Key facts at a glance
- ✓National Health Insurance (NHIS) is mandatory for all foreigners after 6 months of residency
- ✓NHIS premiums are approximately 8.135% of income, split between you and your employer
- ✓NHIS covers 70-80% of most medical costs, including hospital visits and prescriptions
- ✓Emergency number is 119 (ambulance and fire), with English interpretation available at 1339
- ✓Annual health checkups are provided free for all NHIS subscribers
Overview
South Korea has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, consistently ranking highly for quality, accessibility, and affordability. The system is built around universal coverage through the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), which covers all residents including foreigners with valid long-term visas.
Medical facilities in Korea are modern and well-equipped. Wait times are short compared to many Western countries, and costs are significantly lower even without insurance. A general consultation typically costs 5,000-15,000 KRW (roughly $4-12 USD) with NHIS coverage.
The main challenge for foreigners is the language barrier. While many doctors at large hospitals have studied abroad and speak some English, smaller neighborhood clinics (called dongne clinics) typically operate in Korean only. This guide covers how to find English-speaking care and navigate the system effectively.
8.135%
NHIS premium rate
70-80%
Coverage rate
1339
Health helpline
119
Emergency number
Source: National Health Insurance Service, 2026
National Health Insurance (NHIS)
The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS, or “geongang boheom” in Korean) is Korea's universal healthcare system. As of July 2019, enrollment became mandatory for all foreigners staying in Korea for 6 months or longer, regardless of visa type.
How premiums work
What NHIS covers
Important: NHIS does not cover cosmetic procedures, most dental work beyond basic scaling, non-prescribed traditional medicine, or mental health counseling from non-psychiatric providers. If you miss premium payments, your coverage may be suspended until arrears are cleared.
Typical out-of-pocket costs with NHIS (KRW)
Source: ArriveKorea cost survey, 2026
NHIS coverage breakdown
Source: National Health Insurance Service
Finding English-speaking doctors
Finding a doctor who speaks English can be challenging outside of Seoul and other major cities. Here are the most reliable options for English-language medical care.
International clinics
Major hospitals in Seoul operate dedicated international clinics with English-speaking (and often multilingual) staff. These clinics handle everything from routine visits to specialist referrals. They accept NHIS but may charge higher uninsured fees for certain services.
- •Severance Hospital International Health Care Center (Sinchon, Seoul)
- •Samsung Medical Center International Clinic (Gangnam, Seoul)
- •Asan Medical Center International Clinic (Songpa, Seoul)
- •Seoul National University Hospital International Healthcare Center (Jongno, Seoul)
University hospital international departments
Most large university hospitals throughout Korea have international departments or coordinators who can arrange English-speaking consultations. Outside Seoul, check Kyungpook National University Hospital (Daegu), Pusan National University Hospital (Busan), and Chonnam National University Hospital (Gwangju).
Itaewon and foreigner-heavy areas
Clinics near Itaewon, Hannam, Gangnam, and areas with large foreign populations often have English-speaking staff. Search Naver Maps for “international clinic” or “English clinic” near your area. The 1339 Health Hotline also provides free medical consultation and interpretation in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese.
Advertisement
Google Ads (728x90)
Mental health resources
Mental health care for English speakers in Korea is limited but growing. Psychiatric care (medication management) is covered by NHIS, but therapy and counseling from non-psychiatric providers are generally not covered. Expect to pay out of pocket for most talk therapy.
| Resource | Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric clinics (NHIS) | Medication + brief consultations | 10,000-30,000 KRW |
| English-speaking therapists | Talk therapy (50-60 min sessions) | 100,000-200,000 KRW/session |
| Online therapy (BetterHelp, etc.) | Text, phone, or video therapy | $60-100 USD/week |
Where to find English-speaking mental health support
- •HACKS Korea (hackskorea.com): A community resource listing English-speaking therapists and mental health professionals across Korea.
- •Seoul Counseling Center: Offers English-language counseling in Gangnam and Itaewon areas.
- •Seoul Global Center: Provides free counseling sessions for registered foreigners (limited availability).
- •Crisis hotline (1393):Korea's suicide prevention hotline. For English-language crisis support, call 1588-9191 (Korea Helpline).
Navigating hospitals
Korean hospitals range from small neighborhood clinics to massive university hospital complexes. The system operates on a tiered model: you visit a local clinic first, and they refer you to a larger hospital if needed. Going directly to a large hospital without a referral results in a surcharge.
