Study on the introduction of sickness benefits in Korea

Abstract

With the spread of the COVID19, interest in guaranteeing workers' right to rest is increasing, and a social consensus has been formed on the necessity of introducing sickness benefits. This study reviewed the contents of the related systems that are currently performing similar functions to the sickness benefits and what points need to be coordinated and linked with related systems. As for eligibility, it is necessary to think about how many vulnerable workers are excluded from the existing social insurance system when sickness benefits are introduced in connection with social insurance, and whether and how sickness benefits system would include them. As for the calculation of insurance premiums, the range of income to include should be determined. For example, national health insurance service decides premium by considering not only income based on economic activity but also financial and asset income. It is necessary to decide how to determine income before sick. It would be also related to the level of sickness benefits. As for the level of sickness benefits, the level of sickness benefits and maximum and minimum level of benefits should be decided considering the level of benefits of other social protection systems.