Long-Term Care Hospital Companion Pilot Program Begins July 30 — 282 Institutions Nationwide, Annual Limit of 500,000 Won
Source material is a Korean government announcement (in Korean).
Starting July 30, the 'Long-Term Care Hospital Companion Pilot Program' (장기요양 병원동행 시범사업) begins at 282 institutions nationwide, allowing long-term care (장기요양) grade 1–5 recipients to visit the hospital accompanied by a care worker or nurse (nursing assistant), with an annual limit of 500,000 won per person as of 2026.
Key facts
| Effective date | July 30 |
|---|---|
| Participating institutions | A total of 282 institutions, including 170 integrated in-home care institutions (통합재가기관) and 112 elderly care facilities with agreements |
| Eligible users | Long-term care grade 1–5 recipients who use integrated in-home care institutions (통합재가기관), and users (grade 1–5) of elderly care facilities with agreements with integrated in-home care institutions |
| Usage limit | 500,000 won per person annually, as of 2026 |
| Copayment | Users pay a portion of the service cost according to the long-term care benefit copayment rate |
| Service scope | Travel from starting point to hospital, registration and payment, movement to the examination room, waiting for tests and consultation, picking up prescribed medication, and accompaniment home |
| Service providers | Visiting care workers (방문요양보호사) from integrated in-home care institutions, or nurses or nursing assistants from partnered elderly care facilities |
| Inquiries | Ministry of Health and Welfare Long-Term Care Insurance Policy Division (요양보험제도과), 044-202-3499; National Health Insurance Service Care Resources Office (요양자원실), 033-736-1970 |
Last checked:
The Ministry of Health and Welfare (보건복지부) and the National Health Insurance Service (국민건강보험공단) are launching the 'Long-Term Care Hospital Companion Pilot Program' (장기요양 병원동행 시범사업) at 282 institutions nationwide starting July 30, for long-term care (장기요양) recipients who have difficulty using hospitals. Under the program, care workers and others accompany recipients through the entire process — from travel to the hospital, through registration, consultation, and picking up prescribed medication, to returning home. Eligible users are long-term care grade 1–5 recipients who use integrated in-home care institutions (통합재가기관), as well as users (grade 1–5) of elderly care facilities that have signed agreements with integrated in-home care institutions. As of 2026, each user can use the service up to an annual limit of 500,000 won per person. Users pay a portion of the service cost according to the long-term care benefit copayment rate.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
FAQ
Who can use this service?
Long-term care grade 1–5 recipients who use integrated in-home care institutions (통합재가기관), and users (grade 1–5) of elderly care facilities that have signed agreements with integrated in-home care institutions.
How much does it cost?
As of 2026, users can use the service up to an annual limit of 500,000 won per person, and pay a portion of the service cost according to the long-term care benefit copayment rate.
How far does the accompaniment go?
Support covers travel from the starting point to the hospital, and after arrival at the hospital, help with registration and payment, movement to the examination room, waiting for tests and consultation, and picking up prescribed medication, followed by accompaniment back home.