Unmarried Fathers' Children Can Obtain Health Insurance Eligibility with Only a 'Birth Certificate'

The National Health Insurance Service announced on the 4th that it will simplify the application process for acquiring health insurance eligibility so that children of unmarried fathers can receive medical benefits even before their birth registration.

National Health Insurance. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Previously, children of unmarried fathers had to submit a birth registration application (court petition) and genetic test results to obtain health insurance eligibility before birth registration. However, starting this month, only a birth certificate is required. Unmarried fathers who wish to apply for health insurance coverage for their children can visit a branch office of the Service with their ID and the birth certificate to apply.

Kim Seon-ok, Executive Director of Collection at the Service, stated, "This measure aims to minimize blind spots in medical coverage by simplifying the health insurance eligibility acquisition process for children of unmarried fathers. The Service will continue to strive to expand medical rights protection for vulnerable groups."

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