South Korea’s Medical Device Industry to Focus on Health Insurance Policy at KIMES 2026
Seoul, South Korea – The Korea Medical Device Industry Association (KMDIA) is set to host a significant health insurance policy seminar alongside the KIMES 2026 medical trade show on March 19th. The event, organized by the KMDIA’s Insurance Committee, aims to foster a deeper understanding of current health insurance regulations and future policy directions within the South Korean medical device sector. This seminar comes at a crucial time for the industry, as it navigates evolving healthcare policies and seeks clarity on reimbursement structures.
The seminar, scheduled for 2:00 PM at the COEX Conference Room 307 in Seoul, is expected to draw approximately 200 attendees, including professionals from the medical device industry and related healthcare institutions. The KMDIA, under the leadership of Chairman Kim Young-min, emphasizes the importance of this event for enhancing collaboration and communication between industry stakeholders and government agencies. The event builds on the success of last year’s seminar, demonstrating a continued commitment to addressing key policy concerns.
Key Policy Discussions to Take Center Stage
A central focus of the KIMES 2026 health insurance policy seminar will be the operational status and future trajectory of South Korea’s ‘Selective Coverage’ system – known as 선별급여 제도 (seonbyeol geupye je-do). Kim Do-han, a public health policy officer from the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Regional Healthcare Policy Division, will present on this topic. Selective coverage, introduced to address the high cost of innovative medical technologies, allows for conditional reimbursement based on clinical effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis. Understanding the nuances of this system is critical for medical device companies seeking market access in South Korea.
The seminar will also delve into the current state and future direction of the national health insurance system for medical care, with insights provided by Kim Do-yoon, an official from the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Insurance Benefit Division. South Korea’s national health insurance system is a single-payer system that provides universal healthcare coverage to its citizens. Changes to this system, including adjustments to reimbursement rates and coverage criteria, can significantly impact the profitability of medical device manufacturers.
Bang Jji-ya, Head of the Relative Value Adjustment Department at the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA), will address the management and revision of the relative value system – 상대가치체계 (sangdaegachi chegye). This system determines the reimbursement rates for medical services and procedures, and ongoing adjustments are made to reflect changes in medical technology and costs. The relative value system is a complex and often contentious issue, with industry stakeholders frequently advocating for fair reimbursement rates that reflect the value of their products.
Government and Industry Collaboration
A key feature of the seminar is the direct participation of officials from the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA). This direct engagement aims to strengthen policy communication and address concerns raised by the medical device industry. The inclusion of these government representatives underscores the importance of collaboration in shaping effective healthcare policies. The seminar provides a platform for industry representatives to directly engage with policymakers and provide feedback on proposed changes to the health insurance system.
The seminar program is structured to provide a comprehensive overview of recent changes in health insurance regulations and government initiatives related to medical device reimbursement. Discussions will also cover revisions to the fee schedule and compensation system, with a particular focus on adjustments to the relative value system. These adjustments are intended to create a sustainable healthcare system and ensure appropriate compensation for medical services.
KIMES 2026: A Major Platform for the Medical Device Industry
The health insurance policy seminar is being held in conjunction with KIMES 2026, one of the largest medical device exhibitions in Asia. KIMES (Korea International Medical & Hospital Equipment Show) serves as a crucial platform for showcasing the latest medical technologies and fostering business partnerships. The event attracts exhibitors and visitors from around the globe, making it a significant event for the international medical device industry. The co-location of the seminar with KIMES 2026 provides attendees with a unique opportunity to stay informed about the latest policy developments whereas exploring cutting-edge medical technologies.
According to the KMDIA, the seminar is part of an ongoing effort to diversify the program and expand the participation of experts, ensuring that the needs of various stakeholders – including the medical community – are met. Insurance Committee Chairman Chae Chang-hyung stated that the association will continue to enhance the seminar’s program and invite more experts to facilitate policy understanding and communication. This commitment to inclusivity and open dialogue reflects the KMDIA’s dedication to representing the interests of its members and promoting a thriving medical device industry in South Korea.
Looking Ahead
The KIMES 2026 health insurance policy seminar represents a critical opportunity for stakeholders in the South Korean medical device industry to gain insights into the evolving healthcare landscape. The discussions surrounding selective coverage, the national health insurance system, and the relative value system will undoubtedly shape the future of medical device reimbursement and market access in the country. The next key date for industry stakeholders to monitor is the release of updated reimbursement guidelines by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, expected in late 2026.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the South Korean medical device industry in the comments below. Please also share this article with your network to promote informed discussion and collaboration.
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