How Jungnang-gu's New Military Insurance Supports Young Soldiers: Key Benefits Explained

[iNews24 Reporter Kim Han-bin] On March 11, Seoul’s Jungnang District announced it will launch a Military Service Youth Accident Insurance program to protect local young people from accidents and illnesses that may occur during military service.

The district said the program is designed to reduce the psychological and financial strain on service members and their families if they suffer unexpected injuries or illnesses while serving, and to allow young people to focus on their defense duties.

Eligibility covers active-duty personnel registered as residents of Jungnang District — including Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and full-time reservists — as well as conscripted police officers and conscripted firefighters. Enrollment is automatic upon moving into the district or upon enlistment; no separate application is required. Coverage ends automatically on transfer out or discharge, and the district covers the full premium.

Coverage runs through February of next year and provides benefits for qualifying injuries and illnesses that occur during that period.

The policy includes 12 benefit items, such as death, hospitalization, diagnostic fees for fractures and burns, and surgical expenses for service-related accidents and illnesses. It also adds coverage for hand and toe surgeries and for post-traumatic stress diagnoses, addressing conditions that commonly affect service members.

The plan pays up to 10,000,000 KRW per person (about $7,500) and can be claimed in addition to any private insurance or the district’s public safety insurance.

Claims must be filed within three years of the incident. Applicants should submit required documents to the insurer, Meritz Fire & Marine Insurance, via the insurer’s call center.

Jungnang District Mayor Ryu Gyeong-gi said, "We will fulfill our community responsibility to ensure young people serving the nation can complete their military service safely." He added that the district will continue strengthening institutional support to back young people's lives.