Gender Disparities in Healthcare Utilization and Expenditures Among Single-Parent Households in Korea

Background/Objectives: This study examines gender differences in healthcare utilization and financial burden across family structures under Korea's near-universal health insurance system. Methods: Using 2010-2018 Korea Health Panel data, we applied a two-part model to estimate initiation of care, conditional utilization, and expected out-of-pocket expenditures. Results: Single fathers were less likely to initiate care, whereas single mothers had higher unmet needs and substantially greater conditional and expected out-of-pocket spending, with expected expenditures approximately 46% higher than those of two-parent households. Conclusions: We document stage-specific disparities in healthcare utilization and financial burden across family structures even under near-universal coverage, indicating the need for policies that strengthen both access and financial protection for single-parent households.