Seoul to Offer Up to 500,000 Won in Examination Fee Support for Pregnant Women Aged 35 and Older

Support for Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses for Outpatient Examinations and Consultations
Nationwide Expansion Following Seoul's First Implementation
25,000 Applications Last Year... Budget Doubled This Year

Pregnant women aged 35 and older residing in Seoul can receive financial support of up to 500,000 won for outpatient consultations and examination fees incurred during pregnancy.

On April 15, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it is operating an ongoing "Medical Expense Support Program for Pregnant Women Aged 35 and Older" in order to ease the financial burden of medical costs resulting from the rising number of advanced-age pregnancies.

A view of the neonatal room at a hospital in the metropolitan area. Photo by Jinhyung Kang

As of 2024, mothers aged 35 and older account for 44.31% of all births. With the increase in advanced-age childbirth, the financial burden due to higher-risk pregnancies and increased use of medical services is also growing. In response, Seoul became the first city nationwide to introduce the medical expense support program for pregnant women aged 35 and older, beginning in July 2024. The program subsequently spread to other cities and provinces, with North Gyeongsang Province implementing it from July 2025, and other local governments visiting Seoul to benchmark the policy—demonstrating its effectiveness.

Demand for the program is also on the rise. The number of applications reached 13,718 in the first year of implementation in 2024, and increased to 25,415 in 2025. This indicates a high demand for policies that reduce the cost burden associated with pregnancy and childbirth.

To meet the continuously rising demand, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has secured a budget of 14.3 billion won for 2026 (compared to 7.52 billion won in 2025) in advance. The program covers out-of-pocket medical expenses for outpatient consultations and examinations incurred from the confirmation of pregnancy until delivery, with a maximum of 500,000 won provided per pregnancy. Eligibility is limited to pregnant women aged 35 and older who reside in Seoul as of the application date, and whose age is 35 or older in the expected year of delivery.

Covered items include outpatient consultation fees, examination fees, injection fees, and treatment fees, regardless of the medical department. However, some items such as hospitalization fees, pharmacy receipts, and certificate issuance fees are excluded. In cases where a miscarriage occurs after pregnancy is confirmed, the program also supports the cost of treatment on the day of the miscarriage.

Applications can be submitted within six months after childbirth through the "TanSaeng Childbirth Information Portal." If online application is difficult, applicants can visit their local public health center to apply. Required documents include a certificate of pregnancy, receipts and detailed statements for medical expenses, and proof of payment; these should be submitted through the TanSaeng Information Portal website. After qualification and review, the support funds are provided.

Cho Youngchang, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Citizens' Health Bureau, stated, "Medical expense support for pregnant women aged 35 and older is a practical childbirth support policy that alleviates the financial burden of medical costs for advanced-age mothers during pregnancy and childbirth. We will further expand policies that protect the health of mothers and fetuses and reduce the burden of childbirth, striving to improve the birth rate."

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