korean medical system - Health in Korea 365

Navigating the healthcare system in a foreign country can be stressful — especially when you don’t speak the language. If you’re an expat, digital nomad, or tourist in Korea, this guide will show you exactly what to expect when visiting a doctor — plus how to save money along the way.

1. Can Foreigners Visit Clinics in Korea?

Yes. Korea’s healthcare system is open to foreigners. You don’t need Korean citizenship — just your passport, visa, or alien registration card (ARC).

Types of Clinics You Can Visit:

Local clinics (동네 병원) for mild symptoms
Internal medicine (내과) for fever, cough, stomach pain
ENT (이비인후과) for ears, nose, throat
Dermatology (피부과), Orthopedics (정형외과), etc.

2. Do I Need Health Insurance?

Not necessarily — but it helps.
If you’re a tourist, you’ll pay the full amount, but it’s still often cheaper than in many Western countries.

If you’re a long-term resident with a visa (like D-2, D-4, E-2, F-series), you must enroll in Korea’s National Health Insurance (NHI). You’ll then pay just 30–50% of the total cost.

3. What Happens During the Visit?

Reception: Show your ARC or passport and explain symptoms (you can use Papago or Google Translate).
Doctor consultation: Short but effective — usually 3 to 5 minutes.
Prescription: Most clinics don’t have in-house pharmacies. You’ll get a prescription slip.
Pharmacy visit: Hand over the slip and get your medicine (usually under $10 with NHI).

4. How Much Does It Cost?

Type	With NHI	Without NHI
General doctor visit	$3–7 USD	$20–30 USD
Specialist (e.g., ENT, Derm)	$10–15 USD	$30–60 USD
Basic medication	$2–10 USD	$10–30 USD

5. Insider Tips

Walk-in system: Most clinics don’t require appointments.
Morning hours: Clinics close early (1 PM on Saturdays), so go in the morning.
English-speaking doctors: Search “Foreigner-friendly clinics in Seoul/Busan” or check Google Maps reviews.
Papago App: Best for translating medical terms and communicating symptoms.

Final Thoughts

Korea’s healthcare system is efficient, fast, and surprisingly affordable — even without insurance. With just a little prep, you can handle a doctor’s visit confidently and avoid unnecessary costs.

Korean hospitals are known for their speed and efficiency. But for foreigners, especially first-time visitors, a smooth experience depends on being prepared. Here’s what you absolutely need to bring—and why each one matters.

1. Valid ID – Passport or Alien Registration Card (ARC)

Hospitals require proof of identity for registration.

Short-term visitors must show their passport.
Long-term residents (90+ days) are expected to present their ARC.
Without these, registration may be denied or delayed.

Why it matters: Your ID links your medical history, insurance, and billing. Without it, staff won’t be able to process your visit properly.

2. Korean Contact Info – Phone Number and Address

Even for walk-in patients, hospitals usually request:

A Korean mobile number (for follow-ups, test results, and prescription notifications)
A local address (for documentation or delivery of medication)

If you don’t have a personal number, prepare the contact of a local guardian, company, or accommodation.

Tip: Prepaid SIM cards with Korean numbers are cheap and can be purchased at airports or convenience stores.

3. Health Insurance – National or Private

If you’re enrolled in Korea’s National Health Insurance, bring proof of enrollment or your ARC (which links to your insurance).
If you’re covered under a private international policy, carry a digital or physical copy of your plan.

Without insurance, you’ll pay the full cost upfront. Some treatments can cost 2-3x more for uninsured patients.

Bonus: Helpful Add-ons

Medical records: Especially for chronic illness or ongoing treatment
Current medications list: Korean doctors need to know what you’re already taking
Translation app or paper with key terms in Korean: Can bridge unexpected language gaps

Preparation is key.
By bringing the right documents and knowing what to expect, you make your Korean healthcare experience faster, smoother, and less stressful.

Visiting a Doctor in Korea – What Every Foreigner Must Know