Manual Therapy Coverage in Health Insurance: A History from Generation 1 to Generation 4

Health insurance is a type of insurance that reimburses a portion of medical expenses. In particular, insurance related to manual therapy has consistently received attention, and we will examine the characteristics and benefits of health insurance that has evolved over time, from Generation 1 to Generation 4.

Generation 1 Health Insurance

• Period: ~ July 2009
• Characteristics: Early health insurance was a simple form that compensated only a portion of basic medical expenses.
• Manual Therapy Related: As awareness of manual therapy was not yet widespread, insurance coverage was limited.
  
• Explanation: During this period, the insurance market was in its early stages, and insurance products aimed at reimbursing basic medical expenses were prevalent. There were no or minimal deductibles, and most reimbursements were 100%, but the renewal cycle was every 5 years. There was a high rate of early insurance policy cancellations, and many people who purchased insurance during this period are currently frequenting medical institutions, leading to a 300-400% increase in premiums for some. Reimbursement standards vary depending on the company's product.

Generation 2 Health Insurance

• Period: August 2009 ~ March 2017
• Characteristics: The scope of insurance coverage expanded, and reimbursements for various diseases and treatments became possible.
• Manual Therapy Related: As the importance of manual therapy was recognized, some insurance companies added items that reimburse a portion of manual therapy costs.
  
• Explanation: As the insurance market grew during this period, insurance products that covered a wider range of diseases and treatments began to emerge. Coverage extends to ages 80-100, with a maximum reimbursement of up to 50 million won. However, the downside is that the self-pay rate for covered/non-covered services is approximately 10%.

Generation 3 Health Insurance

• Period: April 2017 ~ June 2021
  
• Characteristics: Insurance became more specialized, and customized insurance products were launched based on specific diseases or treatment methods.
• Manual Therapy Related: Dedicated manual therapy insurance products emerged, and the scope and amount of insurance payments expanded.
• Explanation: As insurance specialization progressed, customized insurance products based on specific diseases or treatment methods began to emerge. Premiums became significantly more affordable compared to Generation 1 and 2 insurance, and optional coverage through special clauses became available. The coverage expanded to include MRI, non-covered injections, non-covered proliferative therapy, manual therapy, and more. The downside is that the self-pay rate is 10% for covered services and 20% for non-covered services. The optional clause for hospital admissions/outpatient visits is 30%.

Generation 4 Health Insurance

• Period: July 2021 ~ Present
• Characteristics: To meet the diverse needs of customers, various additional options and benefits have been introduced.
• Manual Therapy Related: To reduce the actual burden on patients receiving manual therapy, the criteria for insurance payment have been further refined and expanded. Special insurance packages have also been prepared for patients requiring long-term manual therapy.
• Explanation: Recently, insurance products have emerged that offer various additional options and benefits to meet the diverse needs of customers. Premiums are more affordable than Generation 3 insurance, and the coverage has been expanded to include increased hospital admission/outpatient reimbursement amounts. The downside is that while premiums become lower if you don't visit the hospital, the more you claim, the higher the increase. Self-pay rate for covered services has increased to 20% and non-covered services to 30%.

Health insurance that covers manual therapy has evolved along with the times. Currently, there are various insurance products available, including some that specialize in manual therapy, giving patients greater peace of mind when receiving treatment. The above explanation is based on rough estimations, so specific years and details need to be confirmed through the policies and history of each insurance company.

With advancements in medical technology, medical expenses have risen, and various health insurance products have been launched, increasing awareness and the need for insurance. As health insurance has evolved to Generation 4, we can see that medical expense burdens have increased along with social and economic changes, and individuals have become more interested in their medical expenses. It's good to inquire with your insurance company about the benefits you can receive regarding medical expenses, such as the special clauses in your existing health insurance.

Furthermore, those who have not yet prepared health insurance should carefully review the terms of various insurance companies and reconsider the need for health insurance to prepare for future medical expenses.