How to use Korean hospitals and pharmacies for foreigners: health insurance, medical treatment, prescription

It's never been so overwhelming as when you're sick in a strange country. Fortunately, South Korea has good access to medical care and many medical doctors. It is safe for foreigners to knowHow to use hospitals and pharmacies and health insuranceWe'll kindly organize it for you.

Where should I go if I'm sick?

If it's a light cold · body language, it's a neighborhoodclinicYou just need to find the first. Internal medicine, otolaryngology, orthopedics, etc.DepartmentIt says on this sign. If you need more scrutiny or hospitalization,HospitalGo to. For night, holidays, or emergencies,Accident & emergency corridorsUse.

Do you offer health insurance or foreigners?

Yes. In KoreaStaying for more than 6 monthsThe foreigner who joins the workplace (company)Joined National Health Insurance as a local subscriberThe principle is that if you have insurance, the insurance will cover a large part of your medical expenses.It greatly reduces your own burden.You will be billed monthly, and the detailed purchase and insuranceNational Health Insurance Service (NHIS)See instructions.

Hospital treatment, this is how it works.

If you go to the hospital ①Reception(ID card, alien registration card, complete personal information at the first visit) → ②Medical Exam(Describe symptoms, use translation apps) → ③Housing «(Payment of medical expenses) → ④ If necessaryPrescriptionReceive. If you have health insurance, you'll have much less money in your pocket.

Drug scams at pharmacies

If you received a prescriptionPharmacySubmit to and get your prescription. Pharmacies are usually located near hospitals. Cold medicines, digestive drugs, painkillers, etc.Prescription medicine (over-the-counter drug)can be bought without a prescription. However, there are not many 24-hour pharmacies, so it is recommended to check the pharmacies that are open at night and on holidays in advance.

119 in an emergency

If your life is in danger or you have a major accident, don't hesitate.119 (Ambulance and Fire)Call. If you need an interpreter, call1339 (EMS consultation)You can use the instructions to get help from a foreigner. Emergency rooms may cost more, but safety comes first in an emergency.

Tips to know

Foreign medical treatment is available.International Medical CenterThere are large hospitals with, and there are clinics with English, Chinese, etc. Use the App to book appointments and find a hospital to reduce airflow. UsuallyPassport, alien registration card and health insurance informationKeep a handy packet of if you're in a hurry.

It's best not to get sick, but knowing this in advance can help you stay calm in an emergency. I hope you have a healthy Korean life!