South Korea will lower the annual outpatient-visit threshold for a 90% National Health Insurance copayment from 365 to 300 starting in January, meaning the higher rate applies from the 301st visit. The Ministry of Health and Welfare said the partial amendment to the enforcement decree was approved at a Cabinet meeting on the 8th. South Koreans averaged 17.9 outpatient visits per person in 2024, compared with 6.6 across the OECD. Of about 48.4 million outpatient users last year, 7,765 exceeded 300 visits, while one patient recorded 1,775. Children, pregnant women and patients covered by special copayment programs for severe disabilities or severe, rare or intractable illnesses are exempt, and other patients may qualify after review by a National Health Insurance Service committee. A cross-provider treatment and prescription-checking system will begin with CT and MRI records on December 24 and link to hospitals' electronic medical records. From October 1, salaried enrollees can apply to pay qualifying settlement premiums in installments when the amount reaches the minimum monthly wage-based premium, set at 10,080 won this year. The amendment also extends the workplace reporting deadline to March 31 and clarifies reviews of covered and non-covered medical services, materials and drugs.