Kaohsiung Microinsurance Expands to Under-70s, Benefiting 94,000

(CNA, Reporter Chang Yi-lien, Kaohsiung, June 29) Starting this year, the Kaohsiung City Government, in conjunction with amendments to its self-governing ordinance, has expanded microinsurance coverage to vulnerable groups under the age of 70. A total of 94,810 individuals have been enrolled for free insurance, providing more families with a basic defense against accidental risks even in adverse circumstances.

The Kaohsiung City Government's Social Affairs Bureau explained today that the city government is in its 12th year of collaborating with private entities to promote microinsurance. In line with the amendment to the "Kaohsiung City Self-Governing Ordinance on Microinsurance for Vulnerable Groups," the age limit for coverage has been extended from 15 to under 65 years old to under 70 years old.

The Kaohsiung City Social Affairs Bureau stated that microinsurance operates on two major mechanisms: "automatic enrollment for eligible individuals" and "no application, no payment required." For those who meet the criteria, the Social Affairs Bureau proactively submits their information to insurance companies for review each year. District offices' neighborhood chiefs then deliver microinsurance policy leaflets to the insured households, ensuring that the public is aware of the insurance details.

The Kaohsiung City Social Affairs Bureau mentioned that low-income households, low-to-middle-income households, individuals receiving living allowances for persons with disabilities, or those receiving living allowances for children of single-parent families who are registered in Kaohsiung can be proactively insured by the city government. A total of 73,363 vulnerable individuals meet the legal eligibility criteria. Additionally, 21,447 individuals from economically marginalized households, designated for donation by private organizations, have been enrolled. This brings the total number of vulnerable citizens receiving free insurance coverage to 94,810, with a total insured amount of NT$19,436,050.

Kaohsiung Deputy Mayor Li Huai-jen attended the "Appreciation Ceremony for Microinsurance Services for Vulnerable Citizens in 2026" today, presenting appreciation plaques and certificates to 8 corporations and 8 private organizations. Li Huai-jen stated that with the extension of average life expectancy and the shift of the working age later, many middle-aged and elderly vulnerable individuals still bear the burden of family livelihood. However, the risk of accidents associated with increasing age also gradually rises.

Li Huai-jen pointed out that the city government, in coordination with the City Council's amendment of the self-governing ordinance, has extended the insurance age to under 70 to address the risk protection needs of middle-aged and elderly workers in vulnerable households. If vulnerable individuals die or become disabled due to accidental injuries, microinsurance can provide a payout of up to NT$300,000, offering a protective umbrella for vulnerable families in times of need and helping them overcome difficulties. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150629

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