Healthcare and insurance
Korean healthcare is fast and affordable, but the same visit can cost several times more without insurance.
Typical cost: Regional premiums are assessed on income and assets · Time needed: Days to weeks until coverage starts
Steps
- Know your enrolment type — Employer-based enrolment is handled by your company; regional enrolment is on you. Foreigners staying six months or longer are generally required to enrol.
- Contact NHIS directly — Start dates depend on your visa status and entry date. Ask the NHIS foreigner desk about your case.
- Start with a local clinic — For minor issues, neighbourhood clinics are far faster and cheaper than large hospitals.
- Save an English-speaking hospital — Note a hospital with a foreign patient coordinator before you need one.
What to bring
- ARC
- Insurance details
- Names of current medications in English
Good to know
- Many medicines require a prescription. Stock basic remedies in advance.
- Call 119 for emergencies; 1339 and 1345 can help with interpretation.
Official sources
Visa, tax and legal rules change often. This page is general information — always confirm with the official bodies linked above.