The Ultimate Guide to Healthcare for Expats in Korea
3 min read
South Korea boasts one of the most efficient healthcare systems in the world, providing excellent care to both locals and expatriates. However, navigating healthcare as an expat can be a little tricky—especially when it comes to understanding National Health Insurance (NHI), finding the right hospitals, and locating English-speaking medical professionals.
Here’s everything you need to know about accessing healthcare in Korea as an expat and how JournEASE can assist with ensuring you get the care you need.
1. Understanding Korea’s National Health Insurance (NHI)
The National Health Insurance system covers all residents in Korea, including expats who work or stay in Korea long-term. Signing up for NHI is mandatory for those with an Alien Registration Card (ARC) and comes with many benefits, including significantly reduced healthcare costs.
How to Register:
Apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) at your local immigration office.
Enroll in NHI through your employer or individually at a local NHI office.
Benefits:
Reduced costs for doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospital stays.
Coverage for preventive care such as vaccinations and health screenings.
2. Finding English-Speaking Doctors and Hospitals
It’s important to find a healthcare provider who speaks English, especially when discussing complex medical issues. While many large hospitals in Korea have English-speaking staff, smaller clinics may not. JournEASE can assist in finding a clinic or doctor that meets your language needs.
Top Hospitals for Expats:
Severance Hospital (Seoul): Offers an International Health Care Center with English-speaking staff.
Samsung Medical Center (Seoul): One of the largest and most advanced hospitals in Korea.
Asan Medical Center (Seoul): Known for its highly specialized medical services.
3. Emergency Services and Ambulances
In case of a medical emergency, you can call 119 for an ambulance. However, the operators may not speak English, so it’s a good idea to have someone who can translate or use an app like Papago to assist.
What to Do in an Emergency:
Call 119 for an ambulance, or ask JournEASE for immediate support in contacting emergency services.
If you don’t speak Korean, request assistance from the Korean Tourism Organization's Medical Tourism Hotline (1330) for translation.
How JournEASE Can Assist with Your Healthcare Needs
Navigating healthcare in a foreign country can be stressful, but JournEASE is here to help. We offer:
Appointment Booking: We’ll find English-speaking doctors and help you book appointments.
Translation Services: Need help understanding your diagnosis or treatment options? JournEASE provides bilingual support to ensure you fully comprehend your medical situation.
Insurance Assistance: We’ll help you enroll in National Health Insurance and understand your coverage options.
Ready to Take Control of Your Healthcare?
Don’t let language barriers or confusing processes stop you from accessing top-notch medical care in Korea. Contact JournEASE today through our website or KakaoTalk to get assistance with everything from finding a doctor to navigating insurance.
For more expat insights, visit our JournEASE blog.