International Patient Guide — Korean hospital guide
International Patient Guide

Leaving Korea After Medical Treatment

Medical Records, Follow-Up & Returning Home Safely

Quick summary
Before flying
Ask about travel restrictions
Medical records
Collect important documents before departure
Medication
Confirm dosage and duration
Follow-up
Arrange continued care
Insurance
Collect required reimbursement documents
Records
Request them early
After returning home
Share relevant information with your healthcare provider

Before leaving Korea after medical treatment, make sure you have the information and documents needed for recovery and continued medical care at home.

Leaving Korea After Medical Treatment

CONFIRM WHEN YOU CAN TRAVEL

After surgery, sedation, or significant treatment, ask your medical team whether there are any restrictions on:

  • Flying
  • Long-distance travel
  • Physical activity
  • Lifting luggage
  • Driving
  • Diet
  • Medication
  • Wound care

Do not assume that you can fly immediately after a medical procedure.

COLLECT YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS

Before departure, ask the hospital which records are available and relevant to your continued care.

Depending on your treatment, these may include:

  • Medical summary
  • Diagnosis information
  • Test results
  • Laboratory reports
  • Imaging records
  • Procedure or surgery records
  • Pathology information
  • Prescription records
  • Discharge information

Availability and fees vary by hospital.

GET YOUR MEDICATION INFORMATION

Make sure you understand:

Leaving Korea After Medical Treatment

Medication Name → Dosage → Frequency → Duration → Precautions

If continued medication is required after returning home, ask your doctor how treatment should be managed.

PLAN FOLLOW-UP CARE

Some patients may need additional medical care after returning home.

Before departure, ask:

  • When is follow-up required?
  • Can follow-up be performed in my home country?
  • What information should I give my local doctor?
  • Does the Korean hospital offer remote follow-up when appropriate?
  • Who should I contact if a treatment-related problem occurs?

Remote services vary by hospital and may be subject to applicable rules.

INSURANCE DOCUMENTS

If you plan to claim reimbursement from an insurer, collect the required documents before leaving Korea whenever possible.

These may include:

  • Receipts
  • Itemized bills
  • Medical certificates
  • Treatment records
  • Prescription information

Confirm exact requirements with your insurer.

Leaving Korea After Medical Treatment

REQUEST DOCUMENTS EARLY

Do not wait until the day of departure to request important records.

Some documents may require:

Processing Time · Identification · Authorization · Additional Fees

Ask early, especially after complex treatment.

KEEP DIGITAL BACKUPS

When appropriate, maintain secure digital copies of important medical and payment documents.

Medical information is sensitive, so protect your records carefully.

AFTER RETURNING HOME

If you continue treatment with another healthcare professional, provide the relevant Korean medical records and explain your treatment history.

Seek appropriate medical attention if you develop concerning symptoms after returning home.

Official resources

Ministry of Health and Welfare

www.mohw.go.kr

Korea Health Industry Development Institute

www.khidi.or.kr

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