Chinese Top in Foreign Health Report
- Instances of health insurance fraud among foreigners adn overseas residents in South Korea have seen a important increase, reversing a previous downward trend.
- Data from the National Health Insurance Corporation, submitted to the National health and Welfare Committee on April 4, reveals a concerning uptick in fraudulent claims.
- Chinese nationals account for the largest proportion of individuals caught engaging in health insurance fraud.
Foreign Health Insurance Fraud Cases Surge in 2024
Table of Contents
- Foreign Health Insurance Fraud Cases Surge in 2024
- Foreign Health Insurance Fraud in South Korea: A Q&A
- What’s Happening with Health insurance Fraud in South Korea?
- what are the Key Statistics for Fraud in 2024?
- What Are the Common Types of Health Insurance Fraud?
- Which Nationalities Are Most Involved in Fraudulent Activities?
- Coudl You Summarize the Extent of Expired benefit Fraud?
- What About Card Rental and Salary Suspension Fraud?
- What is the official outlook on this issue?

Instances of health insurance fraud among foreigners adn overseas residents in South Korea have seen a important increase, reversing a previous downward trend. The rise coincides with a reported 30% boost in health insurance benefits available to this demographic.
Key Statistics on Health Insurance Irregularities
Data from the National Health Insurance Corporation, submitted to the National health and Welfare Committee on April 4, reveals a concerning uptick in fraudulent claims.
- Number of Individuals Involved: 17,087, a 16.8% increase from 14,630 in 2023.
- Number of fraudulent Cases: 45,909, marking a 14.7% rise compared to 420 cases in 2023.
- Total Amount of Fraudulent Claims: ₩2.55 billion (approximately $1.9 million USD), a 28.5% jump from ₩1.91 billion in 2023.
Common Types of Health Insurance Fraud
Investigations reveal several recurring patterns of abuse:
- Using health insurance after coverage has expired: ₩2.25 billion
- Renting or stealing health insurance cards: ₩47 million
- Submitting claims during periods of suspended salary: ₩5 million
nationality Breakdown of Fraudulent Claims
Chinese nationals account for the largest proportion of individuals caught engaging in health insurance fraud.
- China: 12,333 individuals
- United States: 679 individuals
- Vietnam: 605 individuals
A significant portion of the fraudulent activity involves individuals continuing to claim benefits even after their eligibility has lapsed. Last year, 17,011 individuals were caught in 44,943 instances of this type of fraud, totaling ₩2.56 billion.
Instances of health insurance card rentals and theft involved 41 individuals in 845 cases, amounting to ₩47 million in fraudulent claims. Furthermore, 35 individuals were caught submitting claims during periods of suspended salary, accounting for 121 cases and ₩5 million in illicit gains.
“Some foreigners’ fraudulent supply and demand is a serious problem that threatens sustainability by adversely affecting health and soundness.”
Representative Kim Mi-ae, National Health and welfare Committee
Foreign Health Insurance Fraud in South Korea: A Q&A

Recent data reveals a concerning rise in health insurance fraud among foreigners and overseas residents in South Korea. This article breaks down the key details, providing clear answers to common questions.
What’s Happening with Health insurance Fraud in South Korea?
Instances of health insurance fraud are increasing, reversing a previous downward trend. This surge coincides with a reported 30% increase in health insurance benefits available to this demographic.
what are the Key Statistics for Fraud in 2024?
according to data from the National Health Insurance Corporation, presented to the National Health and Welfare Committee on April 4, the following trends are evident:
- There were 17,087 individuals involved in fraudulent activities, a 16.8% increase from 14,630 in 2023.
- The number of fraudulent cases rose to 45,909, a 14.7% increase compared to 420 cases in 2023. (note: The original source text appears to contain a typo. It’s highly unlikely the number of cases in 2023 was 420, it is assumed it was 40,000+.)
- The total amount of fraudulent claims reached ₩2.55 billion (approximately $1.9 million USD),a 28.5% jump from ₩1.91 billion in 2023.
What Are the Common Types of Health Insurance Fraud?
Investigations have identified several recurring patterns of abuse:
- claiming benefits after eligibility has expired, accounting for ₩2.25 billion in fraudulent claims.
- Renting or stealing health insurance cards, which resulted in ₩47 million in losses.
- Submitting claims while on suspended salary, leading to illicit gains of ₩5 million.
Which Nationalities Are Most Involved in Fraudulent Activities?
The data indicates that Chinese nationals account for the largest proportion of individuals caught engaging in health insurance fraud.
Here is a breakdown by nationality:
- China: 12,333 individuals
- United States: 679 individuals
- Vietnam: 605 individuals
Coudl You Summarize the Extent of Expired benefit Fraud?
A notable portion of the fraudulent activity involves individuals continuing to claim benefits after their eligibility has lapsed. In the last year, 17,011 individuals were caught in 44,943 instances of this type of fraud, totaling ₩2.56 billion.
What About Card Rental and Salary Suspension Fraud?
Instances of health insurance card rentals and theft involved 41 individuals in 845 cases,amounting to ₩47 million in fraudulent claims. Also, 35 individuals were caught submitting claims during periods of suspended salary, accounting for 121 cases and ₩5 million in illicit gains.
What is the official outlook on this issue?
“Some foreigners’ fraudulent supply and demand is a serious problem that threatens sustainability by adversely affecting health and soundness.”
Representative Kim Mi-ae, National Health and Welfare Committee
