Healthcare System in South Korea: everything you need to know

How does the Korean healthcare system work?

South Korea has a universal healthcare system, divided between a public and a private system. One branch of the public system, the National Health Insurance System, is managed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and offers coverage to those citizens with the ability to pay. They pay a monthly fee to enroll themselves and their families.

There is also a Medical Assistance Program under the responsibility of the central and regional governments that must provide medical care to those citizens without the capacity to pay.

Both the public and private systems are recognized among the best in the world. They have some of the best doctors and the most modern and advanced facilities in the world. However, the best care is provided in the larger cities and more urbanized areas of the country. Those living in rural areas are still at a disadvantage regarding the quality of health care they receive.

By being registered in the National System, citizens are allowed to get medical care at any health center and with the professional of their choice. If you have private insurance, it may offer coverage only at certain facilities and with specific doctors.

Health care services are not completely free for anyone. The amount each person must pay depends on their health plan and level of income. However, most people must pay only the co-payment or fee-for-service.

People who tend to join a private health plan are those with chronic illnesses or who require constant medical attention. This is because private plans have more specific benefits, for certain treatments or only in case of an accident. Universal public insurance covers medical check-ups, accident coverage, medical procedures and even prescription drugs. 

How does the system work for foreigners?

If you are going to live in Korea for more than 6 months, you are required to register with the National Health System. If you are going to work, your employer must, by law, provide you with health insurance and pay half of the monthly cost of your health plan. The amount you must pay for health care in the public system depends on your salary, but tends to be around 30% of your salary.

In order to access the system you must first acquire an Alien Registration Card (ARC) in order to present it at an immigration office along with your passport and certificate of affiliation. This procedure may take a couple of weeks, so if you need medical attention immediately upon arrival in the country, consider hiring a temporary health insurance plan with coverage in Korea.

Keep in mind that there is a lot of air pollution throughout the year and people tend to suffer a lot from asthma and other respiratory problems. It is important to consider this when choosing your health plan, especially if you already have respiratory diseases and are moving to South Korea.

If you are traveling for tourism, it is not mandatory to have health insurance. However, it is highly recommended in case of any medical emergency. In order to be reimbursed when you return to your country, you must have travel insurance.

To find the best travel insurance options, visit InternationalHealth.com where you can compare, quote and purchase insurance for your trip to Korea today. 

What do I do if I have an emergency in Korea?

If you have a medical emergency or need help from the fire department, dial 119 from any local phone or cell phone. The Emergency Medical Service will help you free of charge. They have a translator service, so you will have no problem communicating with the operator.

Like all medical services in Korea, you will have to pay for an ambulance. If you have medical insurance you will be reimbursed for a percentage of the cost.

Other emergency numbers to have at hand:

Police: 112

Traveler's hotline: 1330

Medical Emergency: 1339

How do pharmacies operate in Korea?

In Korea's major cities, you will find pharmacies on practically every block. Normally, people in Korea go to the doctor for any ailment. The doctor then recommends what medication to take and the person goes to a pharmacy. Prescription and non-prescription drugs are not sold in hospitals.

The National Health System will cover most of the cost of a prescription drug.

Unlike many countries, over-the-counter medications can only be purchased at pharmacies, not supermarkets.

If you need to bring medication into the country, you must bring the prescription translated into English and with an explanation of the medication, dosage and your doctor's signature. You can carry a maximum of three months' supply of any medication.

Entry Requirements

There are no restrictions to enter South Korea because of Covid-19.

Most Latin Americans have access to Korea simply with an ETA Visa. This is very easy to acquire in just a few minutes and completely online.

In the following link you can quickly submit your application.