How much does a doctor visit cost in Korea?

With National Health Insurance (NHI / 국민건강보험), a general clinic visit costs about ₩5,000~15,000 (you pay 30% copay). Without insurance, the same visit costs ₩15,000~50,000. Korea's healthcare is very affordable compared to most Western countries.

Do foreigners get health insurance in Korea?

Yes, foreigners staying 6+ months are required to enroll in NHI (국민건강보험). If employed, your employer handles enrollment and splits the premium 50/50. Self-employed or students pay the full premium themselves (~₩130,000/month in 2026). Coverage starts from enrollment date.

What should I bring to a Korean hospital?

Bring your ARC (외국인등록증 / Alien Registration Card), health insurance card (건강보험증), and any previous medical records. At the reception (접수), you'll fill out a form with basic info. Some hospitals accept walk-ins, but large hospitals usually require appointments through their app or phone.

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Living in Korea

Hospital Cost Guide

Look up medical costs in Korea with and without National Health Insurance (NHI).

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General Clinic

의원/병원 · Approximate 2026 prices

Basic consultation

일반 진료

With NHI

₩5,000 ~ ₩10,000

30% copay

Without NHI

₩15,000 ~ ₩30,000

100% self-pay

Cold/flu treatment

감기 치료

With NHI

₩8,000 ~ ₩15,000

30% copay

Without NHI

₩20,000 ~ ₩50,000

100% self-pay

Blood test

혈액 검사

With NHI

₩5,000 ~ ₩15,000

30% copay

Without NHI

₩20,000 ~ ₩50,000

100% self-pay

X-ray

X선 촬영

With NHI

₩5,000 ~ ₩10,000

30% copay

Without NHI

₩15,000 ~ ₩40,000

100% self-pay

Health checkup (basic)

건강검진 (기본)

With NHI

Free

30% copay

Without NHI

₩50,000 ~ ₩150,000

100% self-pay

Free every 2 years with NHI (40+: every year)

National Health Insurance (국민건강보험) for Foreigners

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.

How to Visit a Hospital in Korea

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.