Hospital Payments in Korea

Payment procedures at Korean hospitals and clinics vary depending on the medical institution, type of treatment, insurance status, and whether advance payment is required.

International patients should confirm payment arrangements before expensive or planned treatment.

WHEN DO YOU PAY?

Depending on the institution and treatment, payment may be required:

• After an outpatient consultation
• After examinations or procedures
• Before or after hospitalization
• Before certain planned treatments
• At discharge
• According to another hospital-specific payment schedule

Ask the hospital about its procedure in advance for major treatment.

PAYMENT METHODS

Medical institutions may accept various payment methods, including:

• Korean credit or debit cards
• International credit cards at some institutions
• Cash
• Bank transfer in certain circumstances
• Other institution-specific methods

International card acceptance should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

DEPOSITS & ADVANCE PAYMENT

For hospitalization, surgery, or planned treatment, some international patients may be asked to provide a deposit or advance payment.

Before transferring or paying a large amount, confirm:

Amount → What It Covers → Additional Charges → Final Settlement → Refund Procedure

Requirements vary by institution.

CREDIT CARDS

Major hospitals commonly provide card-payment facilities, but international patients should not assume that every foreign-issued card will work.

Before planned high-cost treatment:

• Confirm accepted payment methods
• Check your card's overseas-use settings
• Check transaction limits
• Prepare an alternative payment method when appropriate

Your bank or card issuer may also impose its own restrictions.

CURRENCY

Medical bills in Korea are generally charged in Korean won (KRW).

If using a foreign-issued card, currency conversion and overseas transaction charges may depend on the card issuer and payment arrangement.

INTERNATIONAL PATIENT CENTERS

For planned treatment at a major hospital, the international patient center may provide information about:

• Estimated treatment costs
• Deposits
• Payment procedures
• Insurance arrangements
• Billing documents

Exact services vary by hospital.

BEFORE MAKING A LARGE PAYMENT

For significant medical expenses, make sure you understand:

Estimated Cost → Deposit → Included Services → Additional Charges → Insurance Arrangement → Cancellation / Refund Terms

Keep proof of all payments.