Medical services in Korea
Medical services in Korea are open to foreign nationals.
The Seoul Global Center provides a 24-hour medical service information service. Staff members who can speak multiple languages offer information and consultation services about medical facilities and services for foreign residents.Resident employees working in Korea can also purchase insurance plans with the same benefits as Korean citizens. The two categories of services for employers and the self-employed are available to foreign nationals depending on their working conditions.
You can purchase prescription-based or over-the-counter medical supplies in local pharmacies. Patented medical supplies include digestive medicine, health supplements, vitamin supplements, fever reducers, cold medicines, and pain relievers. However, to purchase antibiotics, hormone drugs, and certain types of specialized pain relievers, you will need a doctor’s prescription. Information regarding different types of medical services and medical insurance plans for foreign nationals is available in the section below.
Medical system in Korea
Various medical institutions in Korea (private medical hospitals, general hospitals, Korean medicine hospitals, and community health centers) in Korea are equipped with specialists and cutting-edge medical devices, providing high-quality medical services.
Korea is renowned for its advanced practice in various medical fields such as ophthalmology, spine surgery, dentistry, plastic surgery, heart surgery, and infertility treatment.With the increasing number of foreign nationals visiting and residing in the country, more Korean medical institutions are establishing medical centers specifically for international patients to provide optimal medical services that correspond to international patients’ medical needs and meet global standards.
Medical institutions in Korea are classified into three categories based on the number of medical departments and the scale of medical facilities. To receive medical services in a tertiary hospital, patients need a referral from primary or secondary medical institutions. Without a referral, patients are not eligible for insurance benefits, thus the expense can be substantial. International patients can go directly to international centers in tertiary hospitals, and receive the medical services. However, it will incur a higher medical bill.
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Primary Medical InstitutionsPrimary medical institutions include private hospitals and community medical centers. Primary medical institutions can only offer limited medical services, and provide general medical care that treats early symptoms, and prevent diseases.
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Secondary Medical InstitutionsSecondary medical institutions are equipped with specialized doctors in at least four different medical departments. Secondary medical institutions provide medical services to both inpatients and outpatients. In general, secondary medical institutions have approximately 30 to 500 patient beds, and can provide emergency treatments.
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Tertiary Medical InstitutionsGeneral hospitals and hospitals affiliated with medical schools are classified as tertiary medical institutions. This type of medical institution is equipped with various medical departments, specialized doctors, and over 500 patient beds, and can provide specialized medical services for emergency patients.
How to Book an Appointment
To receive a medical service promptly, it is advisable to book an appointment in advance.
You may book an appointment by calling or visiting the medical institution of your choice ahead of time. Additionally, appointments can be made via fax or online.
You need to bring your insurance card with you when you are making a booking in person.
Please fill out the booking application, and submit it at the reception desk.
Paying Medical Bills
You can pay for your medical bills at the administrative office of the medical institution. Most medical institutions accept credit cards. Alternatively, you can pay for your bills at the international patient centers located within certain hospitals. They can also assist you in preparing the necessary documents for payment. In general, many medical institutions issue medical bill receipts in English. The fees charged to patients for medical services vary depending on their insurance status. Some hospitals that have partnerships with insurance providers accept overseas health insurance plans. International patients who would like to take advantage of their overseas health insurance plan must make the payment before submitting a claim to their insurance provider.