Currently, the Korea Insurance Development Institute and the non-life insurance industry have begun developing liability insurance to prevent dog bite accident damage and provide relief to victims. The compensation limits include up to 80 million KRW for death, basic personal injury compensation limits ranging from 200,000 KRW to 15 million KRW, and an animal compensation limit of 2 million KRW per accident.

Some non-life insurers are selling insurance that covers accidents where a pet dog bites others. One can subscribe to a liability insurance rider for bite accidents under pet insurance, also known as 'pet insurance,' or select a daily life liability insurance rider. Meritz Fire & Marine Insurance offers a liability insurance rider with a limit of 10 million KRW per incident. DB Insurance allows subscription to a liability insurance rider with coverage up to 5 million KRW for 416 KRW, based on a pet dog aged zero.

The daily life liability insurance rider covers not only dog bite accidents but also injuries caused to others or damage to others' property due to one's fault. The coverage limit is typically set up to 100 million KRW.

An official from a non-life insurance company said, "As the pet population increases, interest in pet insurance is high, but many hesitate to subscribe due to financial reasons," adding, "Establishing at least minimal safety measures can protect not only victims of dog bite accidents but also the pet owners themselves."

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