Wee, HyeSeungJung, SeunghoLee, Jongmin2023-12-062023-12-062023-12-06https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/40704Past experience of emerging infectious diseases enabled the Republic of Korea to respond promptly to COVID-19. The government’s zero out-of-pocket strategy, dedicated funding to infectious diseases, previously reformed legal and policy frameworks, and proactive risk communication minimized the impact of COVID-19 on the population’s health and economy. Pre-existing universal health coverage (UHC) and the role of national health insurance (NHI) contributed to lessening this burden. The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) reduced premiums for vulnerable populations, facilitated early financing to health care providers, provided free COVID-19-related services, and increased benefit packages covering all populations in the country. The integrated health data system managed by the NHIS was used for customized treatments and enabled policy decisions during the pandemic. Data analysis for this note shows that there were no significant socioeconomic disparities in the COVID-19 prevalence, mortality, and vaccination rates.enCC BY-NC 3.0 IGONATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCECOVID-19 RESPONSEHEALTH CARE PROVIDERS FINANCIAL RISKACCESS TO HEALTH CAREHEALTHCARE EQUITYReportWorld Bank10.1596/40704