As of September this year, the number of infertility procedures supported by the Seoul Metropolitan Government has increased by 61.8% compared to the previous year, and babies born through infertility support in 2024 are expected to account for 15.8% of all babies born in Seoul. In particular, in August, 1 in 5 (20.2%) people were born through infertility treatment, and it is understood that the ‘infertility support project’ is providing practical help to couples who desperately want to have a child.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will increase support for infertility treatment expenses, including expanding the number of subsidy payments for infertility treatment expenses and supporting medical expenses for discontinuation of the procedure, starting from Friday, November 1. After expanding the number of supports in February of this year and abolishing age differentials in infertility support, it was decided to further expand the number and items of support.
In March of last year, the city announced the ‘plan to expand infertility support’ to solve the problem of ultra-low birth rates. Since then, ▴ abolition of income standards ▴ abolition of restrictions on the number of times for each procedure ▴ expansion of the number of supports ▴ abolition of the period of residence in Seoul (6 months), etc., support projects for infertility treatment costs. has continued to expand.
First, support for procedures, which was previously limited to 25 times in the lifetime of an infertile couple, will now be expanded to 25 times per birth. For example, even if you receive support for the maximum number of 25 times when having your first child through infertility treatment, you will be able to receive support for each child 25 times when you want to have your second or third child.
Next, the ‘health insurance benefit out-of-pocket cost’, which was originally 50% for those over 45 and 30% for those under 44, now only has to pay 30% of the out-of-pocket expenses regardless of age.
In addition, even if the procedure fails or is forced to be discontinued regardless of the patient’s will, such as empty follicles or immature eggs during the infertility procedure, the cost of the procedure incurred during the infertility procedure can be subsidized without limit.
Meanwhile, the number of cases of subsidy for infertility treatment in Seoul this year is 37,918 (as of the end of September), an increase of 61.8% compared to the same period last year (23,432 cases from January to September of 2023 → 37,918 cases from January to September of 2024). did it
The most infertility procedures supported this year were fresh embryos (21,328), frozen embryos (11,253), and artificial insemination (5,337).
Additionally, as of September this year, the number of babies born in Seoul who received support for infertility treatment was 5,017, accounting for 15.8% of all births in Seoul (31,695). Since July of last year, when support for infertility treatment was expanded, the city believes that the rate of babies born through infertility treatment in 2024 has increased as babies who succeeded in pregnancy began to be born from March to April of this year.
In particular, in August of this year, there were 3,489 babies born in Seoul, of which 20.2% (704 people) were born with the city’s support for infertility treatment, the highest rate ever.
Kim Tae-hee, director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Civil Health Bureau, said, “As many infertile couples do not give up and undergo treatment despite feeling burdened by high treatment costs, we expect that this expansion of support for treatment costs will be of practical help to couples who want to give birth.” “We will discover and expand necessary policies so that pregnant couples can hold their eagerly awaited babies in their arms,” he said.
Infertility treatment expenses can be subsidized after submitting documents and going through an eligibility verification process. Apply first through consultation through Government 24 (www.gov.kr), e-Health Center Public Portal (www.e-health.go.kr), or the public health center in your area of residence. It is possible up to
Economy Queen reporter Kim Jeong-hyeon photo provided by Seoul Metropolitan Government
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Min-Jae Kim, Fertility Specialist
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Kim! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. There’s some exciting news coming out of Seoul regarding infertility treatments. Can you give us an overview of the recent changes in the government’s support for infertility treatments?
Dr. Min-Jae Kim: Thank you for having me! Yes, the recent developments in Seoul are certainly promising for couples struggling with infertility. As of September this year, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has significantly increased its support for infertility procedures — by an astonishing 61.8% compared to last year. This means nearly 15.8% of all babies born in Seoul in 2024 will likely be born through infertility treatments.
Time.news Editor: That’s quite a leap! What do you think is driving this increase in support?
Dr. Min-Jae Kim: The growing recognition of ultra-low birth rates is a major factor. The government has realized the urgent need to tackle declining birth rates in South Korea. Infertility is a rising concern, and this increased support is a response to couples who are desperate to start families. The measures include expanding subsidies, removing age restrictions, and providing financial backing even when treatments fail.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like the policies are becoming much more inclusive. Can you explain some of the specifics of these subsidies?
Dr. Min-Jae Kim: Absolutely! For instance, previously, couples were limited to receiving support for infertility procedures only 25 times in their lifetime. Now, they can receive that support 25 times per birth. So, if a couple has multiple children, they can access treatment each time without hitting a cap. Additionally, the out-of-pocket costs for those undergoing treatment have been standardized to 30%, regardless of age, which makes treatment more accessible for older patients as well.
Time.news Editor: It’s clear that the government is taking significant steps to alleviate the burden on couples. How do you view the impact of these changes on the psychology of couples undergoing infertility treatment?
Dr. Min-Jae Kim: The emotional toll of infertility can be heavy. By providing more expansive support, the government is not only easing financial stress but also signaling to couples that their aspirations for parenthood are valued. This can enhance the psychological well-being of couples, as they might feel less isolated and more supported in their journey.
Time.news Editor: Interesting! And how are local fertility clinics responding to this surge in support and demand?
Dr. Min-Jae Kim: Many clinics are ramping up staffing and resources to handle the increased number of patients seeking treatment. We are seeing more collaboration between clinics and the government to ensure that these processes run smoothly and that patients receive the care they need promptly.
Time.news Editor: what do you think is the next step for the city or even the country as a whole regarding fertility support and policies?
Dr. Min-Jae Kim: The next logical step would be to continue expanding access and perhaps exploring new technologies and treatments as they become available. Additionally, increasing public awareness about these support systems and addressing broader social factors contributing to low birth rates — like work-life balance and childcare — will be essential for sustaining these initiatives.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kim. Your insights highlight the critical intersection of healthcare policy and societal values. It’s an exciting time for fertility treatment in Seoul, and we look forward to seeing its impact in the coming years.
Dr. Min-Jae Kim: Thank you for having me. I hope the changes we’re seeing can inspire other regions to consider similar strategies to support families.