Hospital Cost Guide

Who is covered? All foreigners staying in Korea for 6+ months are required to enroll in NHI (국민건강보험). This includes workers, students, and residents. Your employer handles enrollment if you are employed (they pay 50% of the premium).

Monthly premium: About ₩130,000/month (2026) for self-employed or students. Employed workers pay ~₩100,000~200,000 split 50/50 with employer, based on salary.

What is covered? NHI covers about 60-70% of most medical expenses. You pay the copay (본인부담금): 30% at clinics, 40-50% at hospitals, and 20% for pharmacy prescriptions. Some treatments like cosmetic surgery and non-essential dental work are not covered.

Step 1 - Registration (접수): Go to the reception desk and present your ARC (외국인등록증) and insurance card (건강보험증). Fill out a basic form with your name, phone number, and symptoms. For large hospitals, you may need a referral letter (진료의뢰서) from a local clinic.

Step 2 - Wait and Consult: Wait for your number to be called. Consultation times are short (5-10 minutes is typical). The doctor may order tests (blood work, X-ray) which are done in the same building.

Step 3 - Payment (수납): After consultation, go to the payment counter (수납 창구). Pay your copay. You will receive a receipt and prescription if needed.

Step 4 - Pharmacy (약국): Take your prescription to any nearby pharmacy (약국). Pharmacies are everywhere in Korea, often right outside hospitals. Present the prescription and pay the pharmacy copay.

What to bring: ARC (외국인등록증), insurance card (건강보험증), cash or card for copay, any previous medical records or test results.

Useful Korean phrases:

• "접수하려고요" - I want to register (at reception)
• "여기가 아파요" - It hurts here (while pointing)
• "열이 나요" - I have a fever
• "알레르기가 있어요" - I have allergies
• "처방전 주세요" - Please give me a prescription
• "영어 되는 의사 있나요?" - Is there an English-speaking doctor?

International Clinics in Seoul: Severance Hospital (세브란스병원), Samsung Medical Center (삼성서울병원), Seoul National University Hospital (서울대학교병원), and Asan Medical Center (아산병원) all have international clinics with English-speaking staff. These clinics cater to foreigners and accept NHI.