How the Pharmacy System Works
In Korea, doctors and pharmacies are separated by law. Doctors diagnose and prescribe; pharmacies dispense medication.
- Visit a doctor and receive a prescription (처방전)
- Take the prescription to any pharmacy (약국)
- Pay the pharmacy fee (usually 1,000–5,000 KRW with insurance)
Over-the-counter medicine (pain relievers, cold medicine, digestive aids) can be bought directly at pharmacies without a prescription. Some basic medicines are also sold at convenience stores.
Using National Health Insurance
If you are enrolled in National Health Insurance (NHI), you pay only a portion of the medical cost:
- Clinic visit: typically 30% of total cost
- Hospital (inpatient): typically 20% of total cost
- Prescription drugs: around 30% of total cost
Your insurance card is your alien registration card. Show it at the reception desk before seeing the doctor.
Private Insurance Claims
If you have private health insurance (from your home country or purchased in Korea), keep these documents for reimbursement:
- Medical certificate (진단서) — Request from your doctor
- Detailed receipt (진료비 세부내역서)
- Prescription copy (처방전 사본)
- Payment receipts
Free Health Checkups
NHI subscribers are eligible for free general health checkups (건강검진) every two years. You will receive a notice by mail. The checkup includes blood tests, chest X-ray, blood pressure, vision, hearing, and other basic screenings.
Check eligibility and find a designated hospital at: nhis.or.kr or call 1577-1000.
Dental and Vision Care
Dental care is partially covered by NHI (scaling once per year is free, basic treatments are partially covered). Vision exams and glasses are generally not covered. Private insurance may cover these.
Mental Health Support
Mental health counseling is available in English at several organizations:
- Seoul Global Center counseling: 82-2-2075-4180
- Mental Health Crisis Line: 1577-0199
- Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1393
Insurance coverage details and copay rates may change. Check nhis.or.kr for current information.