Medical Costs for International Patients

International patients receiving medical care in Korea may face different payment arrangements depending on their insurance status, treatment, hospital, and reason for visiting Korea.

Before planned treatment, patients should confirm expected costs directly with the medical institution.

FOREIGN RESIDENTS IN KOREA

Foreign residents enrolled in Korea's National Health Insurance may receive applicable benefits according to current NHI eligibility and coverage rules.

Patients may still be responsible for:

• Copayments
• Non-covered services
• Optional services
• Certain medical materials
• Other applicable charges

Insurance enrollment does not mean that every medical expense is covered.

SHORT-TERM VISITORS

Tourists and other short-term visitors who are not enrolled in Korean National Health Insurance may generally need to pay their medical expenses directly.

Travel or international insurance may reimburse some expenses depending on the individual policy.

PLANNED MEDICAL TREATMENT

International patients traveling to Korea specifically for medical treatment should request cost information before making major travel arrangements.

For significant treatment, ask about:

Consultation → Tests → Procedure → Hospitalization → Medication → Follow-Up → Additional Charges

An initial estimate may change if the treatment plan changes.

INTERNATIONAL PATIENT CENTERS

Some major Korean hospitals operate dedicated international patient centers.

Depending on the institution, these centers may assist with:

• Appointments
• Administrative procedures
• Language support
• Treatment coordination
• Cost information
• Medical records

Available services vary by hospital.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE

In an emergency, obtaining appropriate medical care should take priority over comparing prices.

For a potentially life-threatening emergency in Korea:

Call 119

Billing and insurance arrangements can be addressed according to the medical institution's procedures.

BEFORE RECEIVING TREATMENT

International patients should confirm:

• Estimated medical cost
• What the estimate includes
• Possible additional charges
• Insurance arrangements
• Deposit requirements
• Accepted payment methods
• Documents available for insurance claims

KEEP YOUR DOCUMENTS

If you plan to request reimbursement from an insurer after treatment, obtain the documents required by your insurance company before leaving Korea whenever possible.

These may include:

Receipt → Itemized Bill → Medical Certificate → Treatment Records → Prescription Information

Requirements vary by insurer.