[News Space=Reporter seungwon lee] Starting in 2026, the maximum monthly health insurance premium for employed workers will increase to 9,183,480 won, resulting in an out-of-pocket burden of 4,591,740 won. To reach this level, a monthly salary of at least 127,725,730 won would be required, or approximately 1.53271 billion won in annual salary. This level applies only to a very small number of "super-rich" employees, such as CEOs and senior executives of large corporations.

Background and calculation method for the increase in the ceiling amount

The Ministry of Health and Welfare adjusts the maximum premium each year to reflect changes in the average premium and salary level of office workers. Applying this year's 7.19% premium rate for office workers, the maximum premium based on monthly salary (KRW 9,183,480) is calculated backwards, resulting in a monthly income of KRW 127,725,730. Compared to last year, the out-of-pocket burden increases by KRW 87,570 per month and KRW 1,050,000 per year, effectively strengthening the social contribution of the ultra-high-income class.

A very small number of people... only 3,271 in 2024

As of 2024, only 3,271 employees, or 0.02% of all subscribers, paid the maximum premium for health insurance. This coverage only applied to ultra-high-income earners earning over 1.4355 billion won (based on the then-current standard), representing the top 0.02% of the 20 million Korean workers. While the average annual income of the top 10% of earners is 151.8 million won, the annual salary reaching the maximum is more than ten times that amount, making it a distant dream even for those earning over 100 million won (the top 7%).

Adding the extra income of a "super office worker" can cost 9 million won in monthly insurance premiums

If you have a significant amount of income from interest, dividends, or rentals in addition to your salary, the monthly income-based insurance premium cap will also be set at KRW 4,591,740. If both your salary and additional income meet the cap, your total out-of-pocket payment will exceed KRW 9,183,480, resulting in a monthly payment of over KRW 9 million. This can occur in complex income structures, as seen in past cases where multiple jobs resulted in exceeding the cap.

The minimum amount also increased slightly, with minimal impact on average premiums

To protect the socially vulnerable, the minimum premium amount will increase by 380 won, from 19,780 won in 2025 to 21,600 won in 2026. The average monthly premium for employed subscribers (out-of-pocket) will increase by 2,235 won, from 158,499 won to 160,699 won, but this increase is expected to be imperceptible to most citizens. The increase in the maximum premium amount is considered a measure to ensure fairness for high-income earners and financial stability.