Part 1: How to Visit a Hospital in Korea: Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners

🩺 Before You Visit a Hospital in Korea: A Simple Guide for Foreigners

Korea offers excellent and affordable healthcare, even for foreigners. But if you’re new here, figuring out things like insurance, clinics, and booking can feel confusing.

This quick guide will help you understand the basics so your first hospital visit in Korea feels much easier.

1. Can foreigners get Korean health insurance?

Yes, but only under certain conditions. In Korea, foreigners staying longer than 6 months are required by law to enroll in the National Health Insurance (NHI).

You can enroll if:

• You plan to stay longer than 6 months

• You have a valid Foreign Registration Card (ARC/FRC)

• You hold visas such as:

  • D-2 (student), D-4 (language training), H-1 (working holiday), E-7 (employee), F-4 (overseas Korean)

📝 Note: Insurance usually becomes active 3 months after your ARC is issued.

You are NOT eligible if:

• You’re in Korea for less than 90 days

• You’re on a tourist visa (B-2) or visa-free entry

• You live in Korea without ARC registration

⚠️ In these cases, you’ll need to pay 100% of medical costs out of pocket, which can get expensive.

2. How much does it cost to see a doctor?

With insurance, healthcare is surprisingly cheap. Without it, costs can be 5–10 times higher.

💡 International hospital often have English-speaking staff, but they charge higher fees.

Please note: The image is for reference only. Actual payment amounts may vary, and we are not responsible for any discrepancies.

3. What types of hospital are there?

💡 In Korea, you almost never get medicine directly at the hospital. Instead, the doctor gives you a prescription, which you must take to a nearby pharmacy.

4. How do I make an appointment?

• Online booking – Many big hospitals have websites/apps (e.g., SNU Hospital, Kangbuk Samsung)

• Phone booking – Smaller clinics often accept calls (English may not always be available)

• Walk-ins – For minor issues, just walking in usually works

📌 International clinics almost always require a reservation.

5. What should I bring?

Prepare the following items to make your visit smooth:

• Alien Registration Card (ARC) or passport

• Health insurance card (if you have one)

• Medical history or current prescriptions in English (if needed)

6. Where do I get my medication?

After your consultation, the doctor gives you a prescription.

• Pharmacies are usually located right next to the hospital or clinic

• Give your prescription to the pharmacist—you won’t get it back

• Prescriptions are one-time use only and usually valid for a few days

• OTC items like cold medicine don’t need a prescription

• Most pharmacies open 9AM–6PM weekdays, half-days on Saturdays

💡 Tip: Don’t lose your prescription—if you do, you’ll need to revisit the doctor for a new one.

✍️ Final Thoughts

Visiting a hospital in Korea might feel intimidating at first, but once you know the system, it’s very manageable. With the right documents, insurance, and a little preparation, you’ll find the process smooth and affordable.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll cover Useful Korean Phrases and Tips for Visiting Hospitals & Pharmacies