Living in Korea without health insurance can be stressful—especially if you’re not sure what to do when you get sick. Can you still see a doctor? Will it cost a fortune?
Don’t worry. Even without insurance, there are ways to get medical help. This guide explains how foreigners can access healthcare in Korea based on their visa type and situation.
Table of Contents :
- Understanding Korea’s Healthcare Landscape for Foreigners
- Public Health Centers (보건소): Affordable Help for Everyday Health Needs
- Free Clinics & NGO Services: Lifelines for the Uninsured
- Medical Support Programs for Foreign Workers and Vulnerable Groups
- Emergency Situations: What to Do Without Insurance
- Going to the Hospital Without Insurance: What to Expect & How to Prepare
- Foreigners and the National Health Insurance: When Should You Enroll?
- Useful Apps, Hotlines, and Online Resources for Medical Help
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Understanding Korea’s Healthcare Landscape for Foreigners
Korea’s healthcare system is high-quality and efficient, and it's centered around the NHIS. Most Koreans and long-term foreign residents are covered under this public insurance plan, which significantly reduces the cost of medical services. Without NHIS, however, you’ll be expected to pay 100% of the medical cost upfront.
Still, it’s worth noting that even full-price services at smaller clinics (called "의원") can be surprisingly affordable by Western standards. For example, a basic doctor consultation might cost around 10,000 to 30,000 KRW.
Larger hospitals and university medical centers will charge more, and those fees can add up fast. But don’t worry—we’ll show you where to find help that won’t break your budget.
Public Health Centers (보건소): Affordable Help for Everyday Health Needs
Local health centers are often overlooked, but they’re a fantastic resource. Located in every district, public health centers (보건소) offer low-cost services, including vaccinations, general check-ups, tuberculosis testing, and even some dental care. Many also offer women’s health services like pap smears or prenatal check-ups.
They typically operate during weekday business hours, and some services may be free, especially for preventive care. While English might not always be available, many staff members are used to helping foreigners and will do their best.
To use a 보건소:
Bring your passport or Alien Registration Card (ARC)
Be prepared to pay in cash (fees are minimal)
Arrive early to avoid long wait times
Free Clinics & NGO Services: Lifelines for the Uninsured
Several nonprofit organizations and volunteer-run clinics in Korea provide essential healthcare services at no cost. These services are especially important for those who are not eligible for NHIS or who may be undocumented.
Raphael Clinic in Seoul, for example, operates on Sundays and provides internal medicine, dental care, dermatology, and other basic services. It's run by volunteers and serves many foreign workers and immigrants.
Migrant Health Clinics, often operated in partnership with religious or community organizations, offer services in multiple languages, including Tagalog, Vietnamese, and English.
Some clinics focus on specific health needs:
Free and anonymous HIV/STI testing
Mental health counseling
Prenatal support for migrant women
Availability varies, so check online or call ahead. These places can be lifesavers—literally.
Medical Support Programs for Foreign Workers and Vulnerable Groups
In an effort to support social inclusion, several Korean cities have launched healthcare assistance programs specifically for low-income or uninsured foreigners.
These programs are not available to tourists or short-term visitors. Instead, they are targeted at individuals who meet specific criteria:
Must be a foreign worker, marriage migrant, or refugee
Must have low income or no access to NHIS
Under Korea’s public health policy (as of 2025), support is available for foreign workers, undocumented migrants, marriage migrants, and refugees. The program provides coverage of 90% of hospitalization costs and 80% of meal expenses during inpatient care. Applicants can also receive support for one pre-hospital consultation and two follow-ups after discharge. The annual support limit is up to 6 million KRW, with a cap of 3 million KRW per case.
To apply, you usually need to:
Visit a local office in person with required documents
Submit a passport or ARC, proof of employment, and proof of no NHIS registration
Receive eligibility screening and follow-up support
Emergency Situations: What to Do Without Insurance
Medical emergencies are stressful for anyone—but especially if you’re uninsured. Here’s what you need to know:
Dial 119 for emergency ambulance service. It’s free and provides access to interpreter services.
You will still be billed by the hospital afterward, but you won't be denied treatment.
Major hospitals are required to provide emergency care regardless of insurance status.
If you have time before heading to the ER, try to bring someone who speaks Korean or call Korea’s 1339 Health Hotline for English help.
Going to the Hospital Without Insurance: What to Expect & How to Prepare
If you need to visit a hospital without insurance, go prepared. Here are some tips:
Choose the right hospital: Big hospitals have more English-speaking staff, but small clinics are cheaper.
Bring ID and cash: Payment is often required upfront.
Ask for cost estimates: Don’t be afraid to ask for prices before treatment.
Use translation apps: Google Translate can help bridge the gap in communication.
You’re not the first person to face this situation—and you won’t be the last. Stay calm and advocate for yourself.
Foreigners and the National Health Insurance: When Should You Enroll?
If you’re planning to stay in Korea for more than six months, you’ll likely be required to join the NHIS. This applies to many visa types including students (D-2), marriage migrants (F-6), and foreign workers (E-9).
Monthly premiums usually range from 110,000 to 130,000 KRW, depending on your income. Once enrolled, about 70% of most medical costs are covered.
Even if you’re not yet required to join, voluntarily enrolling in NHIS could save you money in the long run.
Useful Apps, Hotlines, and Online Resources for Medical Help
Hi Korea: Official portal for foreign residents
📞1339 Health Hotline (run by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency): 24/7 medical assistance in English and other languages (www.kdca.go.kr)
Seoul Global Center: Offers free consultations and hospital referrals
Emergency Ready App: Korean government’s app for emergencies with multilingual support
These resources can guide you toward the right help—even in urgent situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I visit a clinic or hospital without Korean health insurance?
Yes. Most clinics and hospitals will treat uninsured patients, and you’ll need to pay the full cost at the time of service. However, if you qualify for one of the government medical support programs mentioned earlier, you may be eligible for significant cost reductions.
Q: How much does a basic doctor’s visit cost without insurance?
At a small clinic, a general consultation usually costs between 10,000 and 30,000 KRW. Tests and treatments will add to the cost.
Q: What should I do in a medical emergency if I’m not insured?
Call 119. Ambulance service is free and includes interpreter support. Hospitals will provide emergency care regardless of insurance status, but you’ll be billed afterward.
Q: Are there government medical support programs for all foreigners?
No. These programs are available only to specific groups like foreign workers, marriage migrants, refugees, and their families—not tourists or short-term visitors.
Q: I’m undocumented. Can I still get help?
Yes. Some NGO clinics offer free care regardless of visa status. Services may include general medicine, dental care, or mental health support.
Q: What documents are required to apply for a medical support program?
Usually: passport or ARC, employment certificate, and confirmation that you’re not registered with NHIS. Requirements may vary by region.
Q: How can I find an English-speaking doctor in Korea?
Check international clinics in major hospitals or consult the Seoul Global Center. You can also ask embassies or local expat communities for referrals.
Getting sick while abroad can feel especially isolating—I've been there myself when I lived alone in Japan. No matter how independent you are, it’s hard when there’s no one around to take care of you.
If you’re living alone in Korea, don’t hesitate to use the healthcare system that’s here to help. It’s okay to ask for support. Take care of your health, and don’t hesitate to get help if you need it.
