Hanwha General Insurance has launched a first of its kind dedicated insurance plan for school employees, with special focus on the female workforce.
Currently women making up roughly 80% of all school employees nationwide, and the insurer drew on its expertise in women's insurance to build a coverage framework addressing physical, mental, legal and social risks that arise on the job. The insurer signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korean Federation of Teachers' Associations and inputs were gathered from the ground level in order to develop the product.
The plan covers violation of teaching rights and legal costs and coverage begins at the initial stage when a teacher files a report with a provincial education office over interference with educational activities. If the school rights protection committee subsequently confirms that an educational-activity infringement occurred, the rider pays up to KRW3.9m ($2,920). Additional riders cover attorney fees for criminal child-abuse litigation and for teacher appeals, easing the financial burden of work-related legal proceedings.
Through the dedicated "My Lawyer" website—a legal consultation service run in partnership with the Korean Bar Association—staff can access direct guidance and consult with specialist attorneys on handling legal risks, including teacher appeals and child-abuse allegations.
Mental health coverage tied to occupational stress is also included. A rider for stress-related psychiatric conditions pays up to KRW3m upon diagnosis of depression, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder or similar conditions, with additional benefits available if the policyholder undergoes drug treatment after diagnosis. The plan is open to teachers, professors and administrative staff at public and private schools nationwide.