When did Korea achieve universal healthcare coverage through the national health insurance system?

When did Korea achieve universal healthcare coverage through the national health insurance system?

• A. 1989
• B. 2000
• C. 1999
• D. 1995

Answer: (A)

Achieving universal coverage happened in 1989. Korea’s national health insurance system started by covering urban workers in large firms in the late 1970s and then expanded step by step to include more groups, such as rural residents and the self-employed. By 1989, the rollout reached all residents, creating a system where everyone was enrolled in NHIS or received medical aid, which is what universal health coverage means. Subsequent reforms in the 1990s and beyond further extended benefits, but the key milestone—the point at which everyone was covered—was 1989.

Achieving universal coverage happened in 1989. Korea’s national health insurance system started by covering urban workers in large firms in the late 1970s and then expanded step by step to include more groups, such as rural residents and the self-employed. By 1989, the rollout reached all residents, creating a system where everyone was enrolled in NHIS or received medical aid, which is what universal health coverage means. Subsequent reforms in the 1990s and beyond further extended benefits, but the key milestone—the point at which everyone was covered—was 1989.