How does healthcare work in South Korea, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

What is the quality of healthcare in South Korea?

• South Korea has one of the most efficient and well-organized health care systems in the world. The country is known for modern facilities, advanced technology, and affordable healthcare.
• This is also reflected in the ever-increasing life expectancy, which is already around 90 years old!
• The country also happens to be the leading country in facial care and treatments. You can see that when you walk among the people there!
• You'll find a mix of public and private institutions, hospitals, clinics and pharmacies. The difference between private and public care is not as clear as in some other countries. Hospitals often serve people with public insurance as well as those with private insurance.
• In hospitals, you generally find very modern facilities and good specialists. Clinics are smaller and often focus on specific fields such as dermatology and dental care, or sometimes traditional Korean medicine. Pharmacies are found everywhere and provide advice on minor health problems.
• In Korean culture, respect is essential. So is toward medical personnel. It is customary to bow towards your doctors or caregivers. It is important to arrive on time and remain polite and patient.
• What is related to this is that it is not common to ask a lot of questions or question your doctor's conclusions. Do you want to have that freedom? Then it is wise to find a doctor who has a lot of experience with expats.
• There can be quite a language barrier. Look for an English-speaking doctor, bring a Korean-speaking person with you or make sure you have a good translation app!
• Traditional Korean medicine plays a big role in the health care system. It is very common to be recommended things like acupuncture, natural medicines and moxibustion (a type of heat treatment).
• Call 119 if you need an ambulance. The ambulance service is fast and good.
• Mental health care is emerging in South Korea. There are more and more international clinics where you can see a therapist/psychologist as an expat.

How does the public healthcare system work in South Korea?

• South Korea has a national healthcare system, the National Health Insurance (NHI), which is mandatory and covers almost everyone, including expats with visas longer than six months.
• Premiums are income-based and are often shared between employee and employer. For the self-employed, it is calculated based on income and assets. Treatments through the NHI are partially reimbursed, with small co-payments.
• You pay between 20 and 50% of the cost yourself, depending on the type of care you receive.
• The waiting times on the day itself can be long, though. So be sure to schedule an appointment in advance. 
• To enroll, you must go to a local National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) office. Here you show your passport, registration card and work contract, then fill out an application form and receive your health care card.
• Public healthcare is of very high quality. Urban hospitals have modern facilities, while in rural areas the options may be fewer.

How does the private healthcare system work in South Korea?

• Private healthcare is found almost exclusively in cities.
• Private care is more expensive but offers shorter wait times.
• South Korea attracts many medical tourists, especially for cosmetic surgery and specialized treatments such as cancer therapy and orthopedics.

How is the family doctor or general practitioner arranged in South Korea arranged?

• Most South Koreans go to the hospital when they have problems. Here you can visit outpatient clinics without an appointment.

How is the dental care and dentist arranged in South Korea?

• Dentistry is mainly provided by private practices. Most treatments such as checkups and fillings are not covered by the NHI, but are relatively affordable.
• Dental care is modern and comparable to Western standards.
• Orthodontics and aesthetic dentistry are popular in South Korea and also attract medical tourists.

How is pregnancy and maternity care arranged in South Korea?

• In South Korea, you found very specific, perhaps crazy to us, customs regarding pregnancy and birth that have mostly disappeared. One that has stuck around, however, is that it is unusual to make noise during pregnancy; that way, you may even be shushed by your doctor.
• There is a lot of care available for pregnant women. There are good hospitals, birthing centers, doulas, midwives, etc.
• Cesarean sections are very common in South Korea, as are enemas and episiotomies. So discuss carefully with your doctor what you want and don't want.
• Breastfeeding in public is not seen as much as in the West, but it does happen. However, mothers do often cover themselves to be “considerate of others.” Also, breastfeeding rooms can be found everywhere.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in South Korea?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in South Korea?

• South Korea is an incredibly safe country. Street crime is rare, and violence against foreigners is virtually non-existent.
• Political protests are generally peaceful.
• South Korea is also a safe country for women.
• However, beware of "drink spiking" (when something is put in your drink) and other safety hazards in entertainment areas.
• The risk of natural disasters is not very high in South Korea. Although typhoons in summer and the rainy season can cause inconvenience.

What should you watch out for in terms of diseases in South Korea?

• You will find virtually no tropical diseases in South Korea.
• Tap water is safe to drink.
• Food hygiene is excellent in South Korea. You need not fear food poisoning anytime soon!

What should you pay attention to in terms of traffic in South Korea?

• The roads are good, public transport is efficient, reliable, and affordable, and cabs are available everywhere. What more could you want?
• If you have an accident, you as a car or motorcyclist will be seen as at fault if cyclists or walkers are involved. Also, regardless of whether guilt is proven, hefty penalties can follow.
• Traffic lights are generally arranged horizontally with four lights: red, yellow, green, and a green arrow.
• At most gas stations, you will be helped to refuel.
• When you see four traffic lights next to each other, you are not allowed to turn left unless you see a green arrow. So traffic lights can be confusing.

What are the best insurance options for backpacking, traveling, doing an internship, studying, volunteering, or working in South Korea?

• Is the trip to South Korea and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity?
• Insurance for backpacking and traveling in South Korea
• Insurance for studying in South Korea
• Insurance for internships in South Korea
• Insurance for volunteering in South Korea
• Insurance for digital nomads or paid work in South Korea

What types of insurance should you get if you're planning to emigrate, work as an expat, or live in South Korea?

• It is mandatory to register with the National Health Insurance if you are staying in South Korea for more than 6 months.
• International health insurance for South Korea
• International travel insurance for South Korea
• International life insurance for South Korea
• International income protection insurance for South Korea