For non-emergencies: visit a local clinic first
Neighborhood clinics (dongne uiwon) handle most common issues. Bring your ARC and NHIS card. Walk-ins are standard; appointments are rare at small clinics. Typical wait: 10-30 minutes.
Get a referral if needed
If your clinic cannot treat your condition, they will write a referral letter (jinryoui uiroe seo) for a larger hospital. This referral is valid for 30 days and avoids the surcharge at university hospitals.
At the hospital: register at reception
Bring your passport, ARC, NHIS card, and any referral letter. Register at the reception desk (접수, jeopsu) on the ground floor. You will receive a number and be directed to the correct department.
Pay after your visit
Unlike many Western countries, you pay at checkout after your consultation. The bill shows the total cost and the NHIS-covered portion. Payment is by card or cash at the billing counter.
In an emergency: call 119
Dial 119 for ambulance services. Ambulances are free in Korea. If you need English interpretation during a medical emergency, call 1339 (24-hour medical helpline) or ask the 119 operator to connect you to an interpreter. Emergency rooms (eungeupshil) do not require a referral and are open 24/7 at all major hospitals. Bring your ARC and NHIS card if possible, but treatment will not be refused without them.
Dental care for foreigners
Dental care in Korea is high quality and more affordable than in most Western countries, even without insurance. However, NHIS coverage for dental work is limited. Here is what to expect.
| Procedure | NHIS Coverage | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Scaling (cleaning) | Covered (1x/year) | 15,000-20,000 KRW |
| Fillings | Partially covered (resin) | 50,000-150,000 KRW |
| Root canal | Partially covered | 200,000-400,000 KRW |
| Crowns | Not covered | 400,000-800,000 KRW |
| Implants | Not covered (under 65) | 800,000-1,500,000 KRW |
| Orthodontics | Not covered | 2,000,000-5,000,000 KRW |
Dental clinics are everywhere in Korea and walk-ins are common. For English-speaking dental care, look for clinics in Itaewon, Gangnam, or near international schools. Many dentists in Korea trained abroad and can communicate in English even at Korean-language clinics. Dental tourism is popular in Korea for good reason: even without insurance, costs are a fraction of US or European prices.
Advertisement
Google Ads (728x90)
Pharmacies (yakguk)
Pharmacies in Korea are called yakguk (약국) and are found on nearly every block. They are marked with green cross signs and are separate from clinics and hospitals. Here is how the system works.
Prescription medications
After visiting a doctor, you receive a prescription (cheobang jeon) that you take to any pharmacy. Korea uses a strict separation between prescribing (doctors) and dispensing (pharmacists). Most prescription medications are partially covered by NHIS, meaning you only pay the copay portion. Common prescriptions cost 3,000-10,000 KRW out of pocket.
Over-the-counter medications
Basic medications like pain relievers (Tylenol, ibuprofen), cold medicine, digestive aids, and allergy medication are available without a prescription. However, some medications that are OTC in other countries (like stronger antihistamines or certain cold medicines) require a prescription in Korea. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and can recommend treatments for minor ailments.
Tips for foreigners
- •Know the generic name of your medication, not just the brand name. Korean pharmacies may carry different brands.
- •Bring your original medication packaging or a photo of it when asking for refills or equivalents.
- •Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) sell very basic items like band-aids and some vitamins, but not actual medications.
- •24-hour pharmacies exist but are rare. Search Naver Maps for “24시 약국” near your area.
Health checkups
One of the best benefits of NHIS is free biennial health checkups (geongang geomjin) for all subscribers. Office workers under 40 receive a general checkup every two years, while those 40 and over receive an annual checkup that includes cancer screenings.
What the free checkup includes
To take your free checkup, log in to the NHIS website (nhis.or.kr) or visit any designated checkup hospital. You will receive a notification letter when you are eligible. Results are available online within 1-2 weeks.
Pro tip: Many expats also opt for comprehensive private checkups at hospitals like Severance, Samsung, or Asan Medical Center. These cost 300,000-1,000,000+ KRW depending on the package but include advanced screenings (CT, MRI, colonoscopy, endoscopy) that the free checkup does not cover. Korea is a popular destination for medical tourism checkups due to the combination of quality and affordability.
Advertisement
Google Ads (728x90)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need NHIS if I already have private international insurance?
Can I see a doctor without NHIS?
How do I find a doctor who speaks English near me?
What should I do if I need my regular medication from home?
Is ambulance service free in Korea?
Can I get therapy or counseling covered by NHIS?
Advertisement
Google Ads placement (728x90)