💊 Living in Korea — A Foreigner’s Guide to Korean Health Insurance & Hospitals
💊 Living in Korea — A Foreigner’s Guide to Korean Health Insurance & Hospitals
Learn how to register for Korean health insurance (NHIS), find nearby hospitals on Naver, and understand key differences from U.S. or European systems.
For foreigners living in Korea, understanding the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) is essential. Korea’s medical system is praised for speed, affordability, and accessibility—yet first-time users can feel lost. This guide explains how to register, what’s covered, and practical ways to find the right clinic quickly.
🎯 Learning Goal
- Understand how NHIS works and who is eligible.
- Find clinics/hospitals fast with Naver (hours, ratings, phone).
- Compare the pros/cons of Korean healthcare with U.S./Europe systems.
📑 Table of Contents
Click to expand
🏥 What is NHIS and Who Can Join?
The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) covers nearly all residents, including foreigners staying over 6 months. Employees are auto-enrolled; students/freelancers apply as local subscribers.
- Website: NHIS English Page
- Monthly Fee (typical): ₩130,000–₩150,000 (USD ≈95–110)
- Coverage: ~70–80% of most clinic/hospital costs
- Docs: ARC, passport, address proof, bank account
국민건강보험은 6개월 이상 체류하는 외국인이 대상입니다. 직장가입자는 자동 등록, 학생·자영업자는 지역가입으로 신청합니다.
🩺 Visiting a Hospital or Clinic (Step by Step)
- Search your symptom + “병원” (hospital/clinic) on Naver (see next section).
- Call or book (some clinics accept walk-ins; large hospitals may require appointments).
- Bring ARC + NHIS card (or number), and payment card/cash.
- At reception, say your main symptom; you’ll get a short form to fill.
- Doctor visit (usually quick); then pharmacy for medication.
한국은 가정의 의뢰(처방전) 없이도 병·의원을 바로 방문할 수 있습니다. 접수 → 진료 → 처방전 → 약국 순서가 일반적입니다.
🧭 Find Hospitals Easily on Naver
Naver Search/Maps shows nearby hospitals with hours, ratings, reviews, phone, and navigation.
Type queries like: 강남 병원 (Gangnam hospital), 영문 진료 병원 (English-friendly hospital), 이비인후과 (ENT), 응급실 (ER).
- Hours (영업시간): Check lunch breaks and Saturday schedules.
- Ratings/Reviews (평점/리뷰): Useful for picking a clinic.
- Call Button (전화): Ask about English service and NHIS coverage.
- Map/Route: Use Naver Map or KakaoMap for live transit/walking routes.
Tip: Search on mobile Naver app to see live “Open now (영업중)” filters.
네이버에서 “병원 + 지역명”을 검색하면 근처 병원 위치, 운영시간, 평점, 후기, 전화번호를 한눈에 볼 수 있어 매우 편리합니다.
📚 Medical Departments Glossary
| 한국어 | RR (Revised Romanization) | English |
|---|---|---|
| 내과 | naegwa | Internal Medicine |
| 외과 | oegwa | General Surgery |
| 소아과 | soagwa | Pediatrics |
| 이비인후과 | ibiinhugwa | ENT (Otolaryngology) |
| 안과 | angwa | Ophthalmology |
| 산부인과 | sanbuingwa | Obstetrics & Gynecology |
| 피부과 | pibugwa | Dermatology |
| 정형외과 | jeonghyeong oegwa | Orthopedics |
| 정신건강의학과 | jeongsin geongang uihakgwa | Psychiatry |
| 가정의학과 | gajeong uihakgwa | Family Medicine |
| 치과 | chigwa | Dentistry |
| 신경과 | singyeonggwa | Neurology |
| 신경외과 | singyeong oegwa | Neurosurgery |
| 재활의학과 | jaehwal uihakgwa | Rehabilitation Medicine |
| 비뇨의학과 | binyo uihakgwa | Urology |
| 응급의학과 | eungeub uihakgwa | Emergency Medicine |
| 마취통증의학과 | machwi tongjeung uihakgwa | Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine |
| 감염내과 | gamyeom naegwa | Infectious Diseases |
Note: Hospital department names may vary slightly; university hospitals often use the English names above.
🌍 How Korea’s Healthcare Compares to the U.S. & Europe
| Aspect | Korea | U.S. | Europe |
|---|---|---|---|
| System Type | National single-payer (NHIS) | Private insurance dominant | Universal public systems |
| Consultation Cost | ₩10k–₩15k (≈$10) | $100–$250 | €20–€40 (subsidized) |
| Waiting Time | Same-day common | 1–3 weeks | 1–2 weeks |
| Prescription Access | Fast at local pharmacies | MD only, often delayed | Strict controls |
| English Availability | Growing (cities) | Native-level | Moderate |
| Drawbacks | Short consultation time; limited English in some clinics | High cost; complex insurance | Wait for specialists |
한국 의료는 빠르고 저렴하지만, 상담 시간이 짧고 영어 서비스가 제한적일 수 있다는 점을 기억하세요.
💬 Useful Phrases for Medical Visits
- 어디가 아프세요? — Where does it hurt?
- 열이 있어요. — I have a fever.
- 약은 하루에 몇 번 먹어요? — How many times a day should I take the medicine?
- 보험 적용이 되나요? — Is this covered by insurance?
💡 Did You Know?
Foreign Residents Using NHIS Have Risen Steadily
Foreign enrollment in NHIS has grown significantly since 2021, reflecting confidence in affordability and access to clinics. Many residents cite same-day access and clear pricing as key benefits.
외국인 건강보험 가입은 최근 몇년간 증가 추세입니다. 당일 진료 접근성과 비교적 명확한 비용이 장점으로 꼽힙니다.
