15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Korea

"Korea offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including preventive care, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. The public healthcare system in Korea is of high quality and is available to all citizens and foreign residents. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and provides access to a wide range of services, including primary care, specialist care, and hospital care. Foreign residents in Korea are eligible to use the public healthcare system, and can access services through the National Health Insurance Corporation (NHIC). Expats in Korea can use the public healthcare system by registering with the NHIC and paying a monthly premium. The NHIC covers a wide range of services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs," remarked one expat living in Korea.

"Korea has a well-developed healthcare system that provides a wide range of medical services. Medical care is generally of a high quality and is available in both public and private hospitals. The country has a universal health insurance system that covers most medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgery, and prescription drugs. In addition, there are a number of specialized medical centers that offer advanced treatments and procedures. The government also provides free medical services for low-income individuals and families," commented one expat who moved to Korea.

"The doctor co-pay and medications are very inexpensive compared to my home country. I do not trust the doctors to operate as three friends died while be operated on," said one expat.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Korea can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, the cost of healthcare in Korea is higher than in other countries, due to the high cost of medical services and the lack of public health insurance. However, the government does provide some subsidies for those who cannot afford health insurance, and there are also private health insurance plans available. In addition, the government has implemented a number of measures to make healthcare more affordable, such as capping the amount of out-of-pocket expenses for certain treatments and providing subsidies for certain medical services," commented one expat who moved to Korea.

"Emergency services in Korea are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial 119, which is the national emergency number. The operator will then dispatch an ambulance to the location of the emergency. Ambulances in Korea are typically equipped with advanced medical equipment and staffed with experienced medical personnel," commented one expat who moved to Korea.

"Seoul is widely regarded as having the best selection of medical specialists in Korea. The Gangnam district in particular is home to many of the country's top hospitals and clinics, offering a wide range of medical services. Other cities such as Busan, Incheon, and Daegu also have a good selection of medical specialists, with many of the country's leading medical institutions located in these areas. Additionally, the Jeju Island region is known for its excellent medical facilities, offering a variety of specialized treatments and services," said one expat living in Korea.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Korea. Pharmacies in Korea are well-stocked with a wide variety of medications, including those used to treat common ailments such as colds, allergies, and headaches. Many of these medications are available over the counter, while others require a prescription from a doctor. In addition, many of the medications available in Korea are the same as those available in other countries, although some may have different names or packaging," said an expat in Korea.

"Medical facilities and medical care in Korea are of a high quality. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with modern hospitals and clinics providing a wide range of services. Doctors and nurses are highly trained and experienced, and the latest medical technology is widely available. In addition, the cost of medical care in Korea is relatively low compared to other developed countries," wrote an expat living in Korea.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Korea, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Korea is comprehensive and provides a wide range of services, including preventive care, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. The quality of care is generally high, and the cost of services is relatively low. In addition, the government provides subsidies for certain medical services, making them even more affordable," mentioned one expat in Korea.

"My experiences with the local healthcare system in Korea during the pandemic have been generally positive. The government has implemented a range of measures to ensure that the healthcare system is able to cope with the increased demand for services. For example, they have increased the number of hospital beds and staff, and have implemented a range of telemedicine services to reduce the need for physical visits. In addition, the government has provided financial support to those who have been affected by the pandemic, such as those who have lost their jobs or have been unable to work due to illness. Overall, I feel that the Korean healthcare system has been well-prepared to handle the pandemic and has provided a high level of care to those who need it," wrote one expat.

"South Korea handled the pandemic incredibly well despite the challenges involved... far better than the U.S. did," commented one expat who moved to Seoul.