Discover our health insurance policies specifically designed for expats in South Korea
Foyer Global Health covers expats’ health in South Korea who are seeking for a private health insurance solution tailored to their needs.
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It is no coincidence that South Korea has often been cited as a model for its exemplary management of the Covid pandemic. The Land of the Morning Calm relies on an efficient, accessible and high-quality healthcare system from which expats can wisely benefit. How does the South Korean healthcare system work? What is the nature and extent of medical services there? Where can I get treatment in South Korea?
Foyer Global Health has prepared a guide to help you understand what to expect in terms of healthcare when you move to South Korea.
South Korea’s healthcare system, one of the best in the world
In just over half a century, South Korea’s healthcare system has undergone extraordinary improvements to become one of the best in the world.
Accessible and universal healthcare
More than 90% of the South Korean population is covered by the NHIS (National Health Insurance Service), the universal health insurance system introduced in 1976, which covers a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits and hospitalisation.
The system is not free of charge, as patients are required to contribute between 20% and 50% of the cost of medical treatment, depending on the type of medical care and treatment provided. Although the NHIS only reimburses a portion of the cost of care, it nevertheless guarantees access to affordable primary healthcare.
A healthcare system dominated by the private sector
94% of the country’s health facilities are private. However, the distinction between private and public is sometimes difficult to discern, as private facilities treat all patients, including those covered by the NHIS.
Excellent medical care
South Korea can pride itself on offering excellent medical care thanks to its top-notch medical infrastructure, highly efficient medical equipment, and highly qualified health professionals.
A perfect blend of modern and traditional medicine
While modern medical care is abundant, traditional medicine remains very popular and deeply rooted in South Korea’s medical practice. Both in the major cities and in remote areas, you can find traditional medicine facilities combining herbal treatments with acupuncture or moxibustion. South Korean health insurance covers both traditional and modern medical treatments.
Where can I go for treatment?
South Korea’s residents, including expatriates, are generally free to choose their healthcare provider and medical facility. Residents turn to university hospitals for specialist care and to private clinics for minor treatment. For minor ailments such as colds or the flu, as an expat you make an appointment at a hospital or clinic as medical consultations in private practice or at home are virtually non-existent in the country.
In urban areas such as Seoul, Incheon or Busan, you will be able to find English-speaking or even French-speaking health practitioners.
What are the best health establishments in South Korea?
- Asan Medical Center, one of the country’s largest hospitals, with an international centre for comprehensive, personalised care
- Samsung Medical Centre (SMC) is renowned for its state-of-the-art equipment
- Seoul National University Hospital
- Severance Hospital
How much does treatment cost?
Contributions
The South Korean health insurance system is funded 40% by the government, 50% by social security contributions, and 10% by tobacco taxes. The social security contributions you pay depend on your income and are split between you and your employer.
The cost of medical services
The efficiency and excellence of the health service in South Korea comes at a price and, in general, health services are expensive. A consultation with a specialist doctor can cost up to €150; a standard room in a private hospital cost between €200 and €400 per day, and the most complex surgery can reach €50,000 in some cases.
Private insurance
On average, private health insurance costs between €80 and €100, depending on your profile and age.
Medicines
Local health insurance covers around 35% of the cost of medicines, which you can buy in supermarkets (over the counter) or pharmacies (mainly on prescription). Remember to take your prescriptions with you if you are travelling in the country with medication (especially sleeping pills and painkillers).
Useful numbers
- Firefighters/ambulance: 119
- Medical emergency call centre (English): 1339
- Police: 112
Which health insurance should I choose as an expatriate?
NHIS membership is compulsory if you intend to live for more than six months in the country.
For a number of years now, expatriates have been required to register with the NHIS if they stay in the country for more than six months, unless they are covered by another insurance scheme. You must register with the NHIS as soon as you receive your resident card. If you have been hired by a South Korean company and have a local employment contract, your employer will be responsible for registering you with the NHIS. If not, you will need to take the necessary steps yourself once you have obtained your Residence Card.
Private health insurance is your best option
Since the NHIS only provides effective coverage for basic healthcare, it is preferable, like the overwhelming majority of South Koreans, to take out private health insurance to ensure effective health coverage. This includes pre-existing conditions and repatriation, reduced waiting times and access to private health services in English or even French. Some insurers have direct billing arrangements with medical facilities, reducing the out-of-pocket costs to the insured.
Why choose Foyer Global Health for your expatriation to South Korea?
- Covering expats’ health is our specialty, regardless of your profile or relocation plan.
- You benefit from effective, flexible, and comprehensive coverage tailored to your needs in South Korea, in your home country and globally.
- You are free to choose your healthcare provider, whether public or private.
- Our solutions include repatriation or evacuation insurance in the event of a medical emergency or serious illness.
- You have access to multilingual medical assistance, available 24/7.