The Korean Healthcare System: What Foreigners Need to Know

If you're living, working, or traveling in South Korea, it’s essential to understand how the local healthcare system works. Korea offers fast, affordable, and high-quality care but it can be quite different from what you're used to. Here's everything foreigners need to know to navigate the Korean healthcare system with ease.

Access to care: quick, organized and tiered

Korea has one of the most efficient healthcare systems in Asia. You don’t need a referral to see a doctor, and many clinics offer same-day appointments.

Here’s how it works:

• Clinics: For minor health issues, check-ups, and prescriptions.
• Hospitals: For more serious illnesses or injuries.
• University or general hospitals: For specialized treatments or surgeries.

Most clinics are open Monday to Saturday, but it’s always best to call ahead. In big cities like Seoul, many international clinics have English-speaking staff. In rural areas, language can be a challenge, so apps like Papago or Google Translate come in handy.

Health insurance: mandatory and affordable

In Korea, health insurance is required, even for foreigners staying more than six months.

There are two main options:

• National Health Insurance (NHI) : If you’re employed or living long-term, you’ll be automatically enrolled in the National Health Insurance system. The monthly fee depends on your income, but for most foreign residents, it ranges from ₩100,000 to ₩130,000 per month (approximately 71 to 93 USD) and it covers about 70% of your medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and some medications.
• Private Insurance : Some foreigners choose to get private insurance for extra coverage like dental care, vision, checkups in English, or access to international clinics. Prices vary depending on age and coverage, but plans typically range from ₩50,000 to ₩200,000 per month (approximately 35 to 143 USD). It's optional, but it can offer peace of mind, especially if you want more comfort or English-speaking support.

To use your insurance, always bring your Alien Registration Card (ARC) when visiting a hospital or clinic.

From experience, Korea’s system is more reliable and reassuring than in many countries. For example, a relative had a medical issue while visiting Mexico. Without insurance, she had to pay a high fee out of her pocket (between 30 and 80 USD for the general consultation) to see a private doctor who, unfortunately, didn’t provide proper care. In addition, these prices do not include additional examinations, analyses, medicines or treatments.

Korea is often better positioned when it comes to value for money: its national system is mandatory, well-structured, fast, and well-equipped, which isn’t always the case in other country where, without private insurance, you may end up paying a lot for inconsistent or low-quality care.

So what if you don’t have insurance in Korea?

Some short-term travelers or people staying less than six months are not eligible for the national system. In that case, they must pay all medical costs out of your pocket. While a simple doctor visit may only cost around ₩20,000 to ₩40,000 (14 to 28 USD), more serious procedures can become expensive. That’s why many visitors get international travel insurance before arriving.

Still, for longer stays, enrolling in NHI offers both financial protection and peace of mind in case of unexpected health issues.

Differences with western healthcare systems

Even though Korea’s healthcare is top-notch, the experience may feel unfamiliar. Here are a few things to expect:

• No referral needed to see specialists, just book and go.
• Shorter consultations: Doctors get straight to the point. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.
• Affordable pricing: Even without insurance, many treatments are much cheaper than in the U.S. or Europe.
• Pharmacies (약국): After your visit, you’ll likely get a prescription to take to a nearby pharmacy. They usually give just a few days' supply at a time.

Tips for a smooth medical visit

• Always carry your ARC and insurance card.
• Use translation apps if needed.
• Keep a digital or printed list of allergies or medical conditions (in Korean if possible).
• Ask for a receipt if you plan to get reimbursed by a private insurer.

Korea’s top hospitals: trusted by locals and foreigners

Korea is home to five world-class hospitals, ranked in Newsweek’s global top 100: Asan Medical Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Severance Hospital, and Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital. These institutions are known for their advanced technology, highly trained doctors, and strong ties to Korea’s top universities.

For foreigners, services like Medical Avenue make access easier by offering support in English, fast appointment scheduling, and culturally aware care. Whether you're here short-term or long-term, these hospitals offer some of the best care in Asia.

Final thoughts

South Korea’s healthcare system is reliable, fast, and foreigner-friendly once you understand how it works. Whether you’re here short-term or settling in for a while, having access to care and knowing how to use it, will make your stay much more comfortable.