×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Healthcare and Health Insurance in Korea | Expat Exchange
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Korea

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Apr 20, 2023

Summary: The quality of medical care in Korea is generally considered to be on par with the United States. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. Emergency services are also well-developed, with ambulances and emergency medical personnel available to respond quickly to any medical emergency. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 119 from any phone in Korea.

SJB Global
SJB Global
SJB Global
SJB Global

How are healthcare services Korea?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Korea, they replied:

"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," commented one expat who moved to Korea.

What are medical services in Korea like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Korea, they replied:

"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 living in Daejeon.

"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," mentioned one expat in Korea.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Korea?

"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," wrote one expat.

William RussellWilliam Russell
Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

What are emergency services like in Korea?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Korea wrote:

"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," remarked one expat living in Korea.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"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," wrote one expat.

Are common prescription medications available 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," remarked one expat in Korea.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities 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," remarked one expat in Korea.

As a foreigner living in Korea, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"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," remarked one expat in Korea.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Korea if they have access to public healthcare in Korea. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"South Korea handled the pandemic incredibly well despite the challenges involved... far better than the U.S. did," said one expat.

"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," remarked one expat in Korea.

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Korea?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Korea about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"It is important to research the healthcare system in Korea before having a baby. Make sure to find a doctor or midwife who speaks your language and is familiar with the healthcare system in Korea. Additionally, it is important to familiarize yourself with the maternity leave policies in Korea and to plan ahead for childcare. Lastly, it is important to build a support network of other expat parents who can provide advice and support," remarked one in Korea.

Are healthcare services good in Korea?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Korea. They wrote:

"Korea has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides a wide range of services to its citizens. The government provides universal health insurance coverage for all citizens, which covers most medical expenses. In addition, there are a variety of private health insurance plans available for those who wish to supplement their coverage. Healthcare services in Korea are generally of a high quality, with modern facilities and well-trained medical staff. The country also has a strong emphasis on preventive care, with regular health screenings and vaccinations available for all citizens," explained one expat.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute to Korea Network Contribute
Help others in Korea by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Korea.

SJB Global
SJB Global

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides