The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) has announced significant changes to its fertility treatment support program, increasing assistance for couples seeking to conceive. Starting November 1, the SMG will allow up to 25 subsidized fertility treatments per childbirth, rather than per infertile couple, and will cover medical expenses even if treatments do not succeed.
This initiative comes in response to the growing demand for fertility services, with the number of subsidized treatments in 2024 seeing a remarkable increase of 61.8% compared to the previous year. As of September 2024, approximately 15.8% of births in Seoul were attributed to fertility treatments, with data from August indicating that one in five babies (20.2%) born that month were conceived through assisted reproductive technology.
Under the revised policy, the SMG is not only increasing the number of treatments eligible for subsidies but is also simplifying the co-payment structure for health insurance. Previously, co-payment rates were set at 50% for patients over the age of 45 and 30% for those under 44. Going forward, the rate will be standardized to 30% across all age groups, making it more accessible for couples of varying ages to seek assistance.
These changes are part of Seoul’s broader strategy to support families and address declining birth rates in the city, with the fertility support program playing a crucial role in helping couples realize their dreams of parenthood.
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