South Korea Expands Hepatitis C Testing Support for Early Detection and Treatment
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Expanded financial assistance for confirmatory tests aims to bolster early diagnosis rates and reduce the burden of liver cancer.
South Korea is substantially increasing access to vital hepatitis C testing, with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announcing an expansion of financial support for confirmatory tests beginning in 2026. The broadened program will now include coverage for individuals receiving tests at general hospitals and tertiary general hospitals, along with existing support for clinic and hospital-level institutions.
The Importance of Confirmatory Testing
A positive result on a hepatitis C antibody test is not a definitive diagnosis. This initial screening indicates past or present exposure to the virus, but a confirmatory test is crucial to determine active infection. This distinction is vital, as hepatitis C can lead to serious liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, especially among middle-aged adults.
Hepatitis C poses a notable health challenge, being a leading cause of liver cancer in socially and economically active individuals in their 40s and 50s. while a preventative vaccine remains unavailable, the disease is highly treatable. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) offer a cure rate exceeding 98% with just 8 to 12 weeks of treatment, underscoring the critical importance of early detection.
Declining Cases, Rising Detection Rates
The KDCA reports a consistent decline in reported hepatitis C cases in South Korea since the introduction of effective treatments. Cases fell from 8,308 in 2022 to 6,444 in 2024. Notably, the implementation of national health screenings for 56-year-olds (born in 1970) this year has led to a 35% increase in detected cases compared to the previous year, demonstrating the impact of proactive screening initiatives.
Expanded Support and Retroactive Coverage
To maximize the effectiveness of these programs, the KDCA is expanding the scope of financial assistance. Previously, support for confirmatory test costs was limited to those utilizing hospital or clinic-level facilities.Starting in 2026, citizens will be eligible for support regardless of where they receive the test, with a maximum benefit of 70,000 won.
Furthermore,retroactive support will be provided to individuals born in 1969 who tested positive for hepatitis C antibodies during the 2025 national health checkup and subsequently underwent confirmatory testing. This includes those who previously did not apply for assistance or were ineligible due to receiving their test at a general or tertiary hospital.
Accessing Support
Individuals seeking financial assistance for confirmatory tests can apply online through the ‘Subsidies 24’ service on the Government 24 website. Alternatively, applications can be submitted in person at a local public health center.
“We hope that this expansion of support for confirmatory testing costs will be of practical help in early detection and treatment linkage of hepatitis C patients who are arduous to recognize due to lack of symptoms,” stated a senior official at the KDCA. The agency also affirmed it’s commitment to strengthening hepatitis C management through increased public awareness and targeted interventions for high-risk groups.
